What did you do to prepare today?

silentrust · 05-05-2013 1:09pm

mawk wrote: »

About a year ago I built a dehydrator from scrap parts and dehydrated a bunch of food. Meat and garden herbs mostly, but some fruit too.

I posted a step by step guide on how I built it. Should be ready to search

Thanks Mawk, I've been looking at a few designs on Instructables - was one of these yours? How do you find they work under the searing rays of the Irish sun? :-)

C.K Dexter Haven · 05-05-2013 8:04pm

Tabnabs wrote: »

I think you compass is off, Shacleton went to Antartica, not the Arctic (other than some time in Northern Norway and Russia).

Can you explain how the music helped him survive? It's not the first time music, post SHTF, has been discussed BTW, so it's not off topic.

Sorry, yes, I got my poles mixed up :P

Khannie wrote: »

I would imagine music and books are powerful stuff if all other entertainment were gone.

It was about keeping spirits up when they were making the journey to South Georgia, after they abanded Endurance. When the men were only permitted 2 pounds of personal items, Shackleton insisted that one of his men, Hussey, took his banjo along- it certainly wouldn't be the first thing to think of under such conditions but I imagine morale is everything in times like that.

Deerhound · 05-05-2013 8:27pm

C.K Dexter Haven wrote: »

It was about keeping spirits up when they were making the journey to South Georgia, after they abanded Endurance. When the men were only permitted 2 pounds of personal items, Shackleton insisted that one of his men, Hussey, took his banjo along- it certainly wouldn't be the first thing to think of under such conditions but I imagine morale is everything in times like that.

Keeping the "spirits" up is a good way of putting it, when the people restoring the hut at Shackletons base station took up the floorboards they found nine bottles of scotch frozen in the ice.
http://www.irishcentral.com/news/Ernest-Shackletons-102-year-old-whiskey-returned-to-its-Antarctic-home---distillers-aim-to-recreate-the-brew--187861341.html

waterfordham · 06-05-2013 1:58am

Did a 4h (approx) hike in the Comeraghs with roughly the weight of my GHB in my rucksack, bit windy up on top, but a nice day other than that.

mawk · 06-05-2013 9:49am

silentrust wrote: »

Thanks Mawk, I've been looking at a few designs on Instructables - was one of these yours? How do you find they work under the searing rays of the Irish sun? :-)

No I never got around to doing an i'ble. I didn't use the sun for mine. I used a 60w lightbulb with is possibly brighter and warmer than 90% of our weather

Tabnabs · 06-05-2013 7:53pm

Woodies are selling 210L waterbutts and kits for €40. So I bought another one...

mawk · 09-05-2013 11:24am

Continued my rampage of buying hand tools and got some more meths for good measure. Can't build or repair anything without a stack of tools floating around.

Can't own enough screwdrivers and pliers' in every size and shape

Markcheese · 09-05-2013 8:18pm

mawk wrote: »

Continued my rampage of buying hand tools and got some more meths for good measure. Can't build or repair anything without a stack of tools floating around.

Can't own enough screwdrivers and pliers' in every size and shape

Never even thought about that , no power tools without a genny

silentrust · 09-05-2013 8:56pm

Markcheese wrote: »

Never even thought about that , no power tools without a genny

Well said, I try to have a few of everything. Even if you think you have too many you can always trade your spares for something more useful post collapse...

silentrust · 09-05-2013 8:58pm

mawk wrote: »

No I never got around to doing an i'ble. I didn't use the sun for mine. I used a 60w lightbulb with is possibly brighter and warmer than 90% of our weather

Sounds ideal, hope you can share your plans sometime.

mawk · 09-05-2013 11:18pm

silentrust wrote: »

Sounds ideal, hope you can share your plans sometime.

I did. There is a thread full of pictures and explanations.
its about a year old now but a search should pop it quickly in this forum

Khannie · 13-05-2013 3:45pm

Only a small thing, but I cleaned and oiled my swiss army knife. It's better than new. God I love that tool.

aaakev · 13-05-2013 4:03pm

Brought the kids to the woods yesterday and made a leanto

mawk · 13-05-2013 8:02pm

Khannie wrote: »

Only a small thing, but I cleaned and oiled my swiss army knife. It's better than new. God I love that tool.

Yeah, its a great thing to do. I keep using mine on copper wires, then regretting it cause of the dull blade. Been getting good practice sharpening it though!

silentrust · 14-05-2013 5:40pm

mawk wrote: »

Yeah, its a great thing to do. I keep using mine on copper wires, then regretting it cause of the dull blade. Been getting good practice sharpening it though!

