Posted by Sheila Knott on Wed, Feb 24, 2010 @ 03:04 PM
Wouldn't It Be Great to Have a Tips & Tricks Resource for Everything?
By: Steve O'Dea - Pacer Solutions Expert
During my weekend warrior battles with either that over grown invasive vine that has overtaken my fence or with that door in the garage that never closes properly I am often in the position to "figure it out" myself. Typically this is not a problem and the jobs I tackle are well within my limited expertise and require more grunt than grey matter. I will however, without fail, find the most inefficient ways to complete the job. This may mean making a few extra trips to the hardware store or several trips back and forth to the tool bench or my work shed. I am constantly reminded be either my own actions or my wife, that my efficiency is not the best. I will complete the job, but in the time it takes me I could have completed two.
I would probably not only get more completed both in volume and in degree of difficulty if I had a "Tips & Tricks" resource close at hand. I might be able to have the proper tools for the job readily available before I start the project. This would save me untold trips to the hardware store and take much of the guess work out. Look, I watch the DIY network and HGTV a lot around the house and many times those shows give me the inspiration and ideas for the next project. The tips they give are usually pretty good, but their 30 minute program cannot do justice the amount of time I need to complete such a project. The internet is filled with ideas, lessons and instruction on how to do just about everything. Most of the time, when I am knee deep into a "way over my head" project, I cannot just go search the internet. Google would come back with "call a professional" as my search results.
I know most of you are not like me but rather have the experience, smarts and skills to get the job done right the first time. We could really use your help. I don't mean for you to come over and fix that horrible noise my disposal makes, although if you are free...What we really need your help for is to submit tips and tricks you have learned that we might pass along to others who (like me) seem to find the most difficult and inefficient way to complete that item off their "honey do" list. Submit any ideas to sknott@pacergroup.net. If we use your ideas in our "Tips & Tricks" page we will give you a FREE Klein Crimp Tool with your next Pacer purchase! People need help and a resource (well at least I do) and hopefully Pacer Group's Tips & Tricks page can be another resource to aid in an unfamiliar project.
Posted by Sheila Knott on Thu, Nov 05, 2009 @ 01:03 PM
There are reasons for clichés; it is because most of them are true. "Use the right tool for the right job" is a perfect example. Houses are not built with just a hammer and a hand saw anymore. They have pneumatic nail guns, power saws, lithium ion battery powered drills and more for construction of our homes and businesses. So when we work on our own weekend warrior projects and honey-do lists we try to select the tool that makes us the most efficient. Why not use the same tools the pros use? Besides if you are reading this, I bet you love a new tool especially the ones that work very well.
All electrical service and repair people use cable ties, and even most of us weekend warriors do too. Cable ties have so many uses that every toolbox should have a supply of several different sizes. The black cable ties do cost more money than the white or natural colors and that is due to the UV inhibitors in the nylon. There are many sources to purchase cable ties, but know that the quality and durability are not always created equally. There are also cable ties with mounting rings and BarbTy® cable ties. Many projects are not as critical to use high end cable ties but for the ones that are, it is in your best interest to use the best you can find. To really finish off any work that involves cable ties in a professional way, use a Panduit Cable Tie Cutter - It's Pacer's Monthly Special!. These are ergonomically designed to easily fit in your hand. There is a selector knob for tensioning and flush cutting mini, intermediate or standard sized cable ties. The predetermined tension is reached and the excess end is flush cut in one quick squeeze of the hand. The flush cut prevents sharp edges which even the nylon ties always seem to find a fresh piece of skin to scratch; at least at my house. The stainless steel ties are downright dangerous. Once these are finished off you have the piece of mind to know these are safe, durable and professional.
Our engineering department uses these when finishing off the pigtails that come out of the back of a switch panel, or on harnesses. Our OEM customers comment on how neat, organized and professional they are. This professional look has won us many jobs because our quality is evident right away. Why not use this to your advantage in your work too? Pacer is always looking to save money by saving time and the Cable Tie Cutters do that for us. Consider adding this tool to your arsenal the next time you purchase cable ties because it will help. It is the right tool for the right job, and maybe the other cliché that applies here is "a penny saved is a penny earned."