Planning, tools and the unexpected

This weekend while installing a cat fence in the back yard I had time to think about tools and proper planning. The cat fence was a prepackaged system that consisted of poly-fencing, plastic-coated chicken-wire fencing, support poles and hardware. I learned a long time ago that I work best when I get properly organized. I like to lay out all the tools that I need for a job as well as all the pieces of a job before proceeding to make a mess of the job. Unfortunately the manufacturer of the cat fencing did not include a list of tools that would be needed for the job nor did they in their instructions fully explain every assembly process to my simple-minded needs. I laid out the tools I thought I would need then added a couple that are always helpful when building things. Since a sledgehammer was required for the job I already had one of those in the group of tools I would need and I added a sharp utility knife as well as safety glasses. Then the fun started as I discovered some of the assembly subsets went just as described while others needed holes drilled in metal poles and caps aligned with something close to precision. This isn't something that I expected to need to do and my battery powered drill wasn't up to the task of drilling multiple holes in metal. My good friend Sebby had come over to help and offered to provide the use of several of his electric drills. After fetching the tools from his place we then proceeded to drill holes and revel at the power that an electrical outlet can provide. The right tool for a job makes all the difference in the world and I went from cursing to laughing at the ease in which the powerful drill pierced the steel tubing. A difficult task became easier and less time consuming. We then proceeded to assemble and install the fencing. It was relatively smooth sailing and there was the pleasure of bashing things with sledgehammers. In the end the cats are now confined to their own Colditz Castle and until they complete their secret glider plans I and the goddess have no fear of them escaping.




Image from the manufacturer
http://www.kittyfence.com/catfencekits.html