TOUGHGAFF?!

[rsmentele]

Found an interesting product while lurking online today:

Tough Gaff

I thought it was a nice idea. Better than tie line or a safety cable around the belt.

I have one on order to see how it stands up... I'll let everyone know, if your interested.

[gafftapegreenia]

That could be handy.

Just need one for e-tape now.

[avkid]

$30, really?

[gafftapegreenia]

$30, really?

Ah you found a price. Honestly, I was expecting more.

[porkchop]

I have no need to ever buy it, but they get 10 points for the ad they have one that page.

[techieman33]

I don't see something like that surviving long in load in/load out situations your going to forget it's there a couple of times and smash it on the sides of cases etc. and it will probably break. And since I can fit a roll of gaff over my hand and onto my wrist there isn't much of a need for it.

[Sayen]

I have no need to ever buy it, but they get 10 points for the ad they have one that page.

I'm tempted to buy it just to support the ad campaign.

[CrazyTechie]

I'm having mixed feelings over it. The only time I can see myself using it is on the day or two that I'm taping down all the cable runs at school. Otherwise I honestly don't know when I'd use it. Or I could just always carry around a roll of gaff, you never know when you'll need it.

[Footer]

Yes. Because the entertainment industry really needed one more thing to help distinguish "that guy" at every call. The only think that should be clipped to your belt is a radio and if your into it a small tool pouch... this thing is just looking for a reason to exist. Put on one of these and your will forever be the "gaff *****".

[shiben]

The only think that should be clipped to your belt is a radio and if your into it a small tool pouch...

This is incredibly situationally dependent and not really suited to be a hard and fast rule of anything. Gloves, multi-tools, additional radios, specialty tool pouches, etc all will add things on a belt that are needed but not on your idea of "appropriate". This gaff thing? Kind of a decent idea but probably not terribly useful. And they make one for ETape, to whoever was asking that. Get yourself an Electricians belt of pretty much any type, the chain with the T pin is specifically for Etape...

[KevinNRP]

That ad was hilarious. I wish they had one for 3" gaff tape, I would buy that.

[josh88]

That ad was hilarious. I wish they had one for 3" gaff tape, I would buy that.

a full 3 inch roll probably weighs enough that the spring gives and it drops it back out, at least it looks like its just a spring mechanism and not some kind of latch.

[rochem]

...And they make one for ETape, to whoever was asking that. Get yourself an Electricians belt of pretty much any type, the chain with the T pin is specifically for Etape...

That's what the antenna on your radio is for! Drop a few rolls of e-tape on the antenna and you're all set.

Yes. Because the entertainment industry really needed one more thing to help distinguish "that guy" at every call. The only think that should be clipped to your belt is a radio and if your into it a small tool pouch... this thing is just looking for a reason to exist. Put on one of these and your will forever be the "gaff *****".

Not to get too far off topic, but what should be on your belt varies wildly depending on where you are. I've worked calls where you need to have a pouch containing a c-wrench, strippers, dykes, 4-way screwdriver, utility blade, and gloves, at the minimum. Not in a tool bag offstage, but actually on your person at all times. Don't get caught pulling out a multi-tool ("a multi-purpose tool is a no-purpose tool"), and you'll be laughed at and sent packing if you try to hang an electric with a C-wrench instead of a ratchet. Then there are many other situations where a C-wrench is all you need, and having a multi-tool will make you "that guy". But I digress.

[Pie4Weebl]

I've worked calls where you need to have a pouch containing a c-wrench, strippers, dykes, 4-way screwdriver, utility blade, and gloves, at the minimum. Not in a tool bag offstage, but actually on your person at all times.

Sounds like you're working for people who take themselves waaaaay too seriously.

If you're going to use it once or twice in a call, its not worth carrying on your person IMO.

[fx120]

Yes. Because the entertainment industry really needed one more thing to help distinguish "that guy" at every call. The only think that should be clipped to your belt is a radio and if your into it a small tool pouch... this thing is just looking for a reason to exist. Put on one of these and your will forever be the "gaff *****".

In the TV/Film production world, it's hardly uncommon to see people walking around set with rolls of gaffers and other tapes on tie line clipped to their belt.

Hell when I am doing conventions or other events spread across a large area, I will carry around a roll of tape on my belt while running around and keeping a check on everything.

[rochem]

Sounds like you're working for people who take themselves waaaaay too seriously.

