Back in the day, we used coffee cans for everything on the job

I was remembering how stuff was when I first got into ironwork. We didn't have all these fancy tools back then. Once, on a high-rise job, we ran out of proper containers for bolts. So, we used old coffee cans tied to our belts. It worked until one guy tripped and sent bolts flying everywhere. We spent half an hour picking them up from between the beams. Now, with organized kits and pouches, it's so much easier. But sometimes I miss the crazy fixes... though they were a mess.

2 comments

2 Comments

ruby5041d ago

Quick fixes like coffee cans made everyone watch their step, since one fall sent bolts flying. You learned to help each other avoid accidents and clean up fast. New tools are safer, but we don't have to rely on each other as much. Reusing cans also cut down on waste, something we've forgotten with all new equipment.

drew_ross7319h ago

Totally get what you're saying. Back in my dad's shop, they used old paint cans for screws and nails. If someone kicked one over, everyone stopped to help pick up, no questions asked. Now with fancy organizers, you just buy more plastic bins when they break. It's cleaner, but nobody talks. We threw out less stuff, too.