This Is What I've Been Up to Lately.

[PaladinNO]

Yeah, vacuuming-up urine and feces from a rodent's nest wouldn't be my first thought. Hanta virus concerns, and other similar nasty pathogens.

Shout out to all the moms and dads out there who implored us all as kids, to not eat the dirt, to wash our hands before meals or touching our faces, etc. They knew what they were talkin' about.

Callback to this thread.
While I am not accustomed to rodents, and have no experience on how to handle them, I do like to apply some logic before I work with something I haven't done before. In this case, do some googling before doing something my way - which would very much have been the wrong way.

As for general sensitbility, I excessively thank my father for that (who sadly passed before I feel I really got to know him). This is probably more suited for the other thread, but he instilled in me not to do stupid things from a very early age. It makes me sad to think about all the - now obvious - things I have had to learn myself through experience - many things I feel he should have been the one to teach me. Safe and proper use of many hand tools for one.

It's not the first time I have cleaned the garage (see page 1 in this thread - did it properly for the first time ever in June 2024). I had to clean the remains of a mouse nest back then too, but I didn't think to use a UV-light before proceeding (got my Sofirn SF16 some 4 months prior, my first "proper" UV-light, and still hadn't learned all the usecases, if any other than checking the bathroom, of UV - now I use a Convoy S12, which is better in every way). So no anti-bac before vacuuming that time. I did use a mask though (which was likely not configured properly - I don't think I had a filter on it at all), and gloves and protective clothing.

I don't know how old the nest was back then though - I have honestly never seen a mouse in the garage, only found that old nest and a lot of droppings, plus this fresh nest. Come to think of it, I would assume a vacuum would safer to do during the winter? When everything is frozen solid, and with less risk of bacterial spreading? Probably not healthy for the vacuum, being operated in -15°C, but that is okay if there is less risk of toxins getting in the air by doing the same job in the summer heat.

before ever touching the vac.

I like calling it "dust-evac" just for fun (the shorthand "vac" is still in there), as in "I am evacuating the dust to a more suitable location".

 

[ButchW]

Shout out to all the moms and dads out there who implored us all as kids, to not eat the dirt, to wash our hands before meals or touching our faces, etc. They knew what they were talkin' about.

Yea, but how many of us listened? …
Butch

 

[PaladinNO]

Yea, but how many of us listened? …

WE listened - it's why we're still here. Shoutout to the parents of the previous generation - you did good!

 

[Candleometry]

(one of my) My summer project: to have electric in my detached garage.

When we bought the house there was an in ground pool in the backyard. It needed some work so we decided we’d rather have gardens. We hired a company to basically implode it into the ground. I don’t know why or how but ever since then the power from the house to the garage, which runs underground, has not worked. I just left it but now that I’m retired I’d like to find a so,union.

Solution #1: Run new cable underground from the house to the garage. This sounds like a PIA but it might be the cheapest option. It’s also a lot of work. If I knew where the break was I could repair it possibly but would it be waterproof?

Solution #2: Somehow add solar power to the garage. This seems easier perhaps but could be costly. How can I get the biggest bang for buck?

If I rerun the power line from my house to my garage I need to determine where it currently exits the house and enters the garage. I know where it enters the garage but I need to find the line that leaves the house. Not difficult. Then, do I follow the same path? Is the coax damaged or can I run new lines through it? Difficult to determine because I cannot see it.

If I go with solar I first need to figure out what I want to run off it. Lights, perhaps a radio or small charger for power tools. This will tell me what size battery and solar array I need. *Note: my garage (and house) has a hip roof. This limits the roof area on each side. How many panels would fit?

Next I need to price things out and find the best value. I’m not spending $10,000 to have lights in my garage. I can run an extension cord from my back patio when I need it which is what I currently do.

I’m in no hurry and will do this in small stages. Nicer weather is around the corner and I love being outside. Wish me luck and if anyone has suggestions open to them.

 

[orbital]

+

Candleometry

doing a 24V solar setup (panels & batteries connected in series)

two 200W solar panels = $400 or less
two 100Ah LFP batteries = $250 or less (have those in heated home & run cabling out to garage)
24V pure sine inverter = $125 and up (heck, you can get a 2000W one for under $200)
20A solar controller (doing 24V) $69
cabling & other stuff $100 or less

Budget $900
doing a solar setup is a good learning experience/hobby and it can be really satisfying running things off sun.

>>> LFP can be recharged over & over & over..............& over .................& over....several thousand times.
They are amazing

 

[Monocrom]

(one of my) My summer project: to have electric in my detached garage.

When we bought the house there was an in ground pool in the backyard. It needed some work so we decided we’d rather have gardens. We hired a company to basically implode it into the ground. I don’t know why or how but ever since then the power from the house to the garage, which runs underground, has not worked. I just left it but now that I’m retired I’d like to find a so,union.

Solution #1: Run new cable underground from the house to the garage. This sounds like a PIA but it might be the cheapest option. It’s also a lot of work. If I knew where the break was I could repair it possibly but would it be waterproof?

