uma685•19d ago

I used to climb ladders carrying tools in both hands like an idiot

For like 5 years I'd load up both arms with nail guns and saws and try to climb one-handed. Took a tumble off a 6-footer in Seattle when I was framing out a kitchen remodel and landed on my tool bag. That's when a guy named Pete on the crew told me to just buy a good tool belt and make two trips. Now I do one trip with a belt and one with material. Has anyone else hurt themselves trying to carry too much at once?

3 comments

3 Comments

terry_thomas19d ago

Yeah man I totally feel you. I used to be one of those guys who thought tool belts were just extra weight and that I could save time by loading up my arms like a pack mule. Then I slipped on some wet plywood carrying a cordless framing nailer and a sawzall and landed hard on my tailbone. That was the wake up call. Now I swear by a good belt and I make the extra trip every time. It's not worth the few seconds you think you're saving when one bad fall can mess you up for weeks. Better to look dumb making two trips than to end up in urgent care.

margareth4819d ago

Better to look dumb making two trips than to end up in urgent care"? Man that's a bit dramatic. I've been hauling stuff around job sites for years and never had a problem, just watch your step.

henry_martinez19d agoTop Commenter

The real issue isn't just dropping stuff or slipping, it's your back. Loading up both arms throws off your balance and puts all that torque on your lower spine, and one bad twist can give you a herniated disc that'll sideline you way longer than a bruised tailbone. Fix your biomechanics before you're stuck on a heating pad for a week.