Ryan Kelley I was in North Carolina when Hugo came in and freaking trees were down everywhere! We’d still be waiting for the roads to be cleared if we waited for the government!(they were doing a good job but there was just so many trees down!) We had to leave the trees tangled in power lines but all others were fair game! I didn’t need to cut wood for 3 years!
Hi Sootch- Something new (at least for me) for the emergency bag(s) is a multipurpose 550 paracord made by Survivor Cord. In it there are 7 strands of nylon cordage, one strand of 30AWG wire, one strand of 25lb. fishing line, and one strand of waterproof waxed tinder. I think it is great example of having a survival item which covers multi purposes. Probably fitting for one of your reviews. Take care, and I hope you are enduring the storm without difficulty.
Great subject matter. I have a small enclosed trailer stocked full of tools, food, camping gear, copies of important documents ect. Been years in the making but I think I've covered all the necessities.
A good manual saw for felling limbs. I’ve been in situations (tornadoes and hurricanes) where you run outta gas for the chainsaw before you run outta fallen trees to clear. Also a hacksaw or fine tooth saw for cutting tangled metal.
Great tips as always... Love the bloopers at the end... Anyone who's made videos, understands how easy it is to become tongue tied, or lose your train of thought.... Thank God for editing tools : D
I recommend having a double man hand saw for cutting down trees after shtf . They don't sell them in stores anymore; they are antiques now. You can find them at barn sales, antiques sales or yard sales. They often come rusty and need to be cleaned up. But if you are facing life after electricity, and need to heat with wood, this would be the fasts' way to cut wood (Axe for splitting after). I have one in my barn.'
Wheel barrels and lugs were really useful for us when hurricane Irma and Matthew came through for moving large quantities of processed debris like fallen trees when clearing roadways in our property and neighborhood. Always good to have one or two in the garage for day to day stuff like yard work as well.
Greetings from Puerto Rico. I have watched a lot of your videos. You are really right about that generators. About a year after the largest hurricane here in the last 90 years, the Island is still far away from a stable electrical system
A couple of 3in wide ratchet straps can be real handy. They can be tie downs, light weight come along, I've used them on more than one occasion to mount tires on rims.
I got a chainsaw but don't forget the bar oil , extra bar, chain , spark plug. And a good bow saw as a back up. Always like these kind of videos to get you thinking .
Great list Sootch. I would add a couple of things to it. It comes from personal experience. I would add a extension ladder for getting on roofs or up trees. I would also add a long handled tree trimming saw or a rope chain saw for when you can’t reach broken limbs with a power chainsaw. Finally I would add some good quality heavy duty rope. The uses for the rope are many. Thanks for sharing.
i'm a maine woodsman and if your moving logs or degree a set of pulp hooks and a cant hook along with a chainsaw and ax will move any tree or telephone pole you need to move as long as you have 2 people to use the pulp hooks also a hand crank drill and a set of wood chisels are great t have if you need to do some improvised wood working out in the brush a good file set is also invaluable with a farriers file
Stanley Fat Max Fubar. Three sizes, with a nice combination of tools built into one package. Sledge hammer/board breaker/spike on the head and a pry bar on the butt end. The large one also has a cutout for fire hydrant valves and the leverage to use it. Stanley Tools makes it for demolition work. Firefighters have picked up on them as an additional option for a breaching tool. It's missing a couple of options compared to the professional's version, but it's also less than half the price.
All good items, great video, consider adding: come-along, bolo/engineer machete, a set of poly wedges, climbing gear, a pair or more of large Locking chain clamps, and a portable non-inflating watercraft For an ax, consider a Pulaski Ax design: it has a long history with the forest service for wilderness fire fighting and a mule to carry all that gear with the jerry cans and the generator
I also keep a large "dig" bar at the house. A very heavy duty bolt cutter is also a good idea. The wire cutters you have is good, but large bolt cutters can't be beat!
After a flood and a tornado. I would add a come along, a large Stanley fubar, block and tackle, a 30” bow saw or 21” Sven saw and a pair of fencing pliers.
Chainsaw and axe has got me out of a few situations. Was able to clear down trees in the neighborhood so people could get to work. Surprisingly my brother and I were the only ones doing anything.
I would add a couple of different hand saws: hacksaw with bimetal blades, bow saw with blades for both green and dry wood and a regular carpenter's saw for building shelter out of dimensioned lumber and plywood. I would also add nails and deck screws, plus the tools to drive them (screwdrivers or drill motor). Finally, a winch or hi-lift jack with tow straps, chains and various hooks, clevises and links, plus rope. Nice video.