Solution #2: Somehow add solar power to the garage. This seems easier perhaps but could be costly. How can I get the biggest bang for buck?

If I rerun the power line from my house to my garage I need to determine where it currently exits the house and enters the garage. I know where it enters the garage but I need to find the line that leaves the house. Not difficult. Then, do I follow the same path? Is the coax damaged or can I run new lines through it? Difficult to determine because I cannot see it.

If I go with solar I first need to figure out what I want to run off it. Lights, perhaps a radio or small charger for power tools. This will tell me what size battery and solar array I need. *Note: my garage (and house) has a hip roof. This limits the roof area on each side. How many panels would fit?

Next I need to price things out and find the best value. I’m not spending $10,000 to have lights in my garage. I can run an extension cord from my back patio when I need it which is what I currently do.

I’m in no hurry and will do this in small stages. Nicer weather is around the corner and I love being outside. Wish me luck and if anyone has suggestions open to them.

I mean, you've got time now that you're retired. If I were in your shoes, I'd go with the cheapest option,.

 

[Candleometry]

+

Candleometry

doing a 24V solar setup (panels & batteries connected in series)

two 200W solar panels = $400 or less
two 100Ah LFP batteries = $250 or less (have those in heated home & run cabling out to garage)
24V pure sine inverter = $125 and up (heck, you can get a 2000W one for under $200)
20A solar controller (doing 24V) $69
cabling & other stuff $100 or less

Budget $900
doing a solar setup is a good learning experience/hobby and it can be really satisfying running things off sun.

>>> LFP can be recharged over & over & over..............& over .................& over....several thousand times.
They are amazing

Thank you.
I have portable LFP battery chargers (Anker) which I like for outside, travel, etc. I did not know they could not be left outside in the cold (I have never done that with my portable ones). If I have to store them inside and run a cable (how?) to the garage I might as well run a cable for AC. Ugh.

 

[ButchW]

1st you need to know what your power requirements are.. Now that you’re retired, any hobbies you want to do? … Woodworking, metal fabricating, welding, anything that is going to use more power than a few lights and and receptacles?… If so, then that may determine your course of action… I’m a retired electrician, and while most of my career was doing commercial and industrial work, not housing, I am familiar with it and have done a lot of it… The simplest and least maintenance would be to run a new line from the existing panel to the garage..You may need need help if you are not familiar comfortable with electricity… What ever you do be safe…
Butch

 

[Chauncey Gardener]

@Candleometry, what are your plans for your home? It would be worth educating yourself on how having a solar system affects sales value and appeal for potential buyers. Perhaps a phone call to a local realtor would be educational.

One can make plans for the future, but one can't know what lies ahead.

 

[orbital]

Thank you.
I have portable LFP battery chargers (Anker) which I like for outside, travel, etc. I did not know they could not be left outside in the cold (I have never done that with my portable ones). If I have to store them inside and run a cable (how?) to the garage I might as well run a cable for AC. Ugh.

+

I fully understand,
you just can't keep your LFP batteries in a unheated garage in the winter and then put a charge to them.
There're pluses & minuses to everything...

Four years ago I had my underground wiring go out up to my garage,, detached/about 70 feet from my house.
Had to get it replaced.

Since it was being done, had my electrician go ahead and put in 240V in my garage to future-proof it,
and for a selling point down the road.

__________________________________________________________________________________
While back, I mentioned an electric start, 120 & 240V inverter generator for $800

https://www.amazon.com/WEN-6800-Watt-RV-Ready-Generator-DF680iX/dp/B0DVF1RPCJ?th=1

 

[Candleometry]

1st you need to know what your power requirements are.. Now that you’re retired, any hobbies you want to do? … Woodworking, metal fabricating, welding, anything that is going to use more power than a few lights and and receptacles?… If so, then that may determine your course of action… I’m a retired electrician, and while most of my career was doing commercial and industrial work, not housing, I am familiar with it and have done a lot of it… The simplest and least maintenance would be to run a new line from the existing panel to the garage..You may need need help if you are not familiar comfortable with electricity… What ever you do be safe…
Butch

Thanks Butch.
I do (did) enjoy woodworking. I have not only old hands tools but also a chop saw, planer, jigsaw, etc. I wouldn’t mind running in the garage but I know they will take a lot more power.

 

[Candleometry]

@Candleometry, what are your plans for your home? It would be worth educating yourself on how having a solar system affects sales value and appeal for potential buyers. Perhaps a phone call to a local realtor would be educational.

One can make plans for the future, but one can't know what lies ahead.

Great question. If I were to guess I would say we are staying put. You never know but my wife enjoys the house and neighborhood.
I don’t think I would ever do solar in the house. A small workshop in the garage? Perhaps. Good idea to speak to a local realtor though.

 

[Candleometry]

+

I fully understand,
you just can't keep your LFP batteries in a unheated garage in the winter and then put a charge to them.
There're pluses & minuses to everything...