Would you say this is better than a multitool like a Leatherman? I have a cheap and nasty Leatherman knock off I picked up in Hong Kong but maybe it's better to buy quality? Cheap and nasty multitools could be useful for trading purposes come the collapse mind...

eirator · 14-05-2013 5:50pm

silentrust wrote: »

Would you say this is better than a multitool like a Leatherman?
....

I think of them as being very different.

Swiss army knife is a knife with tools and a Leatherman is a multitool with a knife blade.

I find the SAK carries in the pocket better and the tools I want are on one specific model and to get the same tools on a leatherman I'd need to get one of the larger heavier models so its really what suits you.

I bet there are a few here with both or more than one of each

aaakev · 14-05-2013 6:06pm

Iv replaced my sak backpacker as my edc with my leatherman surge! I wear a suit to work and have it in its leather pouch sideways on my belt so its not in the way and i dont find it bulky. I just like the leatherman more tbh and the surge is very much a knife with one handed outside opening, not like your usual multitool

eirator · 14-05-2013 6:21pm

SAK Cyber Tool is always in my back right hand trousers pocket.

If you think I'm scratching my bum as I sit down I'm not really I'm just checking the knife is upright and to the far right of the pocket so I don't sit on it

Carried the same knife everyday for more than 10 years. Mainly carried for the screwdriver which is first class. Its had lots of abuse and due a replacement as I recently lost 3 of the screwdriver bits which is a good enough excuse to buy a new one. You can get spares but I lost the mini screwdriver ages back, the handles are glued back on the pen has given up and the main blades have been much abused.

I did try a belt pouch but that became a pain because I regularly use a rucksack with a waist belt and the belt pouch was a bit awkward.

silentrust · 14-05-2013 6:48pm

eirator wrote: »

SAK Cyber Tool is always in my back right hand trousers pocket.

If you think I'm scratching my bum as I sit down I'm not really I'm just checking the knife is upright and to the far right of the pocket so I don't sit on it

Carried the same knife everyday for more than 10 years. Mainly carried for the screwdriver which is first class. Its had lots of abuse and due a replacement as I recently lost 3 of the screwdriver bits which is a good enough excuse to buy a new one. You can get spares but I lost the mini screwdriver ages back, the handles are glued back on the pen has given up and the main blades have been much abused.

I did try a belt pouch but that became a pain because I regularly use a rucksack with a waist belt and the belt pouch was a bit awkward.

Just done a quick Google and it sounds ideal. Where does the law stand in Ireland re: carrying pointed blades on your person? That's what's put me off from carrying my multitool around in the past.

aaakev · 14-05-2013 6:55pm

silentrust wrote: »

Just done a quick Google and it sounds ideal. Where does the law stand in Ireland re: carrying pointed blades on your person? That's what's put me off from carrying my multitool around in the past.

Dont be acting the bollox and you will have no problems

silentrust · 14-05-2013 7:05pm

aaakev wrote: »

Dont be acting the bollox and you will have no problems

Yes I would hope none of us would whip it out and start waving it under people's noses! :-D

eirator · 14-05-2013 7:39pm

silentrust wrote: »

Just done a quick Google and it sounds ideal. Where does the law stand in Ireland re: carrying pointed blades on your person? That's what's put me off from carrying my multitool around in the past.

Just one point with the Swiss Army Cyber Tool (pun not originally intended) you need to be careful when you put the screwdriver bits in the holder, one way around and they can drop out very easily. Now they are locked under the folding screw driver shaft when the knife is closed up but once you are using the screwdriver its possible for them to drop out. If you place them in the holder so the very small spring loaded ball bearing holds on the thick part of the housing they stay in much better.

Khannie · 15-05-2013 12:23pm

silentrust wrote: »

Where does the law stand in Ireland re: carrying pointed blades on your person?

Unambiguous - it is an offence to do so.

silentrust · 15-05-2013 2:50pm

eirator wrote: »

Just one point with the Swiss Army Cyber Tool (pun not originally intended) you need to be careful when you put the screwdriver bits in the holder, one way around and they can drop out very easily. Now they are locked under the folding screw driver shaft when the knife is closed up but once you are using the screwdriver its possible for them to drop out. If you place them in the holder so the very small spring loaded ball bearing holds on the thick part of the housing they stay in much better.

Thanks eirator,

My own survival strategy centres around staying put, harvesting rainwater, growing food and so on but I can understand the comfort you must gain from having this close by.