Flat pry bar over round. The flat allows you to get in closer and grab more surface. Ventilated goggles work great to prevent fogging, especially when wearing a dust mask.
Old school block-and-tackle. Moving debris could be greatly assisted. And, I'm pretty sure, may guys would play with it to see what they can do with it. (I'm talking about the block-and-tackle) All of these items should be in the garage of every house in North America. Maybe not the chainsaw, but you get the point.
Some of the things I didn't have during the last 2 hurricanes, but I had neighbors that did: wench and diesel trucks to move logs off of the house and out of the yard (had a neighbor with a Super Duty and another owned an old Dodge Cummins) along with necessary straps and chains. I've been through enough hurricanes to have everything else and then some for others. 40 gallons of gas, generator, 2 chain saws, multiple tools you mentioned and plenty more, over 100 gallons of water, food, additional air conditioners, fans, etc. Never can be prepared enough.
Living in Houston and living through 3 hurricanes and a tropical storm all these are good things. After Ike we were without power for 10 days and I know many went much longer. My house was all electric so we were stuck cooking on the grill most of the time. That's all well and good but one of the things I added was a cook stove. Making the morning coffee on the grill is not the funnest thing in the world. Last year I was lucky and didn't loose power and no flooding but I know its not if its when.
When you buy groceries oranges apples etc quite often they are on a bag that is like a net I have used the for a lot of things hang things up or catching fish many uses they are pretty strong
Where I am, brush/tree clearing tools have been a life saver... can't get where you need to go in a vehicle if there are trees in the way! Also keeping fresh, spare gas for that chainsaw and for your vehicle.
Here in the UK I live in a flood area and I have most of the things on your list, the one item I have that you did not mention was a water pump mine is both electric and hand crank. would not be needed by most people but for us the ability to pump out water is a must have item. another great video btw.
A good long crowbar is a must in my emergency tools. A pry bar is close but I like having a good long crowbar for leverage. Helps if you need to break into something especially if your rescuing people or pets from locked homes. I also like having a heavy duty limb saw in an emergency situation. Chainsaws are nice but gas can be precious item in an emergency situation, especially if your not stocked up on it.
Yep chain saw preset in two places for use after Florence blows through. Likewise generators. Gloves and lights are with me. Deff have the other items you mentioned are sitting ready.. Hope you don't get hit bad and I hope it doesn't hit Chas area as bad as they're predicting.
Good Morning sir, I love your channel, I am actually watching one of your videos as we speak on my phone. It allows me to relax while I am at work. I heard you mention that you're in South Carolina, so I wanted to say that I pray you guys are okay and safe from the hurricane that hit you guys. Also, If you would, let us know how your preps helped during hurricane Florence as I am constantly trying to improve my preps to protect and care for my family. May the LORD be with you.
Just a suggestion, check out a tool called a cant hook. I have one to use to turn large logs that I'm cutting with my chainsaw. Keeping the chainsaw chain out of the dirt helps keep it sharp. The cant hook will turn a heavy log so you can cut the log without getting the chainsaw chain in the dirt. With lots of trees down after a storm, having a way to turn those logs could come in handy.
collapsable crosscut saw, parrang or machete, bailing twine, side cutter with plyers, a pick with spade end, come along, pully with 300 ft. non stretch goldline, Crescent wrench, vice grips(almost top of list), speed stitcher and salmon line as thread, 5 pound sledge...man I grew up on a farm how many tools can we fit in here?
I’d suggest putting a couple of the hand tools in a closet or in the attic or even the basement. Take a decent variety of the tools and put them in the garage for if there is an on site emergency and then put the rest in your work shops for a more leisurely use.
Great Video! For SHTF We Must Know First Aid and Have a First Aid Kit Nearby, always...Because we or someone nearby, will need medical help. A Handheld 2 Way Radio is Critical in SHTF Times, to Get Help, Get Intel, & to Coordinate Efforts.
About 10 years back we had a bad ice storm in Kansas and our family friends had a tree split across their driveway and they couldn't get out we went and got them and they stayed at our house we used a generator and cleared the tree in a few days. We were without power for 9 days.
Awesome initiative to do this video at this time. You’ll be amazed if you really knew how many puertoricans follow you Don. Thanks always and brace for impact. God bless the Sootch Clan through this time with Florence. From the expected path of the eye, NC.
Bow saw- Cheap, lightweight, can be broken down for easy carry & efficient. I will use mine before using a chainsaw. Besides, a chainsaw will let everyone within a 1/2 mile know right where you are.