If you're going to use it once or twice in a call, its not worth carrying on your person IMO.

These instances were for broadway load-ins. The Production Electrician I worked for had a pet peeve about wasting time with multi-tools and getting tools from your bag. He always said something along the lines of "I'm paying you 75 cents a minute, you don't get to waste a minute getting your tools." At the Beaumont, needing to run back from FOH to get a pair of dykes can easily eat up 5-10 minutes of work time.

[derekleffew]

...The Production Electrician: "I'm paying you 75 cents a minute, you don't get to waste a minute getting your tools." ...

"Really? YOU'RE paying me? Like out of your pocket? Silly me--I thought the producer was paying me. So how much are YOU being paid that you can afford to pay ME? And since I'm guessing you're not losing money and actually making a profit because of my labor and expertise, I would think you'd want to treat me better. By the way, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Steward. Mr. Steward, actually. His first name is Union."

[Morydd]

Don't get caught pulling out a multi-tool ("a multi-purpose tool is a no-purpose tool"), and you'll be laughed at and sent packing if you try to hang an electric with a C-wrench instead of a ratchet. Then there are many other situations where a C-wrench is all you need, and having a multi-tool will make you "that guy". But I digress.

So, when you're hanging an electric and you need to switch from the yoke bolt to the pan bolt, do you switch sockets on your ratchet?

And I've never had anyone question my use of a multi-tool. It seems if the people you're working with are more concerned with which tool you're using than if it gets the job done properly, there's some issues going on.

I'd agree that on most theater calls having this on your belt would make you "that guy", but It could come in handy when you're laying dance floor.

[65535]

So, when you're hanging an electric and you need to switch from the yoke bolt to the pan bolt, do you switch sockets on your ratchet?

And I've never had anyone question my use of a multi-tool. It seems if the people you're working with are more concerned with which tool you're using than if it gets the job done properly, there's some issues going on.

I'd agree that on most theater calls having this on your belt would make you "that guy", but It could come in handy when you're laying dance floor.

That's about the time I turn over my Speed Wrench and have at it. Though in our space most instruments have a lock washer on the pan bolt and once properly tightened no wrench is required to focus once hung.

[rochem]

"Really? YOU'RE paying me? Like out of your pocket? Silly me--I thought the producer was paying me. So how much are YOU being paid that you can afford to pay ME? And since I'm guessing you're not losing money and actually making a profit because of my labor and expertise, I would think you'd want to treat me better. By the way, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Steward. Mr. Steward, actually. His first name is Union."

Always said with a smile, Derek. Let's all take a step back here. This isn't a case of department heads having a stick up their posterior, it's a case of using the correct tool for the job. Sure, you can sit in the scene shop all day and cut down 1x3 with the saw on your leatherman, but eventually the Shop Foreman is gonna have some words with you.

Is there actually anyone here who can say that a multi-tool is a better choice than a tool specialized for a specific purpose? If you have the world's best multi-tool and can cut the jacket off and strip different gauges of wire as quickly and accurately as the guy next to you with a stripper, then more power to you. But I've never seen a multi-tool that can do this. It's much faster to whip out your screwdriver instead of pulling out your multi-tool, unfolding it, and pulling out the screwdriver tool - which will also probably not fit into some places that a screwdriver will. I own and use my multi-tool all the time, as carrying around a tool pouch on your belt gets really old, really fast. But I'm more than willing to do it when the nature of the call requires it.

So, when you're hanging an electric and you need to switch from the yoke bolt to the pan bolt, do you switch sockets on your ratchet?

It's actually really interesting to see what these guys have come up with. One electrician I know superglued the correct socket for yoke bolts onto his ratchet, then cut off the end and actually welded it to the head of an 8" c-wrench on the other end. Works wonderfully. I've seen less savvy people who taped two wrenches together in the same fashion, while some other guys will have speed wrenches. And there's a number of people who just keep a c-wrench in their tool pouch and pull it out when needed. I keep meaning to weld a c-wrench and a ratchet back to back for myself one of these days, but I've just never gotten around to it.

[JCarroll]

How does a ratchet help you in a focus? Finger tighten the bolt, half turn with the wrench to tighten it down.

