Tips--not the kind you leave on the table

[derekleffew]

I used my newest favorite tip tonight and thought I'd share it.

When running a rock show or other loud show that you can't hear the ClearCom due to the PA, wear disposable ear plugs under your headset then crank the volume on your beltpack. Seems counter-intuitive, but it works. I have no ringing in my ears tonight at all tonight, which I often do after a rock concert.

This was taught to me by the guy who runs http://www.roadierags.com/shop/ a very cool site.

Anyone have any other "quicktips"?

[len]

I always have a case of water in the car. And a cooler. Under $2.00 for ice at the quickie mart and I'm a hero for everybody.

Worst case scenario, use a garbage bag as a cooler.

And never loan your tools out. You'll never get them back.

[Charc]

I always have a case of water in the car. And a cooler. Under $2.00 for ice at the quickie mart and I'm a hero for everybody.
Worst case scenario, use a garbage bag as a cooler.
And never loan your tools out. You'll never get them back.

Well, it depends on the circumstance. I worked at a shakes in the park thing downtown this summer. I showed up with a backpack... with a lock on it... after everyone got to know me, I got some flak for the lock. Though it almost immediately stopped, 'cause the bag was filled with several hundred dollars worth of tools, and they had none, or next to none at least. Hell, I dun even know if they liked me, or the fact I came with a lot of tools, and always had what they needed... Regardless, my tools were used on every in and out, and only one walked away. It went home with the boyfriend of a cast member. It showed up again the next night with a bunch of apologies too.

Anyways, I keep my tools locked because otherwise they walk away from where I left them. I think it looks obnoxious/stuck-up, with a big masterlock dangling off my toolbox, but well worth it to keep my tools in one place.

[derekleffew]

A wise man once told me "It is the lowest of criminals who steals another man's tools, thus depriving him of his livelihood." A friend tells the story about being mugged on the train in the Bronx. He told the mugger "You can have my wallet, but you'll have to kill me to get my backpack full of rigging tools, that's how I make my living." Where I work it's a big no-no to go into a road technician's personal workbox without permission. They'll lend you anything you need, but it's simply polite protocol to ask permission first.

Are ALL of your tools painted a unique color or otherwise identified as yours? I've found that helps prevent "attrition."

[Charc]

A wise man once told me "It is the lowest of criminals who steals another man's tools, thus depriving him of his livelihood." A friend tells the story about being mugged on the train in the Bronx. He told the mugger "You can have my wallet, but you'll have to kill me to get my backpack full of rigging tools, that's how I make my living." Where I work it's a big no-no to go into a road technician's personal workbox without permission. They'll lend you anything you need, but it's simply polite protocol to ask permission first.
Are ALL of your tools painted a unique color or otherwise identified as yours? I've found that helps prevent "attrition."

Derek, I'm not sure if that question was directly pointed at me, or rhetorical, or what not. But I thought I'd answer it anyways.

No, but my tools are always locked.

[derekleffew]

Anyways, I keep my tools locked because otherwise they walk away from where I left them. I think it looks obnoxious/stuck-up, with a big masterlock dangling off my toolbox, but well worth it to keep my tools in one place.

It only looks "obnoxious/stuck up" to those who haven't spent "hundreds of dollars" on tools and appreciate and respect them.

Consider engraving/marking your tools distinctively. Will make the un-initiated think you're even more stuck up!

I once hired a stagehand just because she drove a van; and many times I've thought I was hired only for my tools. Every tool I own is engraved/ color-coded. And if I can't lock them somewhere, everything stays in my car except the tools I wear.

[JD]

I travel with two sets of tools, my throw-aways, and my good stuff. The throw-aways I keep in a cloth bag and my good stuff is locked in my trunk. For simple things, I even use my throw-aways, but basically, who cares if a 37 cent screwdriver goes missing! If someone needs pliers or anything else, I give them to them. Sometimes I even get them back! This way I don't look too snobbish. But when I really have a task on my hands, the good stuff comes out, and that does not get loaned out!

One other trick on tools: Some pieces of equipment are associated with a certain tool. For example, my Movers use a T wrench to mount the truss bracket on them. So, in each roadcase there's a T wrench! The cost is well offset by the time I save not walking back and forth for a tool every time I mount one. Same thing with power tap tools etc.

[gafftaper]

This was taught to me by the guy who runs http://www.roadierags.com/shop/ a very cool site.
Anyone have any other "quicktips"?

If I remember right the Roadierags guy is a member here.

[derekleffew]

You are correct sir. I just found him in the member's list. But I don't think he's here very often--he's never mentioned it. The only "problem" with becoming addicted to ControlBooth is my TiVo shows are starting to stack up, better leave here and watch some stuff before it gets deleted. Oh, yeah, that work thing gets in the way sometimes too.