This issue’s tip is from Daniel Springer of Daniel’s Hardwood Flooring in Pinckney, Mich.:
I own a lot of tools, but my flashlight is the most-used tool I own ever since one of my mentors, Rob Clarke, showed me why it’s so important for sanding. I lay my Streamlight ProTac 2L X Dual Fuel Tactical Flashlight, with 500 lumens and a rechargeable 18650 battery (available at Cabela’s for $64.99) flat on every single wood floor I sand because it shows me every defect on the floor. I use it after I’m done with my 60-grit cut, and it shows any shakes or splits, which I then glue with CA glue before going on to my next grit. It shows other problem areas, too: With the light shining flat across the floor, it casts shadows and highlights imperfections. A lot of times I’ll work in the dark and just use my flashlight. It really saved me on the job you see in this photo—it was an old house in Ann Arbor, Mich., where the floor had a ton of dips and high spots, and I also realized my sander had an issue that needed to be addressed.
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