Old Man Tools

When my father-in-law visits, he usually helps out with whatever home reno we've got going. It usually ends up with him painting something. The man does not stop. You have to stay ahead of him and prep everything or he shoots you a look like its the last time he's going to help you out. The dog has learned to keep moving or get painted. 

On a recent trip to Nanaimo, I was able to help him out a little with renos in his latest home purchase. Bill has flipped a ton of houses, and the in-laws have moved so many times I harbour some concern that they may be in the witness protection program. Along the way, Bill has figured out how to get most things done. Fast. My assignment was pulling off the old baseboard in their late sixties split level. He told me I didn't need to bring any of my tools. Out comes a catspaw, an Estwing hammer, a old-school version of a Wunderbar (you have to say this like the 70's commercial for Cadbury's Wunderbar chocolate bar), and a cleaver. Paint splattered, worn smooth with no paint on the business ends. Old man tools. He's been using the same cleaver for pulling base for years. He handed it to me with a little smile that said, 'bet you don't have one of these in your tool box'. I usually use a Wunderbar for pulling base, but you always run the risk of breaking through the drywall if you pry too hard or don't have it placed on a stud. That often happens in an older house where they actually used finish nails that were set and filled, rather than the current approach of brad nails shot out of nail gun. 


I tried out the cleaver. It works like a charm. Bill was worried about the walls. I wanted to keep the wood in one piece. It worked for both. Guess I will be rummaging through the knife bin for a cleaver the next time I am in a thrift store. In case you are wondering, yes, he brought down all the baseboard with him during his last visit. It's clear Doug-fir. Of course I was going to take it! I am thinking I will up cycle the stack into a furniture project one day. It is too good to just use it a baseboard again.