fm2176

Not taken as an insult at all. As for a safe, I had one...the keypad broke while in storage and it took 15 minutes tops to break into it with a hammer and wrecker bar. I paid $1000 or so in 2000 and got beer money for scrapping it last year. I plan to secure my firearms against burglars and thieves, and am thinking that putting a steel core entry door on the closet, coupled with some reinforced (possibly steel or concrete) walls is the way to go. I plan to buy another fire resistant safe for documents and particularly valuable firearms.

I don't currently have a gun safe and plan to reinforce one of my walk in closets and turn it into a gun/safe room. Once I do I'll likely keep a few firearms in a ready status in there as well as at various locations around the house. I'm thinking Burt Gummer's wall in Tremors, albeit a bit less cool. 😀 I might head up to Quantico for an optic and picatinny rail adapters today. I also need to go out to the garage and dig out the old foot locker with my SureFire weapons lights and Safariland mag pouches. I should have a dozen or so mags out there as well, but won't be getting more ammo until the move. Despite being a big fan of iron sights, that long rail on top of the AR-556 MPR needs something to dress it up, and eventually I may look into a visible laser of some sort as well. Who knows, if they're available on the commercial market maybe even an IR laser and a set of PVS-14 equivalent night vision. The latter would be great for night hunting coyotes and boar.

For hand tools, I think it's really up to the needs of the user. When I was a mechanic I knew exactly where each wrench or socket was and could grab the right size by just looking at the fastener. I want to get back to that level of organization, when if a coworker needed to borrow a tool I could simply say, "top box, center drawer" as opposed to me searching for minutes to find that elusive 10mm or even a spotted screwdriver (I had to use a CRKT Guppie to install sights this morning as I couldn't find one of the dozens of 1/4" spotted drivers I own).

Here's a couple of questions. Do you carry or keep pistols with rounds chambered? Also, what kind of safeties do you prefer on a handgun? For me, the answer to the first question depends on the firearm being carried and the environment I'm in. If I'm out I'll have a round chambered in my primary, though that's often a moot point since I like the little Taurus revolver so much. If I'm carrying a mouse gun as a backup in my pocket, I generally only chamber a round when I'm out of the vehicle. I like carrying a gun on both my strong and weak side, not in hopes of ever using them, but just in case. My neighbor's pit bull type dog bit my arm years ago when I first moved to Georgia and if he wouldn't have let go, I had the Kel-Tec P32 ready on my free side. As for safeties, I generally only use them if carrying an M1911. My Para-Ordnance is the exception, as it is double action. The Beretta's another exception, as I've trained enough with them that utilizing the decocker/safety is second nature. Otherwise, I like revolvers (no safety), mouse guns (the Tomcat has a safety and is technically able to be carried cocked with the safety on, but I carry it safety off and hammer down), and full sized pistols (as a lefty, I've gotten pretty decent at manipulating non-ambidextrous controls but still prefer safety off). Speaking of safeties, are there any preferences for magazine safeties or lack thereof? My two most recent handgun purchases are both Rugers, but the LCP Max can fire without a mag in it (this is prominently stamped into the side of the pistol) while the EC9s packs a mag safety. I'm not too particular, but I have heard stories of people, especially cops, losing control of their service weapon and dropping the magazine to avoid getting shot with their own weapon. I put the sights on the AR-556 this morning, and have to admit, I like having an AR again. Over twenty years of training and qualifying with, carrying in war zones, etc. the M16A2, M16A4, M4, and M4A1 makes it probably one of the better choices for a retiring Soldier or Marine. Not a knock against Sailors or Airmen, but most get nowhere near the trigger time we do with the Stoner designed weapons system. I do miss my MAK-90, though, and another Kalashnikov may be on the short list to purchase. Or another FAL. Damned firearms addiction...I guess DeWalt and Milwaukee aren't getting my money for the foreseeable future. 🇺🇸

I have a wood tube radio in the garage. Back when it was made (1940s?) people would repair them if a tube blew it there was another issue. Of course, Radio Shack was successful because it was a one stop shop for electronics repair parts, before it became a glorified phone store and eventually went defunct. I would go there for record player needles in the '90s. Modern junk is just that: junk. That nice new iPhone 13 Pro will be yesterday's news next year, obsolete within a few years, and in the dump before the end of the decade. That's if you don't break it or lose it within a few months. Sure, there's an entire market for cell phone repair, but at the end of the day, who doesn't want to have the latest and greatest? I see the same thing with friends and family. They might have a perfectly good 55" TV, but if they get a little money, they'll go buy an 80" curved screen TV. Tools are a bit different, but power tools made today don't see to be designed to last for a lifetime of use. I think that the mentality started changing around when plastic became the material of choice for nearly everything.

