MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 26, 2013 Alright here we go with a question for Wednesday. I'm looking to create a toolbox for installing vinyl, so my questions are simple. I normally just install window decals which I use a ruler for of course measuring and masking tape. I also just ordered some Graphix Gone, Action Tac, and plastic razor blades. 1. What do you use to transport / store your installation equipment? 2. What kind of tools do you use? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted June 26, 2013 I use on of these that is a lot deeper. I think it was $5 at Target... I have in it: squeegies app fluid scissors level box cutter china marker measuring tape rags I use cotton terry towels that I get for free from a motel...ones that are too worn for guests) Cigars Zippo lighter plain masking tape (for hinging) Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 26, 2013 I known I'm going to regret askin but what's the cigar for other than smoking? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petroman2012 168 Posted June 26, 2013 yeah...I was going to ask that too.... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petroman2012 168 Posted June 26, 2013 I get it..Its a Clinton Joke... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petroman2012 168 Posted June 26, 2013 Sorry..No Offense Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted June 26, 2013 I smoke Cigars and they help me to concentrate. That,and people tend to avoid cigar smoke and I don't like customers standing beside me while I work. 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 26, 2013 Genius I love that idea, I thought it was to keep bugs away never thought of watchers. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
petroman2012 168 Posted June 26, 2013 I just give'em S.B.D. ...Run's em off everytime... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 26, 2013 Or plumbers crack works too lol. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 26, 2013 Ok so nobody else? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
OWJones 1,981 Posted June 26, 2013 I would add RapidPrep surface cleaner, paper towels and as far as measuring tapes go, I have one that is a centering tape that helps you find the center of an object for when you're mathematically challenged and can't find the center of a 77 3/4" window. The one I have is similar to this one and I found it on the clearance rack at a Michael's craft store for $5.00 I also include the only item from Sign Warehouse that I still regularly use, one of their bubble popper tools which is nothing more than a piece of dowel rod with one end cut at a 45° slant and a needle sticking out of the other end. The pointy end is perfect for taking care of any weeding you missed or for taking care of bubbles that occur during installation and the slanted end works as a burnishing tool for smoothing out tiny bubbles or wrinkles that may occur. I made something similar by snapping a quilting needle (larger than standard sewing needles) in half (wear safety glasses!) and inserted the pointy half of the needle into an X-acto knife handle - it makes it heftier and feels nicer in the hand, but the absence of the slanted end makes me often times go back to the wooden version. I also have a standard glass scraper tool that uses single-edged razor blades for removing material from glass, and I keep a couple Lil' Chizzelers in my bag as well as a spray bottle of Oops! cleaner for removing adhesive residue. I picked up a set of rolling scissors in the craft area of a local drug store and have found them to be very handy - they work well on vinyl, app tape and liner - or all 3 at once. I use them primarily when doing hinge installs to cut away the first half of the liner once it's taped in place - there are no exposed sharp edges so I don't have to worry about scratching someone's paint job on their vehicle. You might also consider a spray bottle filled with rubbing alcohol that you can use to cool down dark tinted glass on sunny days. I just bought two more large bottles at Wal-Mart, they stock 50% isopropyl and 70% in larger bottles and the price is about the same, but the 70% evaporates faster and cools quicker. I think I paid $1.96 per bottle. As far as carrying containers, I have a DeWalt tool bag that I purchased at a storage unit auction for only $5. It looked brand new and I didn't have a specific use in mind when I bought it and it sat around for a couple of years until I went looking for something to put my install tools in and then I remembered where it was. It's a little big, and I'd like something a little smaller, but I already owned it and so I didn't have to spend any more money... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
tekcorps 50 Posted June 26, 2013 Similar to Banner and OW, but I also carry 4 strong round magnets about 1" in dia along with my center tape I also carry seamstress tape measure and my rollepro rivet tool. No cigars or intern's notes. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
signyouup 178 Posted June 26, 2013 Same as tekcorps minus the Rollerpro Rivet Tool. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted June 26, 2013 Knife Felt squeegee 3M gold squeegee Masking tape Centerline tape measure - yeah I'm lazy like that Paper towels App. fluid Adhesive remover Single edge razors - regular and plastic Trash bag for the mess afterwards. Can't forget the camera. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
sleeveofwizzard 104 Posted June 26, 2013 I try to keep it simple. I have a small tupperware container that holds scissors, two squeegees, an exacto knife with extra blades, weeding poker tool, plastic razor, weeding tweezers, blue masking tape, and a womans measuring tape (the kind used for sowing). I leave the measuring tape with about 3 feet out and the rest rolled up and tape it so it doesn't unravel. I carry a regular tape measure on my belt and my app fluid sprayer holds paper towels on the neck. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
jaybyrd 3,770 Posted June 26, 2013 Lots of water to drink Aspirin - just in case it turns into a fun one. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mabscotthandyman 1,410 Posted June 26, 2013 I have a couple tool totes similar to what John showed Sissors ,stabilos, steel rulers,magnetic ruler,tape,app fluid ,window cleaner.razor blades,paper towels and terry towels,rapid prep , levels , radio and a cooler of botteled water and my coffee jug. Plus any thing I think I might need if it is any distance away I would rather have to unload it then need it and not have it in the van. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 27, 2013 great items guys you gave me a lot of information and now my wallet has moths living in it lol. however I found something I think would be good. I'm not fond of the color but its will hold most if not everything. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimnAng 56 Posted June 27, 2013 I like that, MadHatter... where did you get it? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 27, 2013 Ang I haven't picked it up yet however Walmart supposedly has them I saw one in their clearance area and now hoping they still have it. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimnAng 56 Posted June 27, 2013 I'll have to check out our local Walmart. Wouldn't mind having one! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BannerJohn 1,324 Posted June 27, 2013 http://www.ebay.com/itm/Creative-Options-Crafty-Carry-All-Tote-14-5-X9-X6-875-Vineyard-/290934053539?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item43bd055aa3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
TimnAng 56 Posted June 28, 2013 Thanks John! Now I know where to get one, if Walmart fails! Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
MadHatterGraphix 1,258 Posted June 28, 2013 I just got mine at Walmart at $9.00 alsoicked up a paint brush caddie for $6.00 for my weeding tools etc. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