Sootch one item you said is breakable, if it is the real response tool for gas, water, clearing debris, etc.. It is nearly indestructible. Used one for years in responses. Get the good one not a knock off! It will serve you for years if not a lifetime. Mine is still going strong and still looks brand new.
I’d say any tools to maintain a bicycle. Allen wrenches, combination wrenches, tire pump, etc. Whenever we got hit with a big storm, we’d have power lines, trees, and other debris all over the road that left them unsafe to drive a car through. Stores would be open, but there was no way to get to them yet except by bike. Any tools to help keep you mobil after an emergency would be crucial.
That hammer has a smooth head on it... Get a waffle head for pounding nails... and some nails. I used to build bridges, main line pipe... and demo work. I have many tools, and can build a shelter or secure my house up tight. I also have many cordless tools, and a inverter in my truck with an Optima battery... Cheap tools are great until you have to use them rough or for what they aren't intended for. Stanley hammers professional grade.
One of the simplest things I used during hurricane Harvey was solar lights from the dollar store that I had along the sidewalk. I'd bring them in at night to give a little light in the house. Don't forget the tarps. If you have a generator stock up on fuel and stabilizer. When there's no power there's no fuel
Chainsaw chaps. Cutting through the hurricane blowdown from hurricane Michael was brutal. Both of our hospitals were taken out by the storm and essentially no cell service and heavy, slow moving traffics. It would’ve been at least 2 hours to the nearest hospital. Chainsaw chaps can save your life.
your out takes are hilarious.....im gonna watch them when I need to cheer up . Im also gonna use baking soda for exfoliation... your face looks great! Thanks for all the info. since my husband died last year I wouldnt know how to do all the things I need to know about "man" chores or anything with out people like you and you tube. God Bless!
Having gone through (and lost everything) in Katrina, a manual pump for syphoning gas is needed as gas stations cannot pump gas without electricity. A generator that runs off of propane is also advised due to gas spoilage/age where propane is always ready to go and maintenance is a minimum. An empty 55 gallon drum is ideal to have on hand. Gas shortages & the rationing of such where you can even find it can be a problem...
Wranglerstar's Top 50 tools and other series by him are worth checking out. Homesteaders are definitely the best resource we have for these discussions
Old School Bow Saw and/or a Silky for back up to the Chain Saw. WORK BOOTS! Headlamp. Contractor Grade Trash Bags. WORK BOOTS! Slime for Flat Tires. IFAK/ Trauma Kit on the Job Sight, because the EMTs are probably going to be a little late getting to you. Oh, for Big Tool Storage? 30-40 Gallon Garbage Can. Think of an Umbrella Stand for Shovels. Just put your Tools in Handle First, with the Steel Part up in the Air. "So where did I put that Pickaxe? Oh, there it is in the Garbage Can". Actually makes a neater bundle when stored like that. And finally, WORK BOOTS! Hope this helps! Stay Alert for Florence, and Don't be a Frackin' Hero. Just Bug Out if you have to. Thanks again and Take Care. Long Live the Republic!
Also I think something you didn’t touch on was you can get the chainsaw attachment for your ar 15. That gets overlooked quite often but USA Today got reminded us about it
I agree with your tool list and make sure I also keep, in addition to all of those I make sure and keep (some in multiples, such as hammers, axes, hatchets, machetes, all kinds of pry bars and crow bars, tons of knives of all kinds, etc......), post hole diggers, mattock, some bags of sand and concrete, WD-40, lanterns (both electric/battery powered and oil lanterns and hurricane lamps, plus oil), some good, pressure and salt treated lumber and sheet metal, tar paper (for repairs and fortifications), sand bags (the military kind, they are really cheap to get by the hundreds in catalogs like Cheaper Than Dirt, HQ, Sportsman's Guide, etc.... you can find all sorts of great and useful tools, including military stuff, in those), para cord and rope (nylon and regular), a couple solar panels (even tho it's not tools per se, they are useful as they have USB and male/female ports for recharging things like your Saws All, angle grinder, etc...... They are about 3 sq ft and one is solid and the other rolls up like a mat, so it can travel in your B.O.B.). I like Colemans for their various stoves and lanterns, like some various camp stoves (wood burning, pellet stoves, etc......, we even have my great Aunt's old, cast iron wood burning stove and old fashioned, hand cranked washing machine and my Granny's wash board and galvanized metal tub. With the house surrounded by woods, fuel is not a problem) and lots more (from the mundane that everyone has like caulk, vice grips, nails, super glue/liquid nails, Gorilla Glue, files, and so on, even some old fashioned hand powered, wood working tools, to some military/specialized tools I get in milsurp catalogs and stores). I also keep a bevy of sharpening and honing equipment, and even a meat smoker for making jerky and dried meats. That way, the gas for the generators wouldn't be used up in a couple/few days keeping meat fresh if, say, I'm keeping meat on the menu by shooting deer, bear, rabbits, boar, squirrels, I manage to raise and keep livestock, etc...... (We live really isolated and rural in the mountains) Good video everyone should watch. With Florence headed towards the East Coast, everyone here in the mountains is freaking as they wonder about what they'll need and buying every battery, candle, generator, cooler, etc...... I spent the 1st 40 years of my life right next to the ocean, so I've seen a bunch of hurricanes and I'm not sweating it because we're prepared and this is old hat to us. Snow is what I feel the need to better prep for. Those of us that spent our lives in the South on the ocean, where snow doesn't stick, don't know how to drive in it, rake a roof, general ECW prepping and maintenance. You should do a video on that because, for those of us who now live way up in the mountains in rural, isolated areas that we aren't used to, when it snows you better make sure you have everything you need and I'm sure there are a million things I would be unprepared for and supplies that it wouldn't occur to us to keep in abundance.
