5 Problem Solving Tools

Tools are problem solvers and here are five that are among my all-time-favorites! If you don't already have these, put them on your birthday wishlist for sure!

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Thank you, be safe, and be grateful.

[christophermitchell]

I live in the inner city and earlier this year while I was building a privacy fence a couple of neighborhood kids came along and asked if I had a bike pump. I was at my garage so had one easily to hand and helped them out. Next thing I know they told their siblings and friends and now I’m the neighborhood bike man. I’ve learned a lot about fixing bikes (flats, seat adjustments and whatnot) in the process and have added to my tool collection to be a more proficient help when they need it.

[ambulocetusnatans]

It's refreshing to hear a youtuber who actually knows what he's talking about.

[skygh]

The absolutely most sought after tool is the one I set out then forgot to bring.

[dustindemoe]

I’m an electrician by trade so I naturally end up with wire nuts in my pockets. One day when leaving a Lowe’s there was a gentleman wiring his newly purchased trailer lights and he was searching desperately for wire nuts. I was happy to help this man and even happier the Lord placed me there in this mans time of need. Was it a mind blowing event...?? No. Yet it showed me how I can help another person with a simple gesture of kindness.

[mordechaimordechai]

My dad broke two spade handles in one day and was ranting about the shitty beech wood you find at stores. So i have a craptacular stick welder and am half good with it so after a little zip zap routine i fixed him with a pipe handle to last for generations. I saw pride in his eyes or maybe he was looking at the arc too long.

[johnbaine]

This is the guy we all need in our families or the guy we should be tryng to be.

[JesseWright]

Scott, you are 100% correct about the feeling of satisfaction that comes from being able to help someone who needs it and the appreciation from being helped.
Back when I was in college (around 1990, before cell phones) driving back home after a long weekend about 3 hours away, my alternator died at about 2 AM in the middle of nowhere, but close to a farm house. I went up and knocked on the door, apologized for the late hour and asked to use the phone. I figured that I would call home and then sleep in the car. The fellow who answered the door said he would be happy to let me use the phone, but also offered to loan me his spare car so that I could get home and pick up a new alternator and then return to swap it out. I never thought an AMC Pacer could be the best car ever, but it sure was that night! That kind stranger really saved the day and over 30 years later, I'm still grateful.

[chrismitchell]

Who the hell is thumbs downing these videos? They're honest, they're genuine and caring and they're free.

[JasonSmith-xoqr]

You need to do a video on the one of the most underrated tools in not in use today. The ability to critically think. To be able to use what you have at hand to accomplish what needs to be. My Grandfather built his first barn with two horses and logs processed by himself on his own property. The man could do anything with almost nothing. He always told us boys that the only thing that stops a man from accomplishing his goals it his lack of imagination. There is not a tool today that can replace a train of thought. I love your videos because you remind me of my the man that shaped my life, a man that is dearly missed, my grandfather. I've said it before and will again thank you for all you do and keep up the good work. You are an inspiration to a new generation.

[eltedo]

I'd also add a good quality flashlight. I count it as a tool because if I cant see whats wrong, I cant begin to fix it. I'm never a far reach away from a solid light.

[DanteYewToob]

"I'm in Arizona right now, I don't know if you can tell that."
Yep. I knew it. The air coming out of my speakers felt extra dry and smelled of cactus juice and cheap turquoise jewelry. I went to 'like' the video and my finger slipped on sunscreen, iced tea, and regret.
Definitely Arizona.

[rolandfuentes]

This guy is a cross between Mr. Rogers, Tom the tool man Taylor, and Andy Griffith! 👏🏼🙂 Life goals there!!

[nigelwylie]

We all need a Grandpa like you: One take, no edits:

“There’s nothing like that feeling of being helped ... and the only feeling that’s better is being able to help in that way.

So if you haven’t experienced that yet, start looking for those chances. Keep some tools close to hand, so when you’re driving down the road and you see that person who needs help, and you know it’s the right thing to do, you can do it.

And I will assert that the more of us that recognise that wonderful feeling of satisfaction of engaging with people (even strangers) to solve their problems, the better our lives will all become.”

[gregcollins]

Broke down on the freeway once-upon-a-time. Had the replacement distributor cap needed as this car regularly leaked a little oil through the horizontal shaft and fouled the contacts. But did not have the needed 8mm short wrench needed to get one of the bolts loose. Before long, a pickup stopped and asked if he could help. "Do you have an 8mm wrench" I asked... He opens up the camper top to a load of tools and says "why yes, I'm a NASCAR mechanic"! When I told him I fix VCR's among other things, we went up to the next rest stop and replaced the belts in his broken VCR he happened to have along.... He had had some car trouble himself that morning and vowed to stop and help someone.
Then there was the time out in the middle of nowhere that I fixed a guy's alternator because I happened to have a soldering iron and a AC inverter along.

[only.a.hobbyist]

What a great guy. The world could use more like him.

[jjonahjameson]

You can tell this guy knows about preparedness because he’s wearing both a belt and suspenders

[Therealphantomzero]

Best tool, them suspenders, if you can't solve the problem of keeping your pants up, you can't solve any other problems

[evilhorse]

I was a taxi driver for a time. One group who uses taxis often are the elderly. I did running repairs on wheelie walkers at least weekly for people using my leatherman.

[DavidMorris-sspw]

I love this guy, kindness, and helpfulness radiates from him !

[natejm]

“If you don’t have a rigging axe, you don’t have to run out and buy one...”

But, but, I want to...