PROVEN Useful tools for renos.

[Crackedegg]

I was working on my Boler 1700 stripping the last of the Ensolite out today and thought I would recommend a few tools for the job. That got me thinking to suggest a new thread specifically for a listing of tools that have PROVENuseful during renos. Not tools you are going to use but ones you have had success with. Perhaps saving people time and energy. I know I have a bunch more things to do and always appreciate when someone can streamline my task.
Important factors I consider when buying a tool: Will I use it again afterward? How much does it cost? How easy is it to use? What is the set up time? How durable is it? What are the maintenance costs? Am I just being lazy...? Etc...

Anyway its just a sort of "it takes a village to reno and egg" kind of thing...

ENSOLITE REMOVAL
Anyway while removing my Ensolite I read various threads about how to take it off. I saw scrapers to even someone using a pressure washer...?

I started(read below if you want to see what tools I used before hand) with a Dremel Multi-Max (electric tool) with a Rigid scraper blade. This worked well. Still took a lot of effort but was much easier then hand scraping. I tried the flexible scraper blade but it was no good(too flexible). After an hour though the Dremel started shutting off. I believe the contact for the switch rattled loose. Long story short: I could not return it and it was too expensive to repair.
I bought a Fein Multimaster which has the scraper blade in the kit and it was awesome. I would really recommend this tool but I think there are others out there that are just as good.(I actually love Dremel tools so it may be just this one tool)

I had also tied a large floor scraper with little effect and a large hand scraper as well as some wall paper scrapers etc... also with little effect.
Hope this helps anyone starting this job.(I will repost this again as a stand alone reply)

[Francesca Knowles]

Originally Posted by Crackedegg

a new thread specifically for a listing of tools that have PROVENuseful during renos. Not tools you are going to use but ones you have had success with. Perhaps saving people time and energy.

I'll start!

Here's a real popular tool: http://www.fiberglassrv.com/forums/

Francesca

[freddo411]

#1 on my list is this:

Amazon.com: Dremel 6300-01 120-Volt Multi-Max Oscillating Kit: Home Improvement

You can accurately cut fiberglass of any thickness. Not fast, but accurate.

As you noted, this is also good for scraping off Ensolite.

[Donna D.]

Kitchen electric knife for cutting foam rubber. Cuts like butter, don't sneeze!!

[Carol H]

Voltage Meter and a rivet gun!

[uhaulin]

A plastic scraper and plastic razor blades to remove all silicone from previous owners.