Once read that having foghorns at hand in zones of earthquakes threads can help you being spot in case you get buried under debris. A simple whistle won't be heard, you have more chances with those ear-breaking foghorns people blow into during soccer championships ;-)
Timely video, I hope all in the path of the Hurricane stay safe. I'd make sure you have a good hacksaw and blades for cutting metal, they're not very expensive.
Suggestion...2 cycle buzz box generator in the box with a spare...1 gal. Gas to recharge batteries.etc. plus Japanese solar lights indoor or perimeter.orchard fire pond and woodlot.etc.storm cellar with provisions also.2 chainsaws and mix in bottles
Not a hand tool, but during hurricane Irene, having a good extension cord handy so I could run power to my neighbors house from my generator was awesome.
Ordinary dust masks are as good as using a bandana ie zero.N95 rated masks are the CDC standard for SARS etc. I have every all the electric or gaz powered tools you could imagine. But I have started using the very old tools such as a 2 man saw, splitting maul, saw teeth setter, etc
Thanks for the knowledge Sootch00 and i need to get one of those water shutoff tools the next time i'm at the hardware store. As always long live the republic bro.
Only other thing I'd add is rope and chain. For hurricane Matthew we used 4 by 4s and chains to lift and move downed trees to open the roads back up.
Ryan Kelley I was in North Carolina when Hugo came in and freaking trees were down everywhere! We’d still be waiting for the roads to be cleared if we waited for the government!(they were doing a good job but there was just so many trees down!) We had to leave the trees tangled in power lines but all others were fair game! I didn’t need to cut wood for 3 years!
Thats correct 👍
Matthew was rough
Having them all in the same place is a good point. I need to work on this my self
Great video for our east coast right now, Texas (Gulf of Mexico) is not out of the woods yet. Great advice as always Sootch.
Hi Sootch- Something new (at least for me) for the emergency bag(s) is a multipurpose 550 paracord made by Survivor Cord. In it there are 7 strands of nylon cordage, one strand of 30AWG wire, one strand of 25lb. fishing line, and one strand of waterproof waxed tinder. I think it is great example of having a survival item which covers multi purposes. Probably fitting for one of your reviews. Take care, and I hope you are enduring the storm without difficulty.
Great subject matter. I have a small enclosed trailer stocked full of tools, food, camping gear, copies of important documents ect. Been years in the making but I think I've covered all the necessities.
Thanks -- my wife is going to need a bigger backpack to carry all that extra gear :)
Maybe , just maybe , You should carry some of it !
This kind of stuff is for SHTF but doesn't go on your backpack.
Haha
As a farmer there is one tool i've used for decades everywhere: a mechanical farm jack.
A good manual saw for felling limbs. I’ve been in situations (tornadoes and hurricanes) where you run outta gas for the chainsaw before you run outta fallen trees to clear. Also a hacksaw or fine tooth saw for cutting tangled metal.
Great tips as always... Love the bloopers at the end... Anyone who's made videos, understands how easy it is to become tongue tied, or lose your train of thought.... Thank God for editing tools : D
I recommend having a double man hand saw for cutting down trees after shtf . They don't sell them in stores anymore; they are antiques now. You can find them at barn sales, antiques sales or yard sales. They often come rusty and need to be cleaned up. But if you are facing life after electricity, and need to heat with wood, this would be the fasts' way to cut wood (Axe for splitting after). I have one in my barn.'
Good timely video. Best of luck and keep safe in SC sootch
Extra rope, chain and/ tow straps
Mark Norwood Agreed! Tow straps are always a must. Can wrap them and rope around some things for storage as well!
