Little Things List

I have noticed my post (Little Things List) has completely disappeared from the list. I have contacted Admin and they (so far) could only direct me to 'View my posts' and not explain why it is missing from the BC list. So....I am posting 'this' response to LTL from within the 'view my posts' inteface, hoping that brings it back. We will see. Otherwise I have no idea what is going on. Safehaven

Hi Safehaven. I did the same thing but entered from most popular topics list where it is still listed. But a new prepper would not necessarily look there. I don't know what happened.

As for batteries, only a small correction here: standard battery voltage rating is actually 1.5v, unless it's an older style base metal cell like Carbon Zinc. Otherwise, you're absolutely right. That's a great find, even at 1.2v. Another thing to remember, and I'll keep reinforcing it; ALL ALTERNATORS CAN BE FIXED AFTER AN EMP/DROP BY USE OF A SMALL VOLTAGE BATTERY.

Okay, apologies for the caps, but it's important.

H

Can you please elaborate on this? How does a battery fix an alternator?

I'll try not to get too into alternator theory. The way an alternator works is simple. There is a field winding (stator) and a rotating pair of magnets (rotor). The alternating poles of the rotor create an alternating current from the residual magnetism of the stator. If the alternator is dropped or the residual magnetism disrupted, applying a charge the the stator will reinitialize the coil by realigning the electrons in the coil. Ensuring proper orientation is important but dependant on the layout of the internal components.

I'll elaborate more at a later date, but for now I have to leave you all to consider that.

H

Strangly enough we had a front end loader in the military had had trouble with the alternator. We had to cross pole it with another vehicle. Just a brief touch, realigned the alternator.

Machines of that sort eould have issues. Alternators and generators are very sensitive to impacts. Literally knocks the magnetic flux lines apart.

H

lol... I thought you said, "flux capacitor" 😆

I had to read that twice. Darn dark magic!

I thought I would give this another wack, been away for a while:

Justification for a Little Things List is seen in the old english (I think) poem, For Want of a Nail

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

I think we can all see how this applies to preparedness and survival.

- woolen Blankets. I found that by visiting thrift stores I sometimes can pick up very good all woolen blankets at very little cost.
- Prescriptions - If you have a prescription, (for example for Prostate issues or whatever) consider using it half as often in a time of safety when you can get help or use more if needed. Then when the time is up for the prescription (but you still have half left) go and get your prescription filled again. This way you can build up some reserves of the prescription, "legally".
- A box or two of large construction grade garbage bags. Can be used for many things including rain gear in a pinch.
- Ammo cans, can be used for other than ammo, such as keeping chain in one place in your vehicle.
- Pencil and paper. Get a large thick pencil, cut in half, sharpen and combine with some 3 x 5 cards and secure both in a small plastic container with duct tape around it. Throw in each survival pack. Might be very useful to be able to write note or sign.
- PVC Pipe, end caps and sealant for storage of hmmm, guess what.
- other ideas....?

I thought I would give this another wack, been away for a while:

Justification for a Little Things List is seen in the old english (I think) poem, For Want of a Nail

For want of a nail the shoe was lost.
For want of a shoe the horse was lost.
For want of a horse the rider was lost.
For want of a rider the message was lost.
For want of a message the battle was lost.
For want of a battle the kingdom was lost.
And all for the want of a horseshoe nail.

I think we can all see how this applies to preparedness and survival.

wow well put, thanks for sharing

Looks like the LTL is growing!

Nemos thanks for the info on the crank flashlight. I see now that I let mine stay in storage a long time without cranking. Do you know if the battery life can be regained by cranking regularly now? Regarding the gas tank, you have reminded us of good points about level of ground etc affecting the point we run out of gas. However, does it make sense to ask if we look straight down on gas gauge (not at angle) and measure from that point, how far we can go and then SHAVE OFF SOME KMS to account for the factors you have mentioned. Then the exercise would still have intended value??

ICRCC re sleeping bag. I have a very old down bag (over 26 years) and have assumed for some time it would not have the protective value it once had. Does anyone know anything reliable and specific about this, ie how many years good for.

Thanks wookie for idea re cardboard boxes. Should they be cellophane wrapped to prevent damage from water? Would you think of this item as more useful for SHTF and not a TEOTWAWKI situation?

Same for Toilet Paper ICRCC, easily ruined by getting wet. Idea is for bug in and not bug out? Good idea to have lots in storage if staying put.

Aaronbouge re fishing line. Yes, little measure in a pocket kit and more in a pack. Would you have two or three poundages?

I think this LTL could grow and be valuable. I have already learned several things, especially re the crank flashlights. Looking forward to more input.

Your down bag should be good for life if it is taken care of properly. NEVER wash it, only dry clean. Keep it dry and make sure the down does not clump up.
If your bag has lumps in it, then you probably have spaces where there is little to none, creating cold spots. This can be fluffed out and redistributed if you have the patience. The absolute best sleeping bag I have ever seen is the Canadian military one. Two down bags and two liners. These can be used in several combinations to make the perfect bag for any weather. The only issue is cost...last I saw they were going for $200.00 and up in surplus stores for used in fair condition. If you get one, make sure you get the compression bag that goes with it.

The matching air mattress is also cool...you have a big rubber bag at the top that is used to pump air into it!

I'm sorry, but you've been given very bad advice here re: down bag care.

Down bags will last pretty much forever if you properly care for them, but NEVER dry clean a down bag. Google it, worst thing for down.

Wash as gentle as possible in an oversize front loader, then lay flat to dry, fluff in dryer on air setting (no heat) once dry, with a few tennis balls thrown in. Or wash by hand in your bathtub, but don't wring--press the water out without distorting the bag. Use only a soap/detergent meant for down.

ALWAYS air out your bag after use and before storing. DO NOT store your bag compressed, but rather flat, or lightly stuffed into a larger bag like a pillow case.

We have beautiful down bags that have been handed down from DH's Dad that are still going strong--probably more than 30 years old.

Interesting about the compression thing. When I was working with the safety tech in the Airforce, we were compressing and vacuume packing the downfilled sleeping bags into a 12x10x8 inch cube so that it could fit into the Aircraft ejection seat. It took 10 minutes of shaking to get it fluffy again but it worked fine. :geek:

#21 - Wet wipes
#22 - paper plates
You don't want to waste water on either washing hands or cleaning dishes.

#23 paper (or plastic) cups.

I have to say that I disagree with the paper plates, plastic cup and glasses and pretty well anything disposable. It may seem like a good idea to not have to wash dishes and "waste" water doing so. The problem with disposables is that you will have no method to dispose of them other than burning or burying. There will be no garbage pickup and the plume of smoke will be an arrow pointing right at you. I believe sustainability is the best bet regardless of the subject. With disposables you are only delaying the inevitable and creating an attractant for vermin and disease.

I think a few paper plates or cups and their disposal would be the least of our worries.