Stupid Things I Have Done

[BravoXray]

Use a cutting torch on a big steel bar while wearing Sketchers shoes.

FIY, blobs of molten steel barely slow down going through a Sketcher before they go through cotton socks and onto your toe.

 

[MossRoad]

Nice!

I set my stomach on fire in welding class burning practice pads. I had my flannel shirt tucked in. Spark landed by my belt buckle. Couldn't figure out why there was still a glow after I stopped welding.... it was the flames climbing the shirt under my helmet.

SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! PAT! PAT!



(PRO TIP: Don't wear flannel shirts when MIG welding)

 

[BravoXray]

I also have a scar on my left eardrum from an errant spark that landed in my ear when I was doing some cutting under a truck a long time ago.

 

[mrmikey]

I also have a scar on my left eardrum from an errant spark that landed in my ear when I was doing some cutting under a truck a long time ago.

Ditto, gouging a plow front tilt cylinder off a tandem truck decades ago....feels good doesn't it...not. Took a good 3-4 years for the hole to close, until that happened going swimming with out a plug in the ear was a guarantee for an ear infection. Same with winter cold wind blowing.

I had my flannel shirt tucked in.

Remember those thick plaid shirt/jackets you used to be able to buy. After the first wash they developed a fuzz that would flash up at the slightest spark. Wouldn't burn any amount of time, just a sheet of flame for a couple of seconds that would scare the crap out of you. It was fun at work with the newbee mechanics as they weren't aware of it (I was a weldor so you knew what to expect). We'd come up behind them with a lighter and touch it to the bottom of the jacket.

 

[FriendwithTractor]

We had several large lilac bushes that had become more like trees, so this fall they got the ax. In trying to remove the branches, I had utilized a 7' stretch of steel chain with hooks on the end. (Remember that, because I sure didn't)

In the end, we get the branches tucked away in the scrub and I couldn't find the chain. So, like any other warmblooded male on this planet, I promptly forgot about it.

Next weekend, I decide to take the ZT out to mulch some leaves. Things are going well and then CLANG BANG! and the mower stops abruptly.

Found it!

Fortunately, it doesn't look like anything is seriously damaged, other than a nasty nick in the blade which will buff out.

 

[MoKelly]

This is yet another dumb thing I have done that doesn’t put me at danger, but costs me time.

We recently got a place in Florida for the winter. We use Directtv stream. We can use it at both places. But - apparently only Samsung TVs let you obtain the app to watch.

So, I get the Samsung TV. I look on the internet to see how to get the app. I follow the instructions and nope. The instructions say to access the TVs internet search, type Directtv stream, then downloaded the app.

I try 10s of times. Always get some error message. I get frustrated. It takes forever to type in stuff on a tv search with the tv remote. Uggg!!

So, my lovely wife sees me struggling. Maybe even heard me say a few words showing frustration.

She comes over and takes the remote. Presses the Home button. Toggles to the APP icon. Presses a few more buttons and finds the Directtv app. Downloads. Done. 2-3 minutes.

Gives me the remote back and smiles.

Smartest thing I could have done was ask her first!

 

[jjeff]

Nice!

I set my stomach on fire in welding class burning practice pads. I had my flannel shirt tucked in. Spark landed by my belt buckle. Couldn't figure out why there was still a glow after I stopped welding.... it was the flames climbing the shirt under my helmet.

SLAP! SLAP! SLAP! PAT! PAT!



(PRO TIP: Don't wear flannel shirts when MIG welding)

Cuz it looks like this? Maybe my wife is correct saying I save to much well worn junk? To help my constant destroying of clothing I've had these bibs for over 15 yrs and a green f.p smock, hindered my spontaneous combustion activities.

 

[MossRoad]

I also have a scar on my left eardrum from an errant spark that landed in my ear when I was doing some cutting under a truck a long time ago.

What?




Ouch!

 

[MossRoad]

Cuz it looks like this? Maybe my wife is correct saying I save to much well worn junk? To help my constant destroying of clothing I've had these bibs for over 15 yrs and a green f.p smock, hindered my spontaneous combustion activities.

My burn was a bit bigger than that... think belt buckle to 2nd button from top and a nice arch to each pocket. Singed all the hair off my chest and left me with minor 2nd degree burn about the size and shape of a steam iron from my belly button to sternum. Looked like I got ironed!

 

[WinterDeere]

(PRO TIP: Don't wear flannel shirts when MIG welding)

Yikes. I would bet that I'm wearing a heavy cotton flannel shirt of one variety or another more often than almost anything else, when out in the shop welding. The rest of the time I'm wearing denim or Carhartt coveralls, both of which come with tags citing their own flammability.