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Got called out for my broom finish on a garage floor in Phoenix
An old timer watched me work and said, 'Kid, you're dragging that broom like you're mad at it. Let the weight do the work.' I was putting way too much muscle into it, leaving deep grooves. The next day, I just held the handle loose and walked it across the wet concrete. The finish came out way more even, with a nice, light texture. Anyone else get a piece of advice that flipped a basic skill for you?
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ryan_sanchez3mo ago
Ever think you had to force it until someone showed you the easy way?
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max_jones1mo ago
Grab a rubber mallet instead of a regular hammer, that's the trick I never see anyone mention. The soft face won't dent or bend the lid, but it transfers enough force to break the paint seal clean. I used to think you had to pry and curse at the thing (and I did, plenty of times), but one good tap on each side with a rubber mallet and it pops right off. Plus you don't risk slipping and stabbing yourself with a screwdriver, which is nice if you're like me and tend to get impatient. It's one of those things where the tool you use matters way more than the muscle you put into it.
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drewjenkins3mo ago
Totally get that. Ever try to open a paint can with a flathead screwdriver? I used to hammer and pry until the lid was wrecked. Watched a guy just tap the tip around the rim a few times to break the seal, then lift it clean. Felt like an idiot.
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