Wasted a whole morning trying to level a crane with a busted bubble vial

Got to a site in Tacoma ready to set up. My level's bubble was stuck. Like, really stuck. Thought I could just eyeball it. Spent three hours setting the outriggers, getting the crane sort of level. Started the lift, a small steel beam. Felt a weird sway right away. Had to stop everything. The foreman came over with his good level. We were off by almost two full degrees. Had to break down, redo the whole setup. Lost half a day's pay, easy $400. Always check your tools before you roll out. What's the dumbest little thing that's ever cost you big time on a job?

2 comments

2 Comments

the_miles2d ago

Man, that's rough. My buddy had a similar mess with a single stripped bolt on a pressure regulator. He was in a crawl space, figured he could muscle it the last quarter turn. Whole thing blew out, sprayed water everywhere like a fire hose. Flooded the basement they just finished. Cost him his whole job profit to fix the drywall and flooring. Just one stupid bolt.

jade_grant952d ago

Damn, that's brutal @the_miles. It's crazy how one tiny part can cause so much damage and cost. Your buddy's story is a solid reminder to just stop and get the right tool.