Given the tendency of the attachments to go wandering though, do you not think it would be better to place it into your bug out bag though? Perhaps less convenient to carry around but at least you would have some peace of mind viz screwdriver attachments.

silentrust · 15-05-2013 2:52pm

Khannie wrote: »

Unambiguous - it is an offence to do so.

Perhaps another reason to keep a knife in your bug out kit and stow it in your car. I imagine your Garda would take less exception to this over someone holstering it to our waist Crocodile Dundee style?

aaakev · 15-05-2013 3:20pm

silentrust wrote: »

Perhaps another reason to keep a knife in your bug out kit and stow it in your car. I imagine your Garda would take less exception to this over someone holstering it to our waist Crocodile Dundee style?

I have regular encounters with the guards and only one commented on my leatherman only last week, he asked which one it was and pulled out his to compare.

Really though my personal opinion is if your not doing anything to draw attention to yourself or acting the mick you will have no problems. If your the type of guy who is going to have it out showing off or messing all the time you will find yourself being asked questions but im assuming we are all responsable adults round these parts :rolleyes:

eirator · 15-05-2013 4:13pm

silentrust wrote: »

Thanks eirator,

My own survival strategy centres around staying put, harvesting rainwater, growing food and so on but I can understand the comfort you must gain from having this close by.

Given the tendency of the attachments to go wandering though, do you not think it would be better to place it into your bug out bag though? Perhaps less convenient to carry around but at least you would have some peace of mind viz screwdriver attachments.

As I said I've been carrying the same knife for over 10 years and I use it at least once a day. This morning I used the knife blade as a marking knife for some woodworking (saved comming back in to get a pen) and this afternoon I used the cross head screwdriver to take an old modem card out of a computer. I couldn't do that if it was in a BOB, but then a BOB is a good excuse for buying yet another knife or a multitool just in case

The attachments dropping out is something I noticed over 10 years ago and only lost one which I replaced so I don't think its a major flaw, I've now gone 10 years before loosing anymore.

If regularly use particular items, like screwdrivers, small scissors, bottle openers, cork screws, tweezers etc then find a multitool or SAK that has those items on it and carry it with you all the time. I know a few women that really like the little Swiss Army Credit Card gadgets because they find scissors, tweezers and nail file really handy.

I tend to put the cheaper items like Lidl/Aldi multitools to make up BOBs and when finances allow replace them with better quality items.

Deise Musashi · 15-05-2013 4:26pm

I recently lost 3 of the screwdriver bits which is a good enough excuse to buy a new one. You can get spares but I lost the mini screwdriver ages back, the handles are glued back on the pen has given up and the main blades have been much abused.

http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Victorinox-Knives/Accessories/c-1-199-330/

Just order the bits you need lad. I love SAKs and usually have a "Climber" one on me (with the screwdriver in the corkscrew, from my cyber tool). The cyber tool is big, so lives on my desk near the computer bits.
The Leatherman Ti. is a big yoke as well, but handy out in the woods or for a bit of DIY in the garden. The Victorinox tool is a big heavy bit of kit, but is excellent if a bit large and heavy.

http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Victorinox-Knives/c-1-92-199/

and there are the Wenger's!
http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Wenger-Knives/c-1-92-202/

and the Leatherman's

http://www.heinnie.com/Pocket-Tools/Leatherman-Pocket-Tools/c-1-94-222/

Just looking and Heinnies have the Alox. Electrician and Deluxe Tinker...

Khannie · 15-05-2013 4:39pm

aaakev wrote: »

im assuming we are all responsable adults round these parts

Speak for yourself....I'm a total delinquent.

aaakev · 15-05-2013 5:27pm

Khannie wrote: »

Speak for yourself....I'm a total delinquent.

The :rolleyes: in my post was directed at myself

silentrust · 15-05-2013 6:10pm

eirator wrote: »

As I said I've been carrying the same knife for over 10 years and I use it at least once a day. This morning I used the knife blade as a marking knife for some woodworking (saved comming back in to get a pen) and this afternoon I used the cross head screwdriver to take an old modem card out of a computer. I couldn't do that if it was in a BOB, but then a BOB is a good excuse for buying yet another knife or a multitool just in case

The attachments dropping out is something I noticed over 10 years ago and only lost one which I replaced so I don't think its a major flaw, I've now gone 10 years before loosing anymore.

If regularly use particular items, like screwdrivers, small scissors, bottle openers, cork screws, tweezers etc then find a multitool or SAK that has those items on it and carry it with you all the time. I know a few women that really like the little Swiss Army Credit Card gadgets because they find scissors, tweezers and nail file really handy.

I tend to put the cheaper items like Lidl/Aldi multitools to make up BOBs and when finances allow replace them with better quality items.