Sad but true. I've heard of multiple cases where a justified shooting, even inside one's home, results in a lawsuit by the criminal/"victim". This is one reason some gun advocates warn against shooting to wound; the burglar or home invader has the chance to go after you in court. Of course, you're open to a suit filed by family regardless. When my house was burglarized, I not only lost most of my air and power tools but also my compressor, generator, chainsaw, TV, and much more. When I arrived home after dark I was unarmed and noted that my .357 and a few other guns were missing. Needless to say, I felt more vulnerable than I ever have, to include the projects of Richmond and my time in Iraq and Afghanistan. I quickly grabbed a shotgun from the safe and put on my issued body armor but decided never again would I leave the house without something in the vehicle or on my person with the exception of going to work, as military installations still strictly control how privately owned firearms are to be transported. On the bright side, the theft of my pneumatic and corded tools prompted me to go cordless

That's true of nearly any long-running magazine. While American Survival Guide went under years ago and the newer publication wasn't related, most magazines I read in the '80s are vastly different and full of ads.

I definitely agree, and have witnessed first hand the mentality of many lower income families. I have a number of examples, but as a Recruiter I once visited a family who had a nice Cadillac in the driveway and a big screen TV inside, though they lived in a run down house in a particularly bad part of town. The service centers of yore are mostly gone now. Back in the '90s my boss would take his UniVolt and other B&D tools to the local one for repairs or maintenance. Nowadays we simply throw the thing away and go to the local big box for a new one. As an aside, a friend retrieved a DeWalt DCF887 brushless impact from a dumpster at the house next to his (currently being renovated). It works fine, so I think one of the workers probably had a minor issue with it, or perhaps overload protection kicked in), and tossed it instead of trying to figure out the issue.

Given the increasingly global based economy and the tendency for consumers to buy stuff that provides the most "value", I don't see these less expensive or niche brands losing ground to a European tool confederacy, at least here in North America. Like most other things these days, cordless tools (with very few exceptions) are designed and manufactured to be disposable. The quality tools we used to have were relatively easy to repair and maintain; brushes and cords were usually the main culprit if a tool went down. A lot of us can get by with a brand like Ryobi, or even Work. My Milwaukee and DeWalt tools see the most use at the flipper house, while the Ryobi batteries are always in use around my home. Given the two major conglomerates over here (SBD and TTI), I'd like to see them release cross-platform adapters or a common battery, but they won't. TTI, for example, wouldn't want Milwaukee owners to have the option of using much cheaper Ryobi batteries.

I usually do, albeit without a chambered round if carrying a semiautomatic, just in case I leave it downstairs. If something isn't on my person it's within a few feet of me. My son gets home from work late at night and the front door doesn't close smoothly. I don't know how many times I've gone downstairs to find the door unlocked if not cracked open. While I live in a low crime neighborhood I like having the deadbolts locked at all times, whether I'm awake, carrying, not carrying, or sleeping.

I'm glad I started early. By the time I'm officially retired my youngest will be 12 and my oldest 24. I plan to start another job while on leave but we'll see. Gotta support the tool addiction somehow!

For close quarters battle (CQB) we aim over the barrel. Some optics have built in CQB sights. It's been awhile since I was on the line, but most Soldiers are issued the M68 Close Combat Optic (CCO - AimPoint Comp M4), with the ACOG usually reserved for leaders.

Sounds like a pretty decent deal. I'm not in the Craftsman platform, but the only non-FlexVolt DeWalt 6Ah battery I own was from a Lowe's deal: buy a tool, get the battery for free. In other news, I spent a little buying tools of my soon-to-be former profession today. About to sneak downstairs and plot on the AR-556 soon. I like iron sights but used the ACOG a lot; never was a good shot with the AimPoint (M68). Good optics will almost double the price of the rifle, but will be worth it on the range and in the backyard.