[techieman33]

SOG actually does make a really nice wire stripper you can put in their multi-tools. It's one thing if I know I'm going to be needing to use a tool several times during the day, in that case I'll carry the proper tool. On the other hand I'm usually more comfortable with just a multi-tool and radio on my belt than carrying half a tool box just in case a screw needs to be tightened or a wire stripped. I agree with not getting the ratchet thing it doesn't seem to save any time to me. What I can understand is saying you have to carry an ultimate focus tool, mega wrench, or one of the 50 other options out there so you aren't wasting time resizing your c-wrench all the time.

[shiben]

SOG actually does make a really nice wire stripper you can put in their multi-tools.

Funny thing, there is a reason for that. The tool is designed for and used by EOD teams, so it also has a very nice crimper and pliers and wire cutters.

And if someone wanted me to get a ratchet for hang/focus, and would not let me use an RUFT, I would probably be rather angry, and might contact the higher ups. What does the PME care if I use an RUFT or C-Wrench or anything else for that matter if I can do the job in a reasonable amount of time? Frankly, its not his business what kind of wrench works for me or anyone else for that matter.

And if re-sizing your C wrench is taking long enough that its slowing you down, the PME should have called another hand or added an extra hour to the call. It cant possibly waste more than a second or two unless apes are doing all the re-sizing in the balcony and then giving them to klepto lemurs to bring them back to you. If you have your budget down so tight that wasting 2 and a half cents per resize is a problem, you need to cut something else. Its not reasonable and the only thing they have going for them is a giant stick in the behind. At least in my opinion, but if a reasonable reasoning other than it wastes half a cent to less to flip a wrench or use a different tool to do one thing or the other, then I would be willing to listen.

[Clarkwg3]

I agree with not getting the ratchet thing it doesn't seem to save any time to me.

If your setting up a portable stage I'm sure there are a few common sized nuts N' bolts that need a half turn or more to be sufficiently tight.

[avkid]

I have ratcheting box wrenches especially for Bill Jax staging.
(the dumbest stage ever)

[techieman33]

If your setting up a portable stage I'm sure there are a few common sized nuts N' bolts that need a half turn or more to be sufficiently tight.

I completely agree there are times like bolting truss, setting up a portable stage, etc that a ratchet is very useful, but we were talking about hanging lights, where I really can't see a need for it other than someone saying you need it to sell you a new tool.

[len]

A. I doubt that would work on 4" wide. In general, I'm against tools that have one purpose. Just like most kitchen gadgets.

B. If the ratchet has the right socket, it can work wonders. I prefer a Gator Grip Main Page because it'll work on all the S4 bolts. gator grip, lightspeed wrench, putz wrench, wing nut wrench, mega handle mega combo wrench for the short handle and carry pouch. Or Craftsman sells a short handle ratchet. Short handle is easy to carry, and helps remind you not to overtighten. The downside is nowhere to attach a lanyard, but nothing's perfect.

[gafftapegreenia]

The only time I've ever really desired a ratchet when hanging lights is when someone in the past has over tightened the clamp bolt so bad that the treads have gotten buggered up and it can't be finger tightened. I know some people like ratchets for side hanging lights.

Toughgaff looks like a product the film people are going to appreciate a lot more than us on the "live" end, as I've seen many of those guys carry around several rolls at a time.

[bishopthomas]

Right now I have a multitool and flashlight on my belt and a knife in my pocket. Even that's too much. I only keep a c wrench on me during setup and load out. If someone talked to me like that I'd walk immediately.

[ship]

"Really? YOU'RE paying me? Like out of your pocket? Silly me--I thought the producer was paying me. So how much are YOU being paid that you can afford to pay ME? And since I'm guessing you're not losing money and actually making a profit because of my labor and expertise, I would think you'd want to treat me better. By the way, I'd like to introduce you to my friend Steward. Mr. Steward, actually. His first name is Union."

Derek, you have helped me a bunch in the past, time to do so with you in you correcting or seperate topic this part of the reply in your work to do. PM is my real reply and you can cut and post what you want for it but I believe overall, yes you are paying me' in working for that company paying you by way of your "professionalism" in why you are hired locally. "Out of your pockets" in revinues lost that don't reflect in higher pay for a raise perhaps for rochem and many others next year. Yes... every roll of gaff tape you at the venu seemingly could care less about returning to the owner does amount to less overall pay - this especially if they don't have a union contract and make their money on how useful they are individually.

Many and many details to pay and contracts.... believe you are wrong here. Sorry in being on-site in a debate type of thing.