Thanks Eirator, words to live by - astonishing to think that something so small could have so much importance attached to it. (My girlfriend tells me this often...!)

Returning to sanity for a moment, like you I try to harvest Aldi and eBay for cheap alternatives to big name brands although I found recently when purchasing Gardening tools from "Dealz" here in Dublin that you very much get what you pay for as the wintry Leinster earth bent a small fork and trowel beyond recognition within the first few minutes.

I don't mind paying extra for my personal tool but it might be an idea to get a few cheap and cheerful ones by way of backup as you say or even to trade if the SHTF and you find someone else willing and able to barter with you.

silentrust · 15-05-2013 6:13pm

Deise Musashi wrote: »

http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Victorinox-Knives/Accessories/c-1-199-330/

Just order the bits you need lad. I love SAKs and usually have a "Climber" one on me (with the screwdriver in the corkscrew, from my cyber tool). The cyber tool is big, so lives on my desk near the computer bits.
The Leatherman Ti. is a big yoke as well, but handy out in the woods or for a bit of DIY in the garden. The Victorinox tool is a big heavy bit of kit, but is excellent if a bit large and heavy.

http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Victorinox-Knives/c-1-92-199/

and there are the Wenger's!
http://www.heinnie.com/Knives/Wenger-Knives/c-1-92-202/

and the Leatherman's

http://www.heinnie.com/Pocket-Tools/Leatherman-Pocket-Tools/c-1-94-222/

Just looking and Heinnies have the Alox. Electrician and Deluxe Tinker...

Very illuminating Deise, many thanks.

Just had a peek at the Victorinox - do you think this has a real advantage over regular hand tools. I have my eye on a regular tool kit to go in the "man cave" (shed) but perhaps if space is an issue this might be more nifty?

Khannie · 16-05-2013 10:46am

silentrust wrote: »

Just had a peek at the Victorinox - do you think this has a real advantage over regular hand tools. I have my eye on a regular tool kit to go in the "man cave" (shed) but perhaps if space is an issue this might be more nifty?

It has two big plus's IMO:

1) Fits in your pocket
2) Build quality is superb

eirator · 16-05-2013 11:18am

Is it only me or does anybody else avoid saw blades on pocket knives?

Here's what I mean, a pocket knife with or without tools is something I will buy and use over a very long period but I have found even the best saw blades on pocket knives are easily damaged and I can't see the point of carrying around a knife where some of the attachments are useless.

On the other hand I think as a survival item packed away in a BOB where its not in daily use a knife with a saw blade is an excellent idea (although I just throw a cheap Lidl/Aldi type folding saw into the bob as its a better tool for sawing). So what I'm saying is for that one time you need a saw blade in an emergency a SAK with saw blade is great but as an everyday carry I'd avoid them.

Cliona99 · 16-05-2013 11:37am

I'm so excited that I can finally post here!

I got a first aid kit today for the car. It was only a tenner but it seems to have anything you could ever need in an emergency- even one of those mask things for CPR, and the scissors with the flat bit for cutting fabric. I'm going to add a blanket and a towel and I'll be ready for anything!

mawk · 16-05-2013 11:58am

Yup, can't go forgetting your towel

aaakev · 16-05-2013 12:08pm

Cliona99 wrote: »

I'm so excited that I can finally post here!

I got a first aid kit today for the car. It was only a tenner but it seems to have anything you could ever need in an emergency- even one of those mask things for CPR, and the scissors with the flat bit for cutting fabric. I'm going to add a blanket and a towel and I'll be ready for anything!

Why couldnt you post here before??

First aid kit sounds decent, where did ya get it?

eirator · 16-05-2013 12:32pm

aaakev wrote: »

Why couldnt you post here before??

First aid kit sounds decent, where did ya get it?

+1, not seen any cheap first aid kits with one of "those mask things for CPR" so it sounds good to me.

Edit> putting words in Cliona99's mouth here but perhaps she didn't think she had anything to contribute before?

silentrust · 16-05-2013 3:05pm

eirator wrote: »

+1, not seen any cheap first aid kits with one of "those mask things for CPR" so it sounds good to me.

Edit> putting words in Cliona99's mouth here but perhaps she didn't think she had anything to contribute before?

I've spoken to women before who told me the perceived macho culture of survivalism combined with a fear of being ridiculed for being ignorant has put them off contributing to discussions like these.

It's probably not helped by the fact that most post-apocalyptic scenarios in the media show women going back to traditional barefoot and pregnant roles - a pretty hard pill to swallow if you're some high powered exec to think that one day you'll only be valued for your ability to have children and make sandwiches!

