What are we short on our preps that will be the downfall??

crafty2002 · #1 04/01/08, 07:10 AM

Here's my list of get this done in a hurry, "IF" the government don't go broke before we get the "extra check" this year.

Build stand for the 275 gallon oil tank that I just got to build a smoker grill from, which has since changed to a gas tank and fill said tank as far as I can get it filled with the pennies I have, and buy supply of fuel stabilizer. (The fuel will be used only for the toy tractor and tiller for the garden.) Or maybe I should just buy a mule.

By spare parts for toy tractor, tiller and chainsaw, to include good supply of engine and chain oil, plus a 100 ft roll of chain for saw.

Buy materials for electric fence.

Buy two to four piglets and two goats.

Order more seeds of things I never thought I would need to plant including wheat and every spice I can think of. (and check on medical herbs more and order seeds for them.)

Stock up on canning lids and rings and get more jars.

Stock up on fertilizer.

Finish the egg incubator and don't kill rooster that is driving me nuts with his crowing. Sure as I do the other one will die.

Get off my butt and build a wind mill and get to the junk yard for a load of batteries. (That's going to be costly because someone said they are paying 7 bucks for junk batteries now.)

What am I missing??????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????

What are we short on our preps????

If I can get this done I will feel a lot better about things. How about everyone else. How do we all stand.

Callieslamb · #2 04/01/08, 07:50 AM

you are some kind of miracle worker! I mean it, you must have a work ethic that would put a bee to shame! In your spare time, why don't you come for a road trip my way?

We are putting in a fuel tank -getting new appliances that run on gas and a gas tankless waterheater.

I need to replace some of my worn garden tools and buy extra fencing supplies. and a better compost pile area for when the fertilizer runs out - because it will. I also need lime.

More canning jars. Maybe a new canner or at least new seals.

Need to enlarge the chicken run and get them a better cover for when it rains.

I need bleach, bandages, batteries.

And since we don't have butts in our house, I will have to get off my duff and get moving. . .

If we get the govt stimulus check....haven' thought about that one much.....

ailsaek · #3 04/01/08, 08:07 AM

Wow. And here I was just going to use mine to pay down my credit card. I am humbled.

turtlehead · #4 04/01/08, 08:30 AM

Crafty, you're thinking on exactly the same wavelengths we are. We sat down and made a list on the back of an envelope of "Things We Need To Get Done While We Can".

Pressure tank and something else for the well (DH is converting it to solar powered!!!)
Electric fencing supplies
Extra canning lids (just the flats)
Manual drill and two man saw
Extra chains for chainsaws
Bunch of stainless steel screws
Fruit trees

That's all I can remember off the top of my head. The list was pretty long, though.

crafty2002 · #5 04/01/08, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Callieslamb

you are some kind of miracle worker! I mean it, you must have a work ethic that would put a bee to shame! In your spare time, why don't you come for a road trip my way? .

That was cute. I have always had a go get at it attitude when it comes to working. I just wish my body could still keep up with it. If I still has a full tank of gas in this body I would gladly make the trip, but the gauge reads just above empty. I just pray it will stay there until TSHTF and the DW and DD realizes they better get in gear also before it hits empty. I have them in low gear but that was an uphill battle. Maybe they will get second soon.

Thanks a bunch turtlehead. I need to get a couple of 50# boxes of nails and some screws also. I am going back to add that to the OP, LOL.
And I am going to build, or at least buy the parts needed to build a windmill, because many things I can do without having electricity for, but tools aren't one of them.
I do have a couple of small engines I could use to build 12 volt generator for and buy a small inverter.

And for anyone interested, www.harborfrieght.com has solar powered fence chargers for $59.99. The item # is 47454-1VGA.
I have no idea whether they are good ones or what but I am going to get 2 or 3 "IF" we get the "EXTRA CHECK" . I can't afford to be picky at the time.

If my credit was still good enough to get a credit card (something I never wanted period and have never had) I would max it out in a heart beat for supplies and worry about paying it later. But as it is, I was lucky to buy the house before I fell and everything fell apart. The strings I am hanging on to are then as it is, LOL.

Dennis

turtlehead · #6 04/01/08, 09:02 AM

Also for anyone interested, amazon.com has the canning flats for, I think it was $1.59 per box (a dozen in a box). They add shipping onto that but even with shipping the price came out to be about $1.79 per box. That's a lot better than I could do locally at the grocery or hardware stores.

That sounds like a real good price on solar powered fence chargers, Dennis.

We looked at Lowe's and Home Depot for a manual drill and two-man saw this weekend, no joy. Might have to go to Lehman's or some other nostalgic type place, and pay some big nostalgic bucks for them

If you don't have a windup radio/flashlight, add that to your list. They're great when the power is out.

horselover.com · #7 04/01/08, 09:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by crafty2002

get to the junk yard for a load of batteries. (That's going to be costly because someone said they are paying 7 bucks for junk batteries now.)

*feeling dumb here*
what do you do with 'junk batteries'?

Explorer · #8 04/01/08, 09:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtlehead

We looked at Lowe's and Home Depot for a manual drill and two-man saw this weekend, no joy. Might have to go to Lehman's or some other nostalgic type place, and pay some big nostalgic bucks for them

Look for a breast drill at the flea markets, most made before WWII. I have six, all made before 1920. Sears labeled a two speed one that is very good.