[ship]

So, when you're hanging an electric and you need to switch from the yoke bolt to the pan bolt, do you switch sockets on your ratchet?

And I've never had anyone question my use of a multi-tool. It seems if the people you're working with are more concerned with which tool you're using than if it gets the job done properly, there's some issues going on.

I'd agree that on most theater calls having this on your belt would make you "that guy", but It could come in handy when you're laying dance floor.

Using a multi-tool for any hanging of a fixture would be as bad or more than the above joking "amature" like, gee you have a Leatherman ready type jokes from those so pro they don't other than need a hammer for a hammer project. I assume that the leatherman is not a tool used for focusing lights by way of what might be inferred without assumpting.

[shiben]

Using a multi-tool for any hanging of a fixture would be as bad or more than the above joking "amature" like, gee you have a Leatherman ready type jokes from those so pro they don't other than need a hammer for a hammer project. I assume that the leatherman is not a tool used for focusing lights by way of what might be inferred without assumpting.

Exactly right, but the reality is if given the choice between a ratchet, a c wrench, and a couple other options, people will fall all over the place. Making them use one is kind of a silly waste of anger.

[soundman]

Using a multi-tool for any hanging of a fixture would be as bad or more than the above joking "amature" like, gee you have a Leatherman ready type jokes from those so pro they don't other than need a hammer for a hammer project. I assume that the leatherman is not a tool used for focusing lights by way of what might be inferred without assumpting.

While not useful in hanging a fixture if you are in a lift focusing lights and you hear a connector arcing and it fails the rattle test using a multitool can be a quick way to open it up and address the issue without having to carry around an assortment of screw drivers. If you were building cable all day it wouldn't be acceptable to only use a multitool.

To feed the derail of labor cost and efficiency, on past shows Ive used a few lines to motivate the crew - Folks you are getting the minimum tonight, work with me and you'll be at the bar still on the clock for your first two rounds or you can fight me and we'll can spend three hours and fifty five minutes loading this show out. Or if we don't hurry up the audio guys are going to eat all the good food off my bus. Sure labor is expensive and overages suck but busting the balls of someone who doesn't have a tool box on there box will not win you any favors with the crew. IMO for concert touring any tools should be supplied by the production or need to be tool less. A stagehand with only hands can't freestyle and cut tape or snip zip ties that are supposed to live with the truss.

[Pie4Weebl]

A stagehand with only hands can't freestyle and cut tape or snip zip ties that are supposed to live with the truss.

THE CONNECTOR WAS TAPED TOGETHER WITH A LABEL THAT SAID "DO NOT BREAK" WHAT WERE YOU THINKING?


All the same, if your local crew, bring yer own c-wrench!

[shiben]

All the same, if your local crew, bring yer own c-wrench!

I always thought this was a minimum standard of courtesy, show up with a C-wrench, but a couple of guys I work with seem to think thats not so... One would think that with the minimums and wage I work with, one could afford a $5 tool to show up with...

[avkid]

I always thought this was a minimum standard of courtesy, show up with a C-wrench, but a couple of guys I work with seem to think thats not so... One would think that with the minimums and wage I work with, one could afford a $5 tool to show up with...

The only things I have my hands bring:
6 in adjustable wrench
gloves if you use them

[ship]

Above and back to concept of the belt rigger for the tool, could be really useful backstage for those other than on a call, and was probably designed for the film industry market as useful. Used to as a carpenter walk about show site with a butt pack and set up I used in the military which contained a roll of it or duct tape, tie wire etc. Liked the butt pack as with shoulder holster cordless drill as with other options for use. But that was in the days when I was walking about a park in getting calls to fix stuff. Or if on stage, could be useful.

Cutting myself short on topics of theft, stuff provided and or what I should get provided in concepts learned in my days in a union shop. This and also in concepts of "poor little stage hand", I'll just retain this. Overall a question in above reply as something useful, but also just a thing about generations of "professionalism." Sweeping the floor after the show, how many rolls of E-tape or gaff tape becomes your's or the shop's? All road cases in and gone or just too much effort?

[65535]

I haven't worked any outside shows or touring shows, but when I show up for a lighting call, I bring a few things.

Gloves for working with steel counterweights.
Speed wrench for hang and focus.
Adjustable wrench for hang and focus.

I can live without the speed wrench but it cuts precious seconds off each hang and each focus.

Even when I have my speed wrench I am not without my adjustable wrench.