5 in 1

There are two tools that I always have with me and this is one of them. It has so many uses. A lot more then 5. Little point in going into all the ways I use it. Just suffice to say I don’t feel like a real painter if I don’t have my five on me. Funny how often employees say “hey boss can I use your five”.

Razor Knife

I always have my knife on me. Even when I’m not working; which seems like always. This is the second tool I always have to have. Like my five I use it when taping and prepping. I like the replaceable blade way better then the snap variety although I have both. You often need a pair of pliers to snap the blades correctly besides my replacable blade knife just feels right in my hand.

3″ Purdy Brush

Ok it doesn’t have to be a Purdy but why not. I actually like the Corona and Wooster too. You want the true three inch variety with the thick heel. They hold lots of paint and when you know how to handle it, they cut like a charm. I spend extra time keeping my brushes clean and in good shape.

Painters Whites

I was tempted to make this number one for a reason and ok some of you are saying “pants are not tools” and you are right however they are as necessary as any other “tool” in my book. If you want to be taken seriously as a painter you must wear your whites. Anyone that has worked for me knows how seriously I take wearing your whites. There is a long tradition to painters pants. My first post is about why painters wear whites. I never feel right if I don’t have my whites on and a five on one leg and a knife clipped to my pocket.

5 gallon bucket

The five gallon bucket is always taken for granted but if you have a clean one everyone wants it. So many people throw them out rather then taking a few minutes and cleaning them out. I use them to carry tools, tape, mask and I often roll out of them. “Real painters don’t use trays”. I do use a speed bucket when using a 14″ frame but other then that it’s the bucket for me.

Extension pole

You don’t only need an extension pole to reach the high stuff. You should always be using one. I normally use a 2′ to 4′ pole. It really saves your arm and greatly improves the quality of your roll. There are lots of varieties out there. I like “Mr. Long Arm” the best. I use the Smart-Lok variety. It is nice to be able to remove the frame from the pole without unscrewing it.