I am new here so I thought I would introduce myself and get things going a bit by finding out what types of helpfull tools some of you are using.
For example, it took me a bit to figure out that my Kirby vacume was not enjoying cleaning 3 houses a day x 6 days a week so I ended up with a commercial sanitaire that works great and has inexpensive bags unlike the Kirby.
Another tool I think I could not live without but I find many PP companies dont use is a pick gun. I have gone to rekey many houses that simply have too much valueable personal property inside to be able to proceed with the rekey. Not destroying the lock to get in was a lot better. Not to mention I can usually pick them quicker than I can drill one out.

So whatcha got??

We use cordless vacs due to some houses not having power. This is much easier than starting up a generator just for a vacuum. Make sure you spend the money and buy a good powerful model. Those $40-$60 are usually pieces of junk.

Another useful tool is the good old fashion sqeegee for the windows. Works much better than any paper towel or rag.

What is a good pick gun to purchase and how much should I plan on spending. We never tried one of these, we usually drill out the screws.

Oh yeah, the squeege is a must.

What kind of cordless vac is a good one?

As far as the lock pick, the brockhage bpg-10 pick gun is the one to have. I also bought an electric one too but do not like it as much. It does take some time and practice to learn how to use but I promise you it is worth it.

The pick sounds intriguing - how fast can you remove a lock now?

Usually I am able to do a turn knob and a deadbolt in under a minute. I takes a little bit of time to figure the thing out though.

Olympus Stylus 1050, 1030, 830, 730. They are waterproof, freezeproof, and can take a 6' fall. Nice for taking pictures when it's raining, pumping a flooded basement, and when it's cold out. Olympus is coming out with a Tough Stylus 8000 that is also crush proof up to 220 pounds, just in case you forget it in your back pocket when you sit down.

Has anyone used bump keys? I watched some videos on youtube, and they seem to be pretty easy to use. I just ordered a set of them.

Never used any bump keys but it appears to be better than a pick gun. Thanks for sharing the information it was very educational. I think I may order a set and try them out.

I have tried the bump keys but they only seem to work about half as often. I am sure I just did not put enough time in to learn them right but for me the pick gun is the way to go. There is only one brand of lock that has kicked my butt with the gun.

FloridaREO - what brand/model are you using for cordless vacs? Everything I am seeing so far online looks pretty dainty and fragile...

Azpres & CSPP:

The one we just purchased is the "Hoover BH50010 LiNX Platinum Collection Cordless Stick Vac Vacuum". This one is the best we've used and runs on a 18 Volt Lithium Ion battery. It does cost $180.00 so may not be the right one to buy for everyone that works with you.

We also use Black & Decker and Oreck's ElektrikBroom, both cost about $100 or so. If you use anything that is cheaper, you get what you pay for.

Mind you that these won't work for all jobs, but they are pretty decent.

Thanks for the advice on the pickgun Azpres.

Out of curiosity, what is your that reason for using a cordless vac? I am assuming to not have to bring a generator?

In regards to the pickgun, that little sucker has saved me so much time lately. I have been doing 5-7 rekeys a day in the last week and most of these I was inside the house in a few seconds.

Along the same lines, another highly recommended tool is the Honda EU2000 generator. While it may be a bit on the expensive side, you can carry it with one hand and it can be put in a car trunk if needed.

Azpres, the main reason is not having to bring our big bulky generator to the job. Also, not having to fire it up if vacuuming is the only thing we need it for.

Like I said, not all jobs can be handled by the cordless vacs. If they can, it does save a little time and aggravation.

I will look into the Honda generator, the ones we use are very heavy and hard to move around. Does it have enough juice for running a power drill, circular saw, vacuum, etc?

Yes, it will run most things we use. It is 2000 watts or 13.3 amps and it only weighs 46 pounds!

[quote=Azpres]Yes, it will run most things we use. It is 2000 watts or 13.3 amps and it only weighs 46 pounds! [/quote]

I second the Honda gennie. I use it all the time. I run my vacuum, my hoover floor mate and all my weed whackers and hedge clippers with it. And the best part I carry it with one hand!!! I also use it for my contracting business to run my equip when needed

NOW you've got my attention. I've got a 3500-Watt generator and it weighs a ton. I can't lift it so I have to have help or keep it in the back of my truck. Sometimes, though, I need the space and have to work around it. Something that weighs 46 pounds would make my life a lot easier.

Thanks for sharing!

Linda

Not only that, but it is a Honda and should last a lifetime!

Azpres, you have me sold, I plan to purchase one next week. You should call Honda and request commission on your sales.

Thanks.

I'm happy with my 5000 watt generator, it has wheels.

So does mine, Don. Under the bed of my truck. LOL

Sorry, couldn't help myself. It's late and I'm getting dingy.

Linda

who does everyone buy their lock sets and lock boxes thru? I use roper.

I use MFSSupply

For generator I picked up a very clean used Honda EB3000c for $750. They weigh 68 lbs so aren't too bad as far as lifting around. I hear they last forever and that it will probably get stolen before it ever wears out.

ok, i want to keep this thread alive. I like it. I'm looking to put a netbook in each of the vehicles we have and also put a mobile printer. Looking to be able to upload workorders while my crews are out in the field and dynamically update their routes. What do you think?

I'm looking at Dell 9" minis.

I like that idea. Would you not need a wireless internet card for each and every computer though in order to update the route? I use the Blackberry so I can get WO's while out in the field, I just can not print them out untill I get home.

I like the Dell 9" because you can get it with a built-in 3G network card from at&t and verizon. Only problem is I cover some rural area that has terrible coverage. I'm currently using MS streets and trips, so if I need to change a route for one of my crews, I could just email them the new route file and the workorder. Or I could just email them a link to mapquest. Anybody use MS MapPoint?

Squeegee for sure, especially with a couple drops of dish soap in the water - no streaks and sparkling windows. Also, nitrile latex-free gloves - even just for rekeys, depending on the house.
Water meter key is pretty handy too.

Hi, Im new to this business me and my husband just started a property preservation company in central florida. We were getting frustrated with the foreclosed homes in our community and surrounding areas not being kept up so decided with his background in Lawn care , painting, etc. and mine in bus. mgmt and marketing we could run a successful business. not to sure who to contact as far as banks or reo agents? any tips?

Never used a water meter key, but it looks pretty handy. Always used a wrench and screwdriver. Looks like a water meter key sell for $10-$20. Looks like a good investment. Thanks.

Yes, I would say for $20 or less it is worth buying the key, we have found that they are easier to work because of the "T" shape.

One thing I just recently have not been able to live without is the iPhone from Apple. I resisted it for a while (I thought it was too much of a 'novelty' thing I guess), happy to receive emails on my Moto Q, but once I got the iPhone I couldn't believe how helpful it was in the field. Email attachments are a breeze to download and view (in a font size I don't need a magnifying glass to read). The best feature is the App Store - I use the "craigsphone" application a lot to post for sale and free ads with pictures (!) on craigslist on the spot. I hardly take my computer with me anymore.