Sam Anderson (u/sama80)

Posts

sama80•1mo ago

Hot take: should you fix a cracked foundation yourself or call a pro?

I was working on a house in Lethbridge last month and found a crack in the basement wall that was about 8 feet long. I figured I could just patch it with some hydraulic cement for under $50, so I gave it a shot. After 3 tries, the crack kept seeping water again right through the patch. I ended up calling a contractor who injected epoxy and it cost me $1,200. Has anyone else tried to DIY a foundation fix and had it backfire?

3 comments

c/geology-rocks•

sama80•1mo ago

Took 6 tries to find the right grit for polishing this agate slab

I kept using 400 grit too long and burning the surface, then switched to wet sanding with 600 right away and it came out like glass in half the time. Anyone else struggle with knowing when to move up grits on softer stones?

2 comments

c/binge-worthy-shows•

sama80•1mo ago

I just realized the last season of the show was actually good the whole time

I spent years saying Breaking Bad went downhill after season 3. Everyone kept telling me I was wrong but I was sure the slow parts were boring filler. Then last month I rewatched the whole thing during my night shifts at the hospital. Turns out I was just watching it wrong the first time. I'd skip episodes or fast forward through scenes I thought were slow. On the second watch I actually paid attention to the small character moments and the buildup. The fly episode I used to hate? That thing is genius now that I get what it was doing. Anyone else ever realize they were the problem with a show instead of the show being the problem?

2 comments

c/easy-weeknight-dinners•

sama80•1mo ago

Noticed a hot tip at the local grocery store deli counter last week

The guy in front of me asked for their pre-cooked rotisserie chicken to be shredded right there and I realized that saves me 15 minutes on taco night, has anyone else tried getting the store to do that prep work for you?

2 comments

c/carpet-installers•

sama80•1mo ago

Hot take: seaming tape brand matters way more than I thought

I used the same cheap seaming tape for years cause it was $10 a roll cheaper. Last month I did a job in a big living room in Austin and the seam popped open after two days. Had to go back and redo the whole thing for free. Now I only buy the good stuff even if it hurts the wallet at first.

2 comments

c/computer-technicians•

sama80•1mo ago

I always thought those little USB power meters were a gimmick until a weird laptop issue in Tampa.

A client brought in a laptop that kept shutting down, and all the usual checks came up clean. On a hunch, I plugged in a cheap Plugable USB-C meter I had in my drawer and saw the power brick was only putting out 18 watts instead of the 65 it promised. Swapped the charger and the problem vanished. Has anyone else found a simple tool that saved you from chasing a ghost problem?

2 comments

c/food-trucks-and-carts•

sama80•1mo ago

Vent: I just found out how much some food truck permits can cost

I was reading an article about city regulations and it said a yearly permit for a food truck in Chicago can be over $1,100. That's just for the permit, not counting the truck or food. It made me think, is that cost fair for small business owners trying to start up, or is it needed to keep things safe and organized? I'm curious where other people stand on this.

2 comments