[Shop-talk] Is this thing still on? <Thanksgiving and Leaf Blowers>

[Bob Spidell]

Yep.  Although I acquired tinnitus from a different activity--someone 
discharged a pistol close to my left ear as a 'joke' during target 
practice when I was a young man--it is a bitch to live with (no one, 
except maybe serious shooters, thought to use hearing protection back 
then).  FWIW, I got some relief from a product called 'Lipo Flavonoid' 
after trying several other remedies (including drops).  I have no 
financial interest in this product, but it has helped limit the 
instances when I feel like sticking an ice pick in my ear.

Not necessarily for the noise issue--but it's a damn good reason--I have 
been acquiring more battery-powered tools for the convenience of not 
having to start a recalcitrant 2-stroke or drag an air hose around.   
The newer 20V lithium-powered tools are surprisingly powerful, including 
an impact wrench that, according to specs, is more powerful torque-wise 
than air-driven, and I have an electric hedger that truly surprised me 
with its endurance and power (it'll cut up to 3/4" vine branches for 
over an hour).  I've gone with DeWalt because it's what the 'pros'--and 
product placement in TV shows--seem to favor, but I'm sure Milwaukee and 
others are probably just as good.  Dunno about electric leaf blowers; 
anyone use one? I've never seen a backpack one.

Bob

ps.  The 4-stroke Stihl string trimmer I have requires 89-octane, which 
isn't available at Costco unfortunately, and it still needs mixed fuel.  
I suspect more tools will go this way for noise issues.  Stihl 
recommends their full synthetic mix oil which, since I don't use a lot 
is worth the extra dough.


On 12/2/2019 1:11 AM, Jeff Scarbrough via Shop-talk wrote:
>
>
> On Mon, Dec 2, 2019 at 12:42 AM Brian Kemp via Shop-talk 
> <shop-talk at autox.team.net <mailto:shop-talk at autox.team.net>> wrote:
>
>
>     I normally put in ear plugs, but for a quick use, you can get away
>     without them.
>
>
> Yikes!
>
> As someone who has suffered from tinnitus for years, no. Just no.  Ear 
> muffs are cheap enough that you can keep a pair right on the machine.  
> For instance, 
> https://www.amazon.com/3M-Protection-Protectors-equipment-operations/dp/B0017YLTAI/ref=sr_1_9 
>
> Your hearing is too valuable to skimp.
>
> Jeff Scarbrough
> Corrosion Acres, Ga.
>

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