TOAST Pt. 3 - Wrenches

Today we will look at the wrenches I use. I do have a few more than these pictured, but those are pipe wrenches, or what some would call "Monkey Wrenches", and I do not use them that often.

These are the wrenches I use for installing/removing meters, as well as basic repair and assembly of water services. I've purchased most of these myself. Sometimes the supply here at work is... lets just say, slow.

Rigid Hex Wrench

I use this wrench as sort of an assist or auxiliary tool. It's thin profile allows it to clamp on to narrow section of fittings, and it has a smooth jaw, so it leaves no marks on brass fittings. 

Rigid RapidGrip

These two wrenches are my go to heavy hitters. Affectionately named "Big Orange", I use at least one of these at all times when working. They are spring loaded, so they are able to be used one handed, sort of like a ratchet. Another plus of this tool, is that they have a thumb release, which allows for the easy removal of the wrench in case it decided to not let go of the pipe. They are a little large, and while that helps in multiplying the force you give, they can be a little cumbersome inside a meter box. 

Reed One Handed Wrenches (3/4 and 1 1/4 sizes)

Standard utility wrenches. These perform the same function as "Big Orange" but are more compact. These are specifically made to work in meter boxes. I usually use the 3/4 wrench along side one of the RapidGrips.  The large one is a new addition to the team. Named "Big Black" I use this one when spaces are tight and I need that extra oomph.

Irwin Quick Adjusting Pipe Wrench

These blue wrenches are odd. Sometimes they work, some times they don't. I bought them because of the offset jaws, thinking that they would come in handy in tight spaces. They only work if they're clean. The jaws slide up and down the wrench, and if any dirt gets on the slide, they are useless. I hardly ever use them. I don't even know why I have two.

Generic Ace Hardware Adjustable Wrench (Crescent)

I mainly use these to work on Backflows and other brass assemblies/fittings. They leave no marks on the softer metals. 

BONUS ITEM!

File (No pic, you know what a file looks like)

The file is mainly used to clean and reshape the teeth on my wrenches. As mentioned before, sometimes requests for tools go unnoticed. It took over a year to get "Big Black" I do what I can to clean and repair the tools that I own or are given to me. 

So that's it. Those are my wrenches. Amazing, I know.

What's for lunch?

Service Techs have to eat, right? Let me share with you the latest delicacy which I have had the pleasure in eating.

CHEESEBURGER SUB

This bad boy right here is downright delicious. There's really nothing outstanding about it, its just really good. A long cheeseburger is the best way to describe it. I prefer mine with no tomato or mayonnaise (because gross), and add bacon (because delicious). If you happen to be around a Larry's pick yourself up a Cheeseburger Sub, you won't regret it.

Lunch is pretty routine for me, and generally consists of a sandwich of some kind, or the occasional pizza. I'm a frequent Publix shopper, and have know to eat all three meals there. They make a pretty mean sub as well, and most of their premade stuff is good too.

Now I'm hungry.

It was a long week.

Sometimes you have good weeks, sometimes you have bad weeks, and sometimes you have long weeks.

Last week was a long week.

I won't go into details, because it doesn't really matter. I'm just glad to get started on another work week. I'm hoping to get out a few posts this week, as there is much to talk about.

On a side note, I have discovered Pandora! Late to the party, I know. My work truck has Bluetooth, and I've been streaming music from my Google Play account. My truck also has its own Pandora app, so I decided to give it a shot. Right now I've got a rotation of Bluegrass, Trance, and New Wave. I like to keep things interesting.

So here's to a new week. I hope it's goes OK. I could use an OK week.