I had to cut two recesses to place electrical outlet boxes in 8"x8" hemlock timbers. (Son's house!) started with a mallet and chisel, when I remembered my multi-tool! Fifteen minutes per box, would have taken me an hour or two by hand.

4 hours ago, HARO50 said:

when I remembered my multi-tool! Fifteen minutes per box, would have taken me an hour or two by hand.

That's the secret John; remembering before the project is done. I'd hate to count the times when I labored over something making it far more difficult then thinking, "duh, why didn't you dig out that multi-tool for this project?" Doesn't help either when I waste time hunting for a pencil I know just put down over there.

3 hours ago, Grandpadave52 said:

Doesn't help either when I waste time hunting for a pencil I know just put down over there.

I solved that problem long ago! I use only very short pencil stubs (about 3") so that I can just place it above my right ear without it falling out. It stays there until the job is finished, or often even longer. I don't know how many times I've gotten ready for bed, only to find a pencil still on my ear!

4 minutes ago, HARO50 said:

I solved that problem long ago! I use only very short pencil stubs (about 3") so that I can just place it above my right ear without it falling out. It stays there until the job is finished, or often even longer. I don't know how many times I've gotten ready for bed, only to find a pencil still on my ear!

Yeah that trick used to work but once I started wearing glasses (bifocals naturally) I couldn't keep it in place. Then when I HAD to start wearing a hat to keep the sun from searing my follicle impaired head, I could slide the pencil up into the hat. Of course I'd forget it was there when I took the hat off and I assume hawks or buzzards scooped it from mid air. IDK but the pencil disappeared.

8 minutes ago, Grandpadave52 said:

I assume hawks or buzzards scooped it from mid air. IDK but the pencil disappeared.