Portable storage? Yes, color coding would be nice, but instead I have an assortment of DeWalt, Craftsman, Ridgid, and Milwaukee modular boxes. As for tools, I'm not a fan of colorized hand tools. They remind me of something from Harbor Freight.

I plan to do a combination. Larger metal toolbox for my mechanic's tools, so I no longer have to search for twenty minutes for a wrench to do a one minute job. Organize the various modular boxes I have now for various job types. Set up a tool wall in the shop for the tools I use most around the house.

I think the above video offers decent advice, but I may eventually get around to sharing a couple of select photos. With the AR, I now have a moderately modern three gun combo (AR-556, Mossberg 590, and a variety of pistols) along with a Cowboy Action setup (Winchester 94, Stoeger coach gun, and Ruger Vaquero). Now I think I need to complete the classic police package. My much lamented Model 19 complemented the Winchester 1200 riot gun rather well, and I found a Combat Masterpiece for sale earlier today, along with a Colt King Cobra. Oh, and thinking like this is what's going to find me searching for a Webley revolver for the No.4 Mk1*, a Model 1917 revolver for the Enfield M1917, a P38 for the Mausers, and so on. Eventually, I may find myself looking for a transferable M60 and M16A1 to go with the 1911. 🤣

Well, I think I'm almost set for retirement now. Rugers were 10% off if purchased with the Military Star care, so I picked up a couple. First was an EC9s, a neat little single stack 9mm with a manual safety (which I won't use most of the time) and a 7 round capacity. It's basically an alternative to the LCP Max for those who prefer 9mm to .380 ACP. Those interested should check out this comparison with the LCP Max. When I left this morning I planned to pick up another 9mm Glock, either the 26 or 45. Then I thought about the G20 they had in stock a few weeks ago and, since I've never owned a 10mm, I thought I'd check it out. It was gone, and the 10mm G29 they had didn't appeal to me due to the lack of a full grip or magazine finger rest. Though I wanted two handguns, I decided to look at long arms instead. I ended up picking up an AR-556, which officially brings my semi-auto rifle collection to two. While there I bought two spare mags for each firearm, and later I picked up a little ammo along with an LCP Max mag. Also Magpul MBus backup sights for the rifle, as it didn't come with any and I think I'll do a bit of research before deciding on an optic. Time to sneak the rifle in, set it up, and battle zero the sights. Besides the three mags I got today, I probably have close to a hundred in storage, so when I move south it's time to order some ammo and find a good range!

It sure does look like it. SBD wants the DeWalt/Milwaukee rivalry to continue, with Craftsman trying to take to reigns from Ryobi as that less expensive brand with the niche products. I wonder if they (SBD) have a Ridgid competitor in mind, though that brand (which I own more than a few tools in) seems to be almost an afterthought with the LSA being the biggest selling point.

True, I treat these and their USB only counterparts primarily as portable chargers. Makes more sense than buying a USB power bank if you already have the power tool batteries.

Something like this has its uses. I have the Ryobi inverter and like the fact I can charge a laptop on the go, or power something small. These are also good for keeping devices at a healthy battery life if on a long trip on public transportation or chartered buses.

Pulled the trigger on a...okay, maybe not. I went to the local military installation today in hopes of coming home with a G26 (or maybe an AR15), only to find their gun counter is closed on Mondays. I'm fairly certain I saw the G26 Gen 5 price set at $555 at the installation I'm assigned to, but priced at well below $500 where I went today. I'm still tempted by the G45 but realize that I should have really done more research before buying the G17. I honestly like the size of the 17, probably due to my carrying of full sized pistols like the Beretta since I was 18. Then again, if for some reason they have a S&W Model 19, I might have to pay an AR15 price for the revolver. I need to take the time to stop into the police supply stores I used to frequent. Surplus service revolvers are much rarer now than they used to be, but perfectly serviceable Glocks, SIGs, S&Ws, and other service pistols can be found for cheap, as can shotguns and maybe even the odd AR15 (but of course, not the military surplus M4s some departments receive). Unbeknownst to me, my sister's property has plenty of space to do some short range shooting. We went there for Easter and, despite being next to a major interstate, the property stretches back to a river with a nice embankment on the other side that makes for a great backstop. I had the Ruger LCP Max (still haven't ordered a spare mag) and the Taurus on me, so I decided to let the kids do a bit of shooting after an impromptu gun safety and handling session. Of course, no one was going to cross the river to place a target, so I designated a fallen tree near the waterline and let them shoot. I allocated four rounds per, with the exception of my 13-year-old daughter who was going to get two rounds. My sister's sons (16 and 20) took their turns, then my son and his girlfriend (both 21). All handled the little revolver well, especially the teenagers, considering they were first-time shooters. Next time, I'll bring a few boxes of ammo and more guns, and maybe even cross the river to emplace a proper target. Regardless my son is setting up a proper range day for me to teach a little more and do some shooting of various long and hand guns.