Cliona99 · 16-05-2013 6:26pm

I've spoken to women before who told me the perceived macho culture of survivalism combined with a fear of being ridiculed for being ignorant has put them off contributing to discussions like these.

The only reason I couldn't post here before was that I hadn't done anything to prepare! (apart from buying two of things when grocery shopping- thanks Bonnie) The macho thing doesn't bother me, and I'm well-adjusted to my ignorance in most areas

The kit is this one from good old Amazon http://www.amazon.co.uk/gp/product/B000XY51UC/ref=oh_details_o00_s00_i02?ie=UTF8&psc=1

(What are those mask things called btw?)

eirator · 16-05-2013 6:41pm

Certainly looks like a well featured first aid kit, for the money it looks a little better value and spec than the Lidl/Aldi car first aid kits that retail for about a tenner.

btw if you need to replace any bandages/dressings its normally cheaper to buy another cheap kit than buy more than a couple of the bandages/dressing in a chemists.

Deise Musashi · 16-05-2013 11:06pm

A CPR mask/vent aid/Laerdale mask.
I would recommend doing a first aid course to go with having the kit.
Your local Red Cross, St. John's, Order of Malta or adult education place should do an occupational first aid course or equivalent.
I usually restock from Flashpoint medical or S P Services, or a vet supply place...

Well done on becoming more ready for the unknown unknowns. Will you carry the FAK on you, in a bag, in the car or fixed location ( kitchen? ).

Cliona99 · 16-05-2013 11:16pm

Thanks for all the tips and encouragement!

(a vet suppliers? Seriously?)

I'm going to keep this kit in the car because it's a smaller, neater equivalent of my medicine press at home. I'll get some more bandages/wipes etc. for the press though.

I'm up to date on first aid. I finally did a course after being on a bus when a child started choking, nobody knew what to do. Hopefully I won't need any of it, but great skills to have.

eirator · 16-05-2013 11:45pm

Cliona99 wrote: »

...

(a vet suppliers? Seriously?)

...

I carry a couple of V-Flex cohesive bandages and dressings, they are for horses but you get about 4 times the bandage for half the price and the dressings are massive again very cheap just the thing for a really large wound that nothing in your average first aid kit would start to cover. I originally got them so I had something in case the dogs did something stupid out on a walk (one impaled itself on a fence once chasing a rabbit - vet patched him up OK) but I'd happily use them on a human or myself if need be.

drvr · 17-05-2013 9:39am

Don't buy First Aid supplies from a chemist shop. Buy them from one of the commercial suppliers
Critical Healthcare / Flashpoint Medical etc. Suppplies cost a fraction of the price . ( less than a euro for a Triangular bandage versus 3 euro +/- in a chemist)
The one First Aid item I carry everywhere are Nitrile gloves (on a keyring pouch).

Tabnabs · 17-05-2013 10:05am

Also if visiting the UK, buy own brand painkillers from ASDA, Tesco etc. for a fraction of the price of the brand named versions.

drvr · 17-05-2013 10:14am

Cheaper meds in the north too. both OTC and prescription.
Try the supermarkets for OTC stuff (paracetamol / ibuprofen / aspirin)

eirator · 17-05-2013 10:30am

Tabnabs wrote: »

Also if visiting the UK, buy own brand painkillers from ASDA, Tesco etc. for a fraction of the price of the brand named versions.

Last time I bought generic paracetamol in a discount store in the UK (just over a month ago) it was 13 pence for a box of 24.

But unless you find a checkout operator that doesn't know the law then its the same as here and you can only buy a max of 24 tablets.

Cliona99 · 17-05-2013 10:38am

eirator wrote: »

I carry a couple of V-Flex cohesive bandages and dressings, they are for horses but you get about 4 times the bandage for half the price and the dressings are massive again very cheap just the thing for a really large wound that nothing in your average first aid kit would start to cover. I originally got them so I had something in case the dogs did something stupid out on a walk (one impaled itself on a fence once chasing a rabbit - vet patched him up OK) but I'd happily use them on a human or myself if need be.

Thanks very much! My littlest dog tripped on a barbed wire fence a while back and ripped open her chest- these bandages would've come in handy. (She was fine after the vet too).

Tabnabs · 17-05-2013 10:46am

eirator wrote: »

Last time I bought generic paracetamol in a discount store in the UK (just over a month ago) it was 13 pence for a box of 24.

But unless you find a checkout operator that doesn't know the law then its the same as here and you can only buy a max of 24 tablets.

What if you go to the self service till, does it stop the transaction going through?

What did you do to prepare today?

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