Four years ago I had my underground wiring go out up to my garage,, detached/about 70 feet from my house.
Had to get it replaced.

Since it was being done, had my electrician go ahead and put in 240V in my garage to future-proof it,
and for a selling point down the road.

__________________________________________________________________________________
While back, I mentioned an electric start, 120 & 240V inverter generator for $800

https://www.amazon.com/WEN-6800-Watt-RV-Ready-Generator-DF680iX/dp/B0DVF1RPCJ?th=1

There was 240v out there also because of the pool. It’s turned off at the breaker and I’ve never tested that. No need for it now.
My brother-in-law was an electrician for the city. He’s been retired for quite a long time. I might just ask him to have someone stop by and assess the situation.

 

[orbital]

+

Just want some light in your garage and want to do it for very little $:
Use DC lights (3000K), they are far more efficient and will save tons of battery.

Use this 12V to USB adapter with clamps to a basic deep cell 12V battery.
... with the Neg. already connected to battery,, just connect the Pos. when you go into garage > you have light.
Unclamp just Pos. when you leave.

You could do it for around $100 if you buy the deep cell,,, less if you have deep cell already.

https://www.amazon.com/Brightech-Ambience-Pro-Camping-Lights/dp/B07SX9XP83/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?

Connect to the USB2 or USB3 on unit

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C13VNZBB/?

edit'reword

 

[Candleometry]

Dryer belt replaced and my clothes are suddenly less wet!

 

[Candleometry]

+

Just want some light in your garage and want to do it for very little $:
Use DC lights (3000K), they are far more efficient and will save tons of battery.

Use this 12V to USB adapter with clamps to a basic deep cell 12V battery.
... with the Neg. already connected to battery,, just connect the Pos. when you go into garage > you have light.
Unclamp just Pos. when you leave.

You could do it for around $100 if you buy the deep cell,,, less if you have deep cell already.

https://www.amazon.com/Brightech-Ambience-Pro-Camping-Lights/dp/B07SX9XP83/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?

Connect to the USB2 or USB3 on unit

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B0C13VNZBB/?

edit'reword

I was actually thinking about this. I have those exact lights in the front and back porches of my cabin.
When you say deep cell, is that the same as a marine battery? I actually, for fun, built a case with a marine battery and output meter many years ago. It’s at my other house. I wonder if it’s still functional?

 

[Galane]

A self heating LFP battery will take care of the temperature issues for using it in an unheated garage/shop.

 

[PaladinNO]

We are having a VERY early spring this year - was early last year, and so far even earlier this year (more snow can be expected though)...so I have been wasting no time in continuing with the new gutters.

Screwed in place another 4 gutters hooks, and got 2 lengths mounted today. No pictures yet, as it suddenly got dark real quick. But I can post them tomorrow.
*PLEASE do not let it rain now! The gutters currenly ends right outside my bedroom window!*

 

[PaladinNO]

Some pictures of yesterday's efforts.

The rightmost hook should have been raised slightly, the slope isn't steep enough. I'll see if I can work the problem, but not much I can do about it now. A few millimeters of water don't want to trickle down properly between the rightmost and second to right hook. But after that, it works great.



Gooped the joints really good with Tec7 TransClear for increased sealing and protection.



Old gutters.



Meanwhile, on the other side of the house - in the words of Marty Pascal from Down Periscope: "No leaks."...



EDIT:
See post 454 where I left off last year.

 

[PaladinNO]

PROGRESS!!!
Ain't no "maybe" about it either.

Finally DONE with the gutters (still missing the downspout puzzle) on one side of the house. #sweat

One piece left, with the final prep work done:


Wish me luck!


Success!



...If I do say so myself. ^^
Any retro-gamers recognizing the game?

Used a Milwaukee HoleDozer Carbide Teeth 76 mm to make the hole. I will apply some metal paint along the edge.
Since I didn't do this on the ground (...note to self for next time), I had to stay up in the ladder and feathering the drill down onto the gutter, else the drill bit would just snag on the metal, twist and abruptly stop. I expected that would happen, so I put on my best cut-resistent gloves (Milwaukee Winter-Cut Level 5), and an extra wrist protector on the right hand (drill trigger hand).

Now I am taking a well-deserved break, drinking water, soda, and eating some salty snacks on the side.

I am told the amount of swearing is proportional to the quality of the work being done...and if that is true, this job - this last piece today - is done right!
...I was occasionally looking across to the neighbours property, seeing if they were home - they got young kids that are often playing outside, who should perhaps not yet learn some of the phrases I uttered.

I'll let the Tec7 cure some more in the sun for now, then I will do another flow test with a bottle / bucket of water later today. If everything works, and I can't see why it should not at this point, then there is only the downspout puzzle left. And I should have all the parts I need for that - angle it back towards the house, cut a piece of the piping to get close to the wall, another angle, then down and angle it out and away from the wall.