Cyngbaeld · #9 04/01/08, 09:53 AM

Dennis, fence off that garden and put the piglets in it. They will till it up for you real good.

NoClue · #10 04/01/08, 10:35 AM

My Luddite challenge this year is to do all of my woodworking with no electricity (other than lights and the radio). I have a hand drill I bought via Amazon because I couldn't find one locally and it wasn't expensive at all.

I'm finishing my first project now and I have to say that it's been a thoroughly rewarding process. Nothing was as difficult as I thought it would be; I learned more techniques on this one project than I have in the past ten year; the joints fit better; and I know more about my tools now than I thought there was to know before.

An important thing about hand cranked drills if you haven't used them before: they aren't power drills and if you try to use them like one you'll be disappointed. Use them for what they are and you'll get better results than a power drill.

SquashNut · #11 04/01/08, 11:20 AM

You might consiter some rabbits.

PineRidge · #12 04/01/08, 11:31 AM

Well, I just bought 30 chicks yesterday, so some kind of chicken coop is needed.

I need some more rain barrels.

I also need a two man saw, so if anyone finds an onlineplace with good deals, don't keep it a secret.

Still have to fence in the pigs area. DH is trying to change his mind about where to put it, but the spot I have picked out is a future garden plot, then there is another garden plot to switch to next year. And the fencing would help keep deer out.... But I have to let him figure this out himself, then the piggies will go where I wanted them, lol.

I would like to have more lumber, fasteners, shingles, and other building material on hand.

texican · #13 04/01/08, 12:19 PM

I need a dozen pairs of good boots. Current pair of everydays are falling apart.

I need to fill my diesel tank.... have been holding off for a few months, on the promise of 1$ diesel... but looks like that source is gone...

More bullets. Never have enough bullets.

Horns Bach · #14 04/01/08, 01:00 PM

We need to get a good stock of rolled polyethylene greenhouse film.
We don't have a greenhouse but we've got enough wood and materials to build one, if needed. All we have to buy is the film, which might be hard to get if economic troubles and stuff.

Spinner · #15 04/01/08, 02:31 PM

My list is growing daily:

a new shovel
rain barrels
lamp oil
more gas storage for lawnmower & tiller
more rabbits (to prevent interbreeding)
rain gutters to assist in collecting water
a pair of tubs to assist in laundry when the washer isn't usable
new dish pans
more clothes pins

I'm sure there are other things I need to acquire, but right now I can't think of them.

pickapeppa · #16 04/01/08, 02:57 PM

Medications?

turtlehead · #17 04/01/08, 03:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Explorer

Look for a breast drill at the flea markets, most made before WWII.

That's a good idea; I've never heard of a breast drill. Thanks.

Quote:

Originally Posted by texican

I need a dozen pairs of good boots.

Boots! We thought of extra jeans but forgot boots!!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Spinner

more rabbits (to prevent interbreeding)
more clothes pins

There's been a lot of discussion about inbreeding and line breeding recently in the rabbit forum, and the consensus was that if you're breeding for show or pets, inbreeding might be bad - but if you're breeding for meat, inbreeding is best because it accentuates the good and bad traits of your herd. You keep the best and eat the rest.

Clothes pins is another one I forgot. Glad you mentioned it.

Dennis, this is a great thread!

treesonggal · #18 04/01/08, 04:22 PM

We need a few loads of gravel for the driveway. Have never been here this time of year and we're sinking!

We need a hand pump for the well and it looks like we're going to get chickens. So that means a coop, etc. Geesh, we have enough projects but George likes eggs. We have enough fencing but need posts so we can "free range" them right off our back yard without too much concern for predators. They'll be in the coop at night. George raised them in this area before at his old farm and claims he knows what to do. So time will tell.

We need more regular lids too but first I'm going to ask my Dad if he has any stashed from when he used to can. If so, it would be one of the few things he's not given away. While home I discovered he had given seven Griswold fry pans away and various hand tools!!!!!

Explorer · #19 04/01/08, 07:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NoClue

My Luddite challenge this year is to do all of my woodworking with no electricity (other than lights and the radio). I have a hand drill I bought via Amazon because I couldn't find one locally and it wasn't expensive at all.

I'm finishing my first project now and I have to say that it's been a thoroughly rewarding process. Nothing was as difficult as I thought it would be; I learned more techniques on this one project than I have in the past ten year; the joints fit better; and I know more about my tools now than I thought there was to know before.

An important thing about hand cranked drills if you haven't used them before: they aren't power drills and if you try to use them like one you'll be disappointed. Use them for what they are and you'll get better results than a power drill.

I did that with a small entertainment center last winter. It was very enjoyable and rewarding.

You might try actual wood drill bits (the ones with a pointed center) in your hand drill as they work much better. Anything larger than about 3/8" I use a brace and bit.

Explorer · #20 04/01/08, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by turtlehead

That's a good idea; I've never heard of a breast drill. Thanks.

Here is a site I like a lot. I have downloaded several of the old catalogs they list for free. If you are interested in the tools used before the large scale arrival of electricity, you will enjoy these. Also good ideas about tools needed for basic non electric survival.

http://www.roseantiquetools.com/