Special Tool Invention

Michael T

Michael T

Member
Hey Guys, Any of you invent any special tools and wish you would have developed it and marketed it?
Im talking about specific tools of the trade.
I built a couple duct spinning tools about ten years ago. Before the were on the market.
We have special right angle tips to reach those hard to get to areas so you dont have to disassemble fans.

O great that just cost me $8,000.00. LOL

Quite now dont tell.

Seriously, anybody got any goodies to share.



Michael T / Centex Pressure Washing Serv.
 
I don't have any special inventions, I think we all have made some variation of wand or angled nozzle to reach those hard to get to places, like the top of the hood just behind the filters, that spot you can't see unless you lean in a look up.
How about this, does anyone have any problems that they see over and over again that are always a pain to deal with. Maybe if they post it here someone has found a easy way to deal with that problem already.
I'll start it out. At a Roy Rogers, most of which in my area have been closed and rebuilt into McDonalds, but I always had this problem, that still pops up occasionally.
It's a hood where they have tiled the wall up to the hood. This essentially makes the hood recessed into the wall, making it impossible to tuck the plastic behind the wall, then on the wall are all kinds of electrical plugs, several 220 plugs, one 440 plug "OUCH" and of course several 110 plugs. All of these plugs are flush mounted. I always had a problem protecting those plugs, The only way I have found is to turn them off, put tape over them, and hope for the best. Any thoughts?
 
Bryan, this will only cost $500.00 because it is so basic. I assume you are spraying degreaser on the wall before applying the tape, then making sure the wall is dry? I lay several layers over the plug, starting vertically, then going horizontally. When going horizontal, start at the bottom, & lay the 2nd tape over the first, then the 3rd and on up till the plug is covered.
The next hint it $750.00, because of the expensive material cost. The older McDonald's have a floor mounted box for the 230V grille power cords. Place a plastic bag over the box, secure it with tape or a bungee cord.
After taping,bagging, go to the breaker panel, shut off power. Remember to turn the power back on before leaving

Please remit payment to (Cash only, I promise to pay my taxes)
Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
 
OK I was going to send payment, but that is exactly how I handle the plug on the wall problem, but if you get a system that requires a lot of water, or a situation where it is wet for long time, the tape tends to not work as well after time, I'm looking for a new idea, one that is full proof, if that even exists.
As far as the McDonalds. a trash bag is perfect, place it over the box twist it tight at the corner and tuck the excess plastic inside itself to keep it out of the way, we do that now in case we have a problem with our water containment system. Kinda double protection
 
Hello Michael,

We have never done it in kitchens but many of our cleaning projects in industrial accounts require total protection for electrical.

We use a paintable/peelable vinyl mask over any electrical openings. Sometimes that may include conduit, boxes, cords, etc. Before applying the mask we clean the surface with a electro-solvent. After all of this we mask (duct tape, plastice) as usual. We of course turn off the outlets if we can before cleaning with water. Sometimes we can't so we stay away from direct spraying that area and clean by hand.

Dave Olson
 
Dave a few questions, would that stuff work in a kitchen, and how long does it take to dry. Oh and where do you get it, and what is the name of it.


Hey Douglas, now that is a new idea, and it actually addresses or at least attempts to address the problem that I had stated, and Dave didn't try to charge for it. LOL
 
I have used plastic on the flush mounted outlets and then covered with a big glob of plumbers putty. Make it into a disk about 50 % bigger than you need....and press onto plastic over outlet. Peels right off when done...and don't hit the outlet with too much water pressure. One challenge I have had with my tilted fans....is how to remove the water that collects inside the cowling when tilted.....these are on hinge kits and don't tilt more than about 50 degrees. Any Ideas?

Scott Wooten
Southeastern Cleaning Systems, Inc.
Athens, GA
 
Hey Scott that plumbers putty idea seems like a good one, I will try it the next chance I get. As far as the water in the fan, I have the same problem with hinged McDonalds fans. Most of the time if it is just dirty water, I will take the tip off the gun and flush it out, You may have to spray the greasy water with some chemical to keep the grease moving, but in the end I'm left with 90% or so clean water in the bottom of the fan, which I just leave to dry up on it's own, If you want to get any better than that it will probably take a vacuum, or punch a drain hole in the back of the fan, the drain hole is probably not the best option though.
maybe someone else has a idea.


See Doug, another useful idea that addresses the original problem, and no bill. See how that works. LOL have a nice day all.

Hey guys I have been trying to keep a dialogue going here, I'm either going run out of steam or you guys are going to get tire of hearing from me.
 
Dave, where do you get the vinyl mask to cover electrical boxes with?

It would be nice if one method did work to keep the water where is belonged. Unfortunately, I Have not found that way yet. I suppose the $8,000 guy in Tennessee has, that is why he charges and gets $8,000 and I'm still waiting for my money. I use clamps, scrapers, cardboard, tape and make sure I know where the mop is. Sometimes I even bring the vacuum in from the van.

I always pay for the suggestions I use from the BBS. Why won't you guys do the same? I cut a slot in the top if the computer, and put a check in .....I don't know why nobody ever cashes them.

Douglas Hicks
General Fire Equipment Co of Eastern Oregon, Inc
 
The mask that we have used is called Acid Guard. We purchased it from Diedrich Chemicals in Milwaukee. Been quite awhile since I bought/used any but it seems like our cost was around $20 per gallon in 5's.

This product was intended to protect windows from an acid wash on the outside of buildings. We have never tried to use this product in a kitchen. The cost and time to apply and needing to use electro-solvent to pre clean the area really should not be done in a place where they cook food. Kind of like Shiela Shine.

Dave Olson
 
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