Jenn, Seven Sprouts Farmstead
cant tell you how many times i needed a tow strap and didnt have one.... I always have one now.
Wheel barrels and lugs were really useful for us when hurricane Irma and Matthew came through for moving large quantities of processed debris like fallen trees when clearing roadways in our property and neighborhood. Always good to have one or two in the garage for day to day stuff like yard work as well.
Greetings from Puerto Rico. I have watched a lot of your videos. You are really right about that generators. About a year after the largest hurricane here in the last 90 years, the Island is still far away from a stable electrical system
Chainsaw pants/chaps are good to help prevent injury.
I always keep bolt cutters and a pry bar in the truck!
Burgler tools incase you need some extra cash.
A couple of 3in wide ratchet straps can be real handy. They can be tie downs, light weight come along, I've used them on more than one occasion to mount tires on rims.
I got a chainsaw but don't forget the bar oil , extra bar, chain , spark plug. And a good bow saw as a back up. Always like these kind of videos to get you thinking .
Great list Sootch. I would add a couple of things to it. It comes from personal experience. I would add a extension ladder for getting on roofs or up trees. I would also add a long handled tree trimming saw or a rope chain saw for when you can’t reach broken limbs with a power chainsaw. Finally I would add some good quality heavy duty rope. The uses for the rope are many. Thanks for sharing.
Just want to take a second and say I appreciate how you put the whole tool list, that's awesome haha
i'm a maine woodsman and if your moving logs or degree a set of pulp hooks and a cant hook along with a chainsaw and ax will move any tree or telephone pole you need to move as long as you have 2 people to use the pulp hooks also a hand crank drill and a set of wood chisels are great t have if you need to do some improvised wood working out in the brush a good file set is also invaluable with a farriers file
Stanley Fat Max Fubar. Three sizes, with a nice combination of tools built into one package. Sledge hammer/board breaker/spike on the head and a pry bar on the butt end. The large one also has a cutout for fire hydrant valves and the leverage to use it. Stanley Tools makes it for demolition work. Firefighters have picked up on them as an additional option for a breaching tool. It's missing a couple of options compared to the professional's version, but it's also less than half the price.
Sootch great video... Thank you for mentioning Puerto Rico one of greatest tools was and still is the generator, and containers for water...
All good items, great video, consider adding:
come-along,
bolo/engineer machete,
a set of poly wedges,
climbing gear,
a pair or more of large Locking chain clamps,
and
a portable non-inflating watercraft
For an ax, consider a Pulaski Ax design: it has a long history with the forest service for wilderness fire fighting
and a mule to carry all that gear with the jerry cans and the generator
I also keep a large "dig" bar at the house. A very heavy duty bolt cutter is also a good idea. The wire cutters you have is good, but large bolt cutters can't be beat!
When a real emergency happens, the most dangerous thing will be other people.
wallabing SO TRUE!!!
Hopefully most of them will be dead
you will rethink that when a power plant or volcano goes up close to your house
@Phil Jones65 great for trolls too
Honestly I'm more worried about bacteria.
After a flood and a tornado. I would add a come along, a large Stanley fubar, block and tackle, a 30” bow saw or 21” Sven saw and a pair of fencing pliers.
Chainsaw and axe has got me out of a few situations. Was able to clear down trees in the neighborhood so people could get to work. Surprisingly my brother and I were the only ones doing anything.
Sharpening block is a must have...here..great idea
I would add a couple of different hand saws: hacksaw with bimetal blades, bow saw with blades for both green and dry wood and a regular carpenter's saw for building shelter out of dimensioned lumber and plywood.
I would also add nails and deck screws, plus the tools to drive them (screwdrivers or drill motor).
Finally, a winch or hi-lift jack with tow straps, chains and various hooks, clevises and links, plus rope.
Nice video.
I'd also suggest a Corona saber saw for your list. Best limb clearing option out there.
A good folding saw has come in handy for me.
Flat pry bar over round. The flat allows you to get in closer and grab more surface. Ventilated goggles work great to prevent fogging, especially when wearing a dust mask.
Old school block-and-tackle. Moving debris could be greatly assisted. And, I'm pretty sure, may guys would play with it to see what they can do with it. (I'm talking about the block-and-tackle)
All of these items should be in the garage of every house in North America. Maybe not the chainsaw, but you get the point.
Politically Unreliable Cool name you got there 🤣 Stay safe out there!
Jenn, Seven Sprouts Farmstead
I was going to suggest a come-along, but a block & tackle would be more versatile.
