“I’ve seen those ‘rite in the rain’ pads but never pulled the trigger since they’re not exactly cheap.”
Yeah, I’ve looked at those too and just can’t justify the price for scribbling down measurements or a quick parts list. I’ve actually started using old envelopes or junk mail for quick notes—if they get trashed, who cares? Not perfect, but it beats worrying about my phone or wasting a good notebook. Honestly, half the time I just snap a photo with my phone and hope for the best, grime and all. Every “solution” seems to have its own trade-off, you’re right about that.
Honestly, I hear you on the price of those fancy pads. I’ve dropped one in a puddle before and it survived, but my wallet still hasn’t recovered. Most days, it’s whatever scrap paper I can find—old receipts, cardboard from a fittings box, you name it. Tried using my phone for notes once, but then I had to clean pipe dope off the screen... not worth it. If it’s not raining, any paper works, right?
You’re not kidding about pipe dope and screens—once that stuff gets on there, it’s game over for touch sensitivity. I’ve tried using scrap paper too, but I always end up losing the one note I actually need. Honestly, I still haven’t found a perfect system. Those waterproof pads are sturdy, but the price just feels steep when you’re mostly jotting down measurements or quick lists.
Ever tried those cheap spiral notebooks from the dollar store? They don’t hold up to rain, but I’ve managed to keep mine dry by wrapping it in a plastic sandwich bag. