This weeks preps check-in

[Maverick]

Since I was already working on our fire kits for the bag I decided to build kits for all the vehicles and ATVs this kit weigh more than the backpack kits and not intended for backpacks. All the kits are identical, a lot of it I already had on hand so I listed the current prices off Amazon, stuff like tin foil, hacksaw blades, fat wood and tealights I didn't list prices given most of it is around the home. Note, the TinderQuik I posted above are not the TinderQuik I listed below (different brand) the one's below are what is in the US Airman's survival kits, never had one go bad. I vacuumed sealed the tealights given it can get hot in the vehicles, nothing in the kit expires so it should be a pack and forget, the kits on the ATVs I vacuumed sealed the whole case.

Contents:

$16
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0

$8
UCO Stormproof Match Kit w/25 matches

$5.95 (pkg/3)
Best Glide ASE Fresnel Lens (1 in ea kit)

$2
2 Bic classic Lighters

$12
Epiphany Pocket Bellow

$6
Magnesium block

$
Tealights x2

$
Fat Wood (4 4" sticks 1/2" squares)

$6.50
Self Reliance Mini Inferno (1 can w/7 disks)

$12 (pkg/50)
SparkLite TinderQuik (10)

$4.95 (pkg/12)
Coghlan's Fire Stick (2 5" sticks cut in 1" pieces)

$5.99ea or 10 pack for $14 (orenge)
Derma-Safe Folding Utility Knife (Military Survival)

$
HackSaw blade (cut to 4 inches)

$
Tin Foil (12"x12" folded down to 3x3")

$6 (walmart)
Outdoor Products 5.5 x 8 x 2.8 O.D. acrylic case IPX6 tested, not as strong as the Pelican micro cases but the Pelican cases are $15-$20 Amazon

1.68lbs total weight most of it is in the case it self.

 

[Mountain trapper]

The new snow plow was delivered today. Actually it was delivered to the local auto parts store in town since they have a forklift. Got it home and it looks like it will work without modifications. Of course I'll make some changes to it anyway. It's 8' wide and has hydraulic angle. Much of my road isn't much wider than 8' so it should be enough.
We're planning on butchering the hogs tomorrow since snow is expected next week. After the pigs get butchered I'll take the hides, guts and blood and use for coyote bait.

 

[tmttactical]

@brandx Sorry to hear about your auto experience. Been there and done that. I really dislike working on automotive stuff. Half the time the manual forgets to tell you something important or the job requires a special tool that nobody has. GRRRR!

 

[DrPrepper1]

Since I was already working on our fire kits for the bag I decided to build kits for all the vehicles and ATVs this kit weigh more than the backpack kits and not intended for backpacks. All the kits are identical, a lot of it I already had on hand so I listed the current prices off Amazon, stuff like tin foil, hacksaw blades, fat wood and tealights I didn't list prices given most of it is around the home. Note, the TinderQuik I posted above are not the TinderQuik I listed below (different brand) the one's below are what is in the US Airman's survival kits, never had one go bad. I vacuumed sealed the tealights given it can get hot in the vehicles, nothing in the kit expires so it should be a pack and forget, the kits on the ATVs I vacuumed sealed the whole case.

View attachment 9170

Contents:

$16
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0

$8
UCO Stormproof Match Kit w/25 matches

$5.95 (pkg/3)
Best Glide ASE Fresnel Lens (1 in ea kit)

$2
2 Bic classic Lighters

$12
Epiphany Pocket Bellow

$6
Magnesium block

$
Tealights x2

$
Fat Wood (4 4" sticks 1/2" squares)

$6.50
Self Reliance Mini Inferno (1 can w/7 disks)

$12 (pkg/50)
SparkLite TinderQuik (10)

$4.95 (pkg/12)
Coghlan's Fire Stick (2 5" sticks cut in 1" pieces)

$5.99ea or 10 pack for $14 (orenge)
Derma-Safe Folding Utility Knife (Military Survival)

$
HackSaw blade (cut to 4 inches)

$
Tin Foil (12"x12" folded down to 3x3")

$6 (walmart)
Outdoor Products 5.5 x 8 x 2.8 O.D. acrylic case IPX6 tested, not as strong as the Pelican micro cases but the Pelican cases are $15-$20 Amazon

1.68lbs total weight most of it is in the case it self.

This is interesting. I have Bic lighters, and I was going to get waterproof matches. What would be reasons for having multiple igniters? I have seen people pack several different kinds, but what is the reason for it?

 

[brandx]

Since I was already working on our fire kits for the bag I decided to build kits for all the vehicles and ATVs this kit weigh more than the backpack kits and not intended for backpacks. All the kits are identical, a lot of it I already had on hand so I listed the current prices off Amazon, stuff like tin foil, hacksaw blades, fat wood and tealights I didn't list prices given most of it is around the home. Note, the TinderQuik I posted above are not the TinderQuik I listed below (different brand) the one's below are what is in the US Airman's survival kits, never had one go bad. I vacuumed sealed the tealights given it can get hot in the vehicles, nothing in the kit expires so it should be a pack and forget, the kits on the ATVs I vacuumed sealed the whole case.

View attachment 9170

Contents:

$16
Light My Fire Swedish FireSteel 2.0

$8
UCO Stormproof Match Kit w/25 matches

$5.95 (pkg/3)
Best Glide ASE Fresnel Lens (1 in ea kit)

$2
2 Bic classic Lighters

$12
Epiphany Pocket Bellow

$6
Magnesium block

$
Tealights x2

$
Fat Wood (4 4" sticks 1/2" squares)

$6.50
Self Reliance Mini Inferno (1 can w/7 disks)

$12 (pkg/50)
SparkLite TinderQuik (10)

$4.95 (pkg/12)
Coghlan's Fire Stick (2 5" sticks cut in 1" pieces)

$5.99ea or 10 pack for $14 (orenge)
Derma-Safe Folding Utility Knife (Military Survival)

$
HackSaw blade (cut to 4 inches)

$
Tin Foil (12"x12" folded down to 3x3")

$6 (walmart)
Outdoor Products 5.5 x 8 x 2.8 O.D. acrylic case IPX6 tested, not as strong as the Pelican micro cases but the Pelican cases are $15-$20 Amazon

1.68lbs total weight most of it is in the case it self.

That's a nice little set up you got there. A good thing to have.

 

[brandx]

This is interesting. I have Bic lighters, and I was going to get waterproof matches. What would be reasons for having multiple igniters? I have seen people pack several different kinds, but what is the reason for it?

BAck up for a back up I suppose. it doesn't hurt unless it gets too heavy. One thing I was taught in a previous job and many of us did this, we packed a metal coffee can with matches and candles and hand warmers. If you got stranded you put the emergency candle down in the center of the can and lit it. It worked as a small stove you could sit on you lap if you were stuck in a ditch somewhere. Many of us also kept extra winter clothes, blanket, food, water and the other usual preparation stuff.. I traveled on a daily basis on back roads so this was a wise thing to do. Never had to use them though.

 

[Maverick]

This is interesting. I have Bic lighters, and I was going to get waterproof matches. What would be reasons for having multiple igniters? I have seen people pack several different kinds, but what is the reason for it?

Multiple way of starting a fire, bic lighters get wet, matches get destroyed etc.. bic and matches have shorter life span than fire steel. Another reason is the kit can be separated between people if need be. I live in a very wet climate and something always fails and having a backup to the backup of different means is generally a good idea specially when it comes to fire.

 

[Celeree]

Still wrangling with power. The power company came back with a quote to hook us up to the grid (just easier for now to get us moved out there and get started). It's not as bad as we feared, but seeing if they will do their allotted 300ft for free and we do the rest of the 250ft ourselves. Helps to have someone in the family that works for the company and can hook us up with a free meter loop and know-how on hooking us up. And someone else who has power line that we can trench in the remaining feet. If the power company will do it, we can get out there sooner, rather than saving up for the whole cost.

Supposed to be a decent day tomorrow, we aim to get some painting done around the place. Got some free living room furniture, it's better than our current stuff. It's out there and waiting.

Lack of money is keeping things on a slow ride. The conundrum is, while living our current place it is costing us more, while also trying to work on the new place. Once we move, our expenses go way down, because: no rent and cheaper utilities. Ugh! Hate to say it, but counting on tax return to break open this dam. I am one of those that dislikes getting a tax return, I'd rather owe/get $0. But this year it will be nice. Hope to be moved and starting on my real prepping by spring.

 

[Doreena]

Still wrangling with power. The power company came back with a quote to hook us up to the grid (just easier for now to get us moved out there and get started). It's not as bad as we feared, but seeing if they will do their allotted 300ft for free and we do the rest of the 250ft ourselves. Helps to have someone in the family that works for the company and can hook us up with a free meter loop and know-how on hooking us up. And someone else who has power line that we can trench in the remaining feet. If the power company will do it, we can get out there sooner, rather than saving up for the whole cost.

Supposed to be a decent day tomorrow, we aim to get some painting done around the place. Got some free living room furniture, it's better than our current stuff. It's out there and waiting.

Lack of money is keeping things on a slow ride. The conundrum is, while living our current place it is costing us more, while also trying to work on the new place. Once we move, our expenses go way down, because: no rent and cheaper utilities. Ugh! Hate to say it, but counting on tax return to break open this dam. I am one of those that dislikes getting a tax return, I'd rather owe/get $0. But this year it will be nice. Hope to be moved and starting on my real prepping by spring.

That is really something great to look forward to!


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[user 5745]

Finally bought a dehydrator. Really looking forward to this!

 

[DrPrepper1]

I ordered UCO Titan Storm proof matches with a match holder. I will order some more things after Christmas. I am just waiting to see what I get for Christmas first.

 

[Brent S]

This is interesting. I have Bic lighters, and I was going to get waterproof matches. What would be reasons for having multiple igniters? I have seen people pack several different kinds, but what is the reason for it?

The old prepper saying of ‘one is none, two is one, etc’. Redundancy is a good thing, espechially for the important stuff like water filters and fire (for cooking, warmth, security and comfort),

 

[Brent S]

Made the effort to be at tractor supply when they opened this Black Friday morning. Got a 500.00 fireproof gun safe for 299.00. Says 24 gun, but good luck squeezing half that amount in there! Anyways great for my collection, and still lots of space in it for other things. Got it in place in the house, and will bolt it down as soon as I’m certain it is staying where I set it. Was hesitant about locking up guns as in what good is a gun you can’t get to, but feel better knowing a crack addict isn’t as likely to sell them on the street to just anyone. I still have plenty of protection that’s handy, but the better stuff is more secure now. Getting it in the House was interesting. Heavy buggar....

 

[Mountain trapper]

It's been snowing here since last night and is supposed to continue snowing through tomorrow. Up to a foot or so. I hope they're wrong. I need to take the tractor to the John Deere dealer on Monday so they can make up a set of hydraulic hoses to connect to the new plow. The JD dealer is about 80 miles away. With all this snow it's going be challenging to get my truck and equipment trailer down to the main road. Good thing I've got tire chains for the truck. Looks like I'll be able to try out the new snow blower tomorrow too.

 

[brandx]

For the next few weeks I won't be here as much as I am trying to get some certification so I can get a decent job. guess you could call this prepping. It is a must do. What little I have I must invest in this with hope. I have studying to do.

 

[Doreena]

For the next few weeks I won't be here as much as I am trying to get some certification so I can get a decent job. guess you could call this prepping. It is a must do. What little I have I must invest in this with hope. I have studying to do.

Hope all goes well for you!


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[Brent S]

For the next few weeks I won't be here as much as I am trying to get some certification so I can get a decent job. guess you could call this prepping. It is a must do. What little I have I must invest in this with hope. I have studying to do.

Good luck! It will be worth it in the end. In today’s world you almost need some sort of credentials for any decent job. I’ve been self employed most of my life, and even then you need a license in most cases.

 

[jimLE]

This is interesting. I have Bic lighters, and I was going to get waterproof matches. What would be reasons for having multiple igniters? I have seen people pack several different kinds, but what is the reason for it?

I wont store bic or cricket lighters for long term,for one reason only.the fuel has a tendency of leaking out.so i buy them for daily use only..but yet.i do have refillable butane lighters thoe.and i do need to refill them just to check them out.to make sure that their still in good working order.

 

[user 5745]

For the next few weeks I won't be here as much as I am trying to get some certification so I can get a decent job. guess you could call this prepping. It is a must do. What little I have I must invest in this with hope. I have studying to do.

Good luck!

 

[Maverick]

We ordered a Generac guardian 22kw LPG standby generator, this will be for the house, shop and one of the well house, I'm setting it up as a manual transfer and not automatic, also ordered a 500gal propane tank just for the generator as not to pull from the main tank. I'm currently using a diesel but wanted something with a more stable fuel source. I already have LPG generator in the second well and next year I'll get the 1910 Baker windmill set up on the third.

 

[Brent S]

We ordered a Generac guardian 22kw LPG standby generator, this will be for the house, shop and one of the well house, I'm setting it up as a manual transfer and not automatic, also ordered a 500gal propane tank just for the generator as not to pull from the main tank. I'm currently using a diesel but wanted something with a more stable fuel source. I already have LPG generator in the second well and next year I'll get the 1910 Baker windmill set up on the third.

I have a 10k generator set up with propane on a 500gal tank. I’ve gone back and fourth with generator size. My 10k will run everything in the house, just not all at once. If you want hot water, turn off the AC. Those are the only two energy guzzlers that I have to worry about. I guess if I had the oven and a couple burners going at once I would have to consider that a big draw as well. Even the 10k uses a decent amount of propane though. I recently got a smaller portable generator that will run everything except the AC, but will need to be careful about running one thing at a time. My thought is to conserve fuel use by being a efficient as possible. I could run a 13k and power everything I have with no worries about overloading it, but the fuel consumption would be a third more.

 

[Brent S]

Had a good day today. Weather was perfect, low 60’s and clear, just comfortable outside. Got the firewood restocked inside as it’s about to be below freezing for three days here. I mowed some, did some maintenance on the work trucks, started two more 5gal batches of wine and ate a lot of leftover thanksgiving stuff, and even managed to get a Christmas tree up today. Still have fall decorations all over the house but it’s a step towards the next holiday anyways. No major prepping advances but got some of the normal maintenance things done. Satisfying though.

 

[Maverick]

I have a 10k generator set up with propane on a 500gal tank. I’ve gone back and fourth with generator size. My 10k will run everything in the house, just not all at once. If you want hot water, turn off the AC. Those are the only two energy guzzlers that I have to worry about. I guess if I had the oven and a couple burners going at once I would have to consider that a big draw as well. Even the 10k uses a decent amount of propane though. I recently got a smaller portable generator that will run everything except the AC, but will need to be careful about running one thing at a time. My thought is to conserve fuel use by being a efficient as possible. I could run a 13k and power everything I have with no worries about overloading it, but the fuel consumption would be a third more.

Only thing electric in the house are the lights (LED) a frig and blowers for one of the fire places. Range, stove, water heater, fridge and freezer are gas. The house doesn't use much electricity, most of the electricity would be used in the shop if needed, I wanted to make sure I had more than enough power.

 

[KateMTx]

For the next few weeks I won't be here as much as I am trying to get some certification so I can get a decent job. guess you could call this prepping. It is a must do. What little I have I must invest in this with hope. I have studying to do.

I know how difficult it can be to find a job without certifications of some sort. I've been very blessed to finally have a good job but I still have no idea why they hired me. It doesn't pay a lot so that's probably part of it, but my bosses are awesome. Study hard and good luck!

 

[tmttactical]

@brandx

Keep pushing forward, One step here and one step there. I know you have the stuff to succeed. We all got faith in you.

 

[Mountain trapper]

Yesterday I hauled my tractor down to the John Deere dealer to get some hydraulic hoses made for the new snow plow. The first 5 miles of road were covered in snow and ice, slippery but no real problem. Made the 80 mile trip without incident. Coming home was fine until I got to the first steep hill on my road. I made it almost to the top and then lost traction. The truck started sliding back down the hill at a high rate of speed. This section of road is narrow with a drop off on one side. Somehow I managed to keep the truck and trailer from going off the road (in the dark) but I did have to jack knife it to get it to stop. Next I unloaded the tractor, without tipping over, and thought I'd try again. Made it a little farther this time but same thing happened. So now my truck and trailer are stuck in the road with no way to get around it. And the tractor is on the other side. Me and the dog walked the 2 miles home in total darkness. You might ask why didn't I put chains on the truck. Because the &π¥€+$#@ chains are in the barn! So much for my winter preps. Didn't have a flashlight either. Got in to a cold cabin around 9pm. This morning I'll take a set of chains down and try again.
This hill is now call Skidmark Hill.
Prepping is about everyday life, not just for major diasters. I made 2 mistakes here; first I was tired and thought I could haul a 15,000 pound load up a steep snow coverd hill without chains. Next, and this is so basic I'm almost embarrassed to say, I didn't have any water or a flashlight with me. I did have my every day carry bag which had food and extra cold weather clothing.
I'll be re-assessing my winter preps after this stupid incident.

 

[Brent S]

I got some practice soldering electrical connections today. I had to replace the ballasts on some specialty LED lights that involved disconnecting some soldered connections and then re soldering them after the repairs. By the fourth one I had it down. Now I won’t do it again for three years and will be a novice again....

 

[tmttactical]

@Arcticdude

First and foremost, glad you were not injured. Pride may have suffered a bit but a cheap learning experience. The white fluffy stuff is an absolute NO-GO for me. I will never, ever live were there is even the slightest possibility of snow. I have also done the backward jackknife routine and did not enjoy that a bit. I fully understand the "Skid Mark" name tag too. An exterior and interior joke.

 

[Proud Prepper]

I redid my EDC pack. I ordered another set of wire animal snares. Built another fire wood storage cover. Plan on cutting more wood this week and using my dad's electric log splitter.

 

[Brent S]

Am getting to use some preps this morning. Couple inches of snow on the ground and lost power this morning. Made some coffee on the wood stove at first but then decided to screw it and fired up the generator. It’s really cold, wet and muddy out there, so I may just hang near the stove all day