Stay safe during Hurricane Florence and I will pray for you and your family. God bless.
I always have an irrigation shovel. It has holes in it to prevent suction in a flood situation.
Prayers for all in your area..
Some of the things I didn't have during the last 2 hurricanes, but I had neighbors that did: wench and diesel trucks to move logs off of the house and out of the yard (had a neighbor with a Super Duty and another owned an old Dodge Cummins) along with necessary straps and chains. I've been through enough hurricanes to have everything else and then some for others. 40 gallons of gas, generator, 2 chain saws, multiple tools you mentioned and plenty more, over 100 gallons of water, food, additional air conditioners, fans, etc. Never can be prepared enough.
Good luck with Florence & God bless y'all from Denver, CO.
I've found that for debris removal after hurricanes, and securing items during the storm, long chains, ratchet straps and tow straps are invaluable.
Living in Houston and living through 3 hurricanes and a tropical storm all these are good things. After Ike we were without power for 10 days and I know many went much longer. My house was all electric so we were stuck cooking on the grill most of the time. That's all well and good but one of the things I added was a cook stove. Making the morning coffee on the grill is not the funnest thing in the world. Last year I was lucky and didn't loose power and no flooding but I know its not if its when.
When you buy groceries oranges apples etc quite often they are on a bag that is like a net I have used the for a lot of things hang things up or catching fish many uses they are pretty strong
Where I am, brush/tree clearing tools have been a life saver... can't get where you need to go in a vehicle if there are trees in the way! Also keeping fresh, spare gas for that chainsaw and for your vehicle.
Here in the UK I live in a flood area and I have most of the things on your list, the one item I have that you did not mention was a water pump mine is both electric and hand crank. would not be needed by most people but for us the ability to pump out water is a must have item. another great video btw.
A good long crowbar is a must in my emergency tools. A pry bar is close but I like having a good long crowbar for leverage. Helps if you need to break into something especially if your rescuing people or pets from locked homes. I also like having a heavy duty limb saw in an emergency situation. Chainsaws are nice but gas can be precious item in an emergency situation, especially if your not stocked up on it.
Excellent Basic Information! Love Your Honesty In Making Mistakes Which Is Awesome & Makes The Bloopers The Best, Lol!
Yep chain saw preset in two places for use after Florence blows through. Likewise generators. Gloves and lights are with me. Deff have the other items you mentioned are sitting ready.. Hope you don't get hit bad and I hope it doesn't hit Chas area as bad as they're predicting.
The Ontario Spax also works on gas and water valves
Chainsaw and a good shovel make life so much better. You forgot to mention bailing wire! Thanks for sharing, keep up the good work!
Don-Hope you and the family fare well from this storm. Being a South Floridian, I can appreciate the forth coming chaos.
Good Morning sir, I love your channel, I am actually watching one of your videos as we speak on my phone. It allows me to relax while I am at work. I heard you mention that you're in South Carolina, so I wanted to say that I pray you guys are okay and safe from the hurricane that hit you guys. Also, If you would, let us know how your preps helped during hurricane Florence as I am constantly trying to improve my preps to protect and care for my family. May the LORD be with you.
Great video especially today for those of us, like yourself, who live in the Carolinas.
Just a suggestion, check out a tool called a cant hook. I have one to use to turn large logs that I'm cutting with my chainsaw. Keeping the chainsaw chain out of the dirt helps keep it sharp. The cant hook will turn a heavy log so you can cut the log without getting the chainsaw chain in the dirt. With lots of trees down after a storm, having a way to turn those logs could come in handy.
Don, please be safe with the storm coming in. Blessings to you and your family and friends in that area.
This was a must watch video. Many channels focus on gear too much. Really helpful info sootch. 👍
Hand tools are always good to have around :)
All that stuff is good if you can lug it around. Ideally you want all your tools to be light in weight and easily accessible on a utility belt.
collapsable crosscut saw, parrang or machete, bailing twine, side cutter with plyers, a pick with spade end, come along, pully with 300 ft. non stretch goldline, Crescent wrench, vice grips(almost top of list), speed stitcher and salmon line as thread, 5 pound sledge...man I grew up on a farm how many tools can we fit in here?
I’d suggest putting a couple of the hand tools in a closet or in the attic or even the basement. Take a decent variety of the tools and put them in the garage for if there is an on site emergency and then put the rest in your work shops for a more leisurely use.
