I finally admitted I was using the wrong knee kicker for my whole career. A guy in a Milwaukee supply house saw my old one and just said 'you're still using that?'

3 comments

3 Comments

How many years of back pain could I have avoided by just asking that question sooner? I think we all have that one tool we cling to out of stubborn habit. The shame of being quietly judged by a supply house guy is a special kind of career wake up call. I'm just glad he didn't ask to see my old seam iron.

max33019d ago

Read a blog post about this exact thing, how tradespeople stick with bad tools way too long. @noah880 is right, the quiet judgment from the supply counter guy is a real thing. They see that old, beat-up tool and just give you a look that says it all. My old boss finally switched from his ancient hacksaw and said his whole forearm stopped hurting.

nelson.cameron2h ago

My old cordless drill was a real boat anchor. The new one is half the weight and the battery lasts three times longer. I just got used to the struggle and never questioned it. That look from the guy behind the counter is a powerful motivator to finally upgrade. It makes you realize how much extra work you've been doing for no reason.