Worx is one of those brands that make both practical and gimmicky tools. For an idea of how much so, check out ToolGuyd's posts about them. Even if made by a better known brand, I'd probably pass on something like this. Then again, I have so many drills that my plan is to simply chuck up as many as needed before starting a project, and will probably designate certain drills for my most used bit sizes. 12v Max and M12 will get the smaller stuff, while the Octane, M18 Fuel, and DCD996 hammer drills will get the bigger bits and hole saws.

One more thought... Are we, as modern cordless tool users, spoiled or overestimating our needs, or has tool technology kept up the pace with battery technology? To elaborate, many DIY'ers and some pros get by with the basic combo kits. These are usually either a drill and impact driver with basic charger and 2 compact batteries or a 4-5 piece combo that might include one or two saws, a grinder, or a light along with a higher capacity battery. As batteries have gotten larger and more capable, tools we never thought we'd see without a cord have been released, some of which have the same runtime with a 12Ah battery that a drill does with a 2Ah one. I got a lot of use our of my PC 18v stuff, working at a remote location and only able to charge my 5 batteries in the motel at night. All 5 of those combined produced 6.5Ah. Now, when I go to work on a powerless jobsite I have 2-3 compact batteries and at least as many 5Ah or higher, often carrying 20-30Ah worth of batteries and rarely exhausting them all. I guess what I'm saying is that our needs are dictated by our usage. As Altan stated above, a dual port charger and 3 batteries would be a good start, but even a basic charger and 2 batteries would work for most. I think the key is to avoid having a single battery unless you're Harry Homeowner who only needs to hand a picture or fix a chair for his wife once or twice a year.

I think Makita will continue diversifying their product line. More and more Westerners (and the world in general) like going cordless. Most of us use cell phones daily, and a lot of us use tablets or laptops for their portability and lack of cords when charged. We use Bluetooth headsets, cordless mice and keyboards, wireless internet, and even wireless phone chargers (which, though they still require a cord relieves us of the need to plug in a phone or other device). Makita's lineup has probably enticed some people who would never pick up a power tool. A well funded outdoorsman or someone else wanting off-the-grid comfort items might buy that TV or coffee maker. Makita wins, because those items need more and larger batteries if they are to last for a few days. Makita also wins because if that person ever buys cordless power tools, they'll likely make those sales. As an example, I own the DeWalt power station, and if I can ever afford them I'd gladly buy 4-8 15Ah batteries to keep it running far longer than my 6Ah and single 9Ah battery can. If I bought those batteries and had a choice between the next big FlexVolt tool and its new M18 counterpart, I'd easily go with DeWalt due to the batteries, even if Milwaukee's offering outperformed it. The M12 batteries might work and would offer longer runtimes and more power, but for something like this 8v Max would be the ideal size. I'm not sure of the voltage, but cordless trimmers I've owned have been hit or miss. A cheap one held up to Ni-Cad's reputation of not holding an adequate charge, while my Manscaped trimmer seems pretty decent but has already had to be replaced due to not charging. I own a few clippers, all corded, and am inconvenienced by the cord as well. While I've never had the skills some Soldiers develop to cut their own hair to an acceptable military fade, I did occasionally "purge" my hair by simply shaving it all off, even keeping that as my regular haircut for extended periods. It was always nice growing my hair out before suddenly coming in bald to the disbelief of coworkers.

I have the similar but not identical DeWalt. I haven't used it for a while, but IIRC the USB ports stopped working.