Being from New Orleans, we focus on flooding (sigh) and hurricanes: an axe, hand saw, pry bar, for sure to cut away tree fall
A good thing to go with the chainsaw is a wedge. will help kept the tree from pinching your saw, and they only cost like $3 to $5.
indeed
Tow straps/chains and a come-along are handy. Stay safe brother
Great Video! For SHTF We Must Know First Aid and Have a First Aid Kit Nearby, always...Because we or someone nearby, will need medical help.
A Handheld 2 Way Radio is Critical in SHTF Times, to Get Help, Get Intel, & to Coordinate Efforts.
About 10 years back we had a bad ice storm in Kansas and our family friends had a tree split across their driveway and they couldn't get out we went and got them and they stayed at our house we used a generator and cleared the tree in a few days. We were without power for 9 days.
estwing makes a nice selection of axes and hatchets- use them all the time
Awesome initiative to do this video at this time. You’ll be amazed if you really knew how many puertoricans follow you Don. Thanks always and brace for impact. God bless the Sootch Clan through this time with Florence. From the expected path of the eye, NC.
With this hurricane lurking, stay safe Sootch. Prayers to u and your family.
Bow saw- Cheap, lightweight, can be broken down for easy carry & efficient. I will use mine before using a chainsaw. Besides, a chainsaw will let everyone within a 1/2 mile know right where you are.
Folding saws are also great as well
Be safe Sootch! I know you’re probably the best prepared person on the planet! 😂
Sootch one item you said is breakable, if it is the real response tool for gas, water, clearing debris, etc.. It is nearly indestructible. Used one for years in responses. Get the good one not a knock off! It will serve you for years if not a lifetime. Mine is still going strong and still looks brand new.
I’d say any tools to maintain a bicycle. Allen wrenches, combination wrenches, tire pump, etc. Whenever we got hit with a big storm, we’d have power lines, trees, and other debris all over the road that left them unsafe to drive a car through. Stores would be open, but there was no way to get to them yet except by bike. Any tools to help keep you mobil after an emergency would be crucial.
That hammer has a smooth head on it... Get a waffle head for pounding nails... and some nails.
I used to build bridges, main line pipe... and demo work. I have many tools, and can build a shelter or secure my house up tight. I also have many cordless tools, and a inverter in my truck with an Optima battery... Cheap tools are great until you have to use them rough or for what they aren't intended for. Stanley hammers professional grade.
One of the simplest things I used during hurricane Harvey was solar lights from the dollar store that I had along the sidewalk. I'd bring them in at night to give a little light in the house. Don't forget the tarps. If you have a generator stock up on fuel and stabilizer. When there's no power there's no fuel
Chainsaw chaps. Cutting through the hurricane blowdown from hurricane Michael was brutal. Both of our hospitals were taken out by the storm and essentially no cell service and heavy, slow moving traffics. It would’ve been at least 2 hours to the nearest hospital. Chainsaw chaps can save your life.
An adjustable gas wrench might be useful. The bolt cutters are really invaluable - a way to cut chains, locks and armature bars.
some chains and a come-a-long is need also a rock bar and maybe some pipe, etc. to use for skidding.
your out takes are hilarious.....im gonna watch them when I need to cheer up . Im also gonna use baking soda for exfoliation... your face looks great! Thanks for all the info. since my husband died last year I wouldnt know how to do all the things I need to know about "man" chores or anything with out people like you and you tube. God Bless!
Stay safe this week Sootch.
A High Lift Jack and not a cheap knock off. Chains and clevises and rachet straps
Having gone through (and lost everything) in Katrina, a manual pump for syphoning gas is needed as gas stations cannot pump gas without electricity. A generator that runs off of propane is also advised due to gas spoilage/age where propane is always ready to go and maintenance is a minimum. An empty 55 gallon drum is ideal to have on hand. Gas shortages & the rationing of such where you can even find it can be a problem...
Wranglerstar's Top 50 tools and other series by him are worth checking out. Homesteaders are definitely the best resource we have for these discussions
Old School Bow Saw and/or a Silky for back up to the Chain Saw. WORK BOOTS! Headlamp. Contractor Grade Trash Bags. WORK BOOTS! Slime for Flat Tires. IFAK/ Trauma Kit on the Job Sight, because the EMTs are probably going to be a little late getting to you. Oh, for Big Tool Storage? 30-40 Gallon Garbage Can. Think of an Umbrella Stand for Shovels. Just put your Tools in Handle First, with the Steel Part up in the Air. "So where did I put that Pickaxe? Oh, there it is in the Garbage Can". Actually makes a neater bundle when stored like that. And finally, WORK BOOTS! Hope this helps! Stay Alert for Florence, and Don't be a Frackin' Hero. Just Bug Out if you have to. Thanks again and Take Care. Long Live the Republic!
Also I think something you didn’t touch on was you can get the chainsaw attachment for your ar 15. That gets overlooked quite often but USA Today got reminded us about it
Hand powered drill & bits, hatchet, cross cut saw, 2 man saw
I agree with your tool list and make sure I also keep, in addition to all of those I make sure and keep (some in multiples, such as hammers, axes, hatchets, machetes, all kinds of pry bars and crow bars, tons of knives of all kinds, etc......), post hole diggers, mattock, some bags of sand and concrete, WD-40, lanterns (both electric/battery powered and oil lanterns and hurricane lamps, plus oil), some good, pressure and salt treated lumber and sheet metal, tar paper (for repairs and fortifications), sand bags (the military kind, they are really cheap to get by the hundreds in catalogs like Cheaper Than Dirt, HQ, Sportsman's Guide, etc.... you can find all sorts of great and useful tools, including military stuff, in those), para cord and rope (nylon and regular), a couple solar panels (even tho it's not tools per se, they are useful as they have USB and male/female ports for recharging things like your Saws All, angle grinder, etc...... They are about 3 sq ft and one is solid and the other rolls up like a mat, so it can travel in your B.O.B.).
I like Colemans for their various stoves and lanterns, like some various camp stoves (wood burning, pellet stoves, etc......, we even have my great Aunt's old, cast iron wood burning stove and old fashioned, hand cranked washing machine and my Granny's wash board and galvanized metal tub. With the house surrounded by woods, fuel is not a problem) and lots more (from the mundane that everyone has like caulk, vice grips, nails, super glue/liquid nails, Gorilla Glue, files, and so on, even some old fashioned hand powered, wood working tools, to some military/specialized tools I get in milsurp catalogs and stores). I also keep a bevy of sharpening and honing equipment, and even a meat smoker for making jerky and dried meats. That way, the gas for the generators wouldn't be used up in a couple/few days keeping meat fresh if, say, I'm keeping meat on the menu by shooting deer, bear, rabbits, boar, squirrels, I manage to raise and keep livestock, etc...... (We live really isolated and rural in the mountains) Good video everyone should watch. With Florence headed towards the East Coast, everyone here in the mountains is freaking as they wonder about what they'll need and buying every battery, candle, generator, cooler, etc...... I spent the 1st 40 years of my life right next to the ocean, so I've seen a bunch of hurricanes and I'm not sweating it because we're prepared and this is old hat to us. Snow is what I feel the need to better prep for. Those of us that spent our lives in the South on the ocean, where snow doesn't stick, don't know how to drive in it, rake a roof, general ECW prepping and maintenance. You should do a video on that because, for those of us who now live way up in the mountains in rural, isolated areas that we aren't used to, when it snows you better make sure you have everything you need and I'm sure there are a million things I would be unprepared for and supplies that it wouldn't occur to us to keep in abundance.
Once read that having foghorns at hand in zones of earthquakes threads can help you being spot in case you get buried under debris. A simple whistle won't be heard, you have more chances with those ear-breaking foghorns people blow into during soccer championships ;-)
Timely video, I hope all in the path of the Hurricane stay safe. I'd make sure you have a good hacksaw and blades for cutting metal, they're not very expensive.
Suggestion...2 cycle buzz box generator in the box with a spare...1 gal. Gas to recharge batteries.etc. plus Japanese solar lights indoor or perimeter.orchard fire pond and woodlot.etc.storm cellar with provisions also.2 chainsaws and mix in bottles
I LOVE YOUR BLOOPERS 😁👍
Good luck the next few days! This is what we prep for.
Not a hand tool, but during hurricane Irene, having a good extension cord handy so I could run power to my neighbors house from my generator was awesome.
Ordinary dust masks are as good as using a bandana ie zero.N95 rated masks are the CDC standard for
SARS etc. I have every all the electric or gaz powered tools you could imagine. But I have started using the very old tools such as a 2 man saw, splitting maul, saw teeth setter, etc
A come along, tow strap and fence pliers
A chisel and good pliers/channel locks will go a long way. Or even for weight just a jig or reciprocating saw blade tucked away.
Bottle jacks for heavy lifting too will work
Be safe sootch with the weather coming your way!
I have every one of those except for the water shut off and I know how to make one. I better get to it. 🤗
A good hand saw and come-along for moving debris is a good idea.
quality multi pliers is a must.
Also add a good pair of leather gloves nomex gloves are good for keeping hands warm and for shooting
Great video, Sootch. 👍👍
Thanks for the knowledge Sootch00 and i need to get one of those water shutoff tools the next time i'm at the hardware store. As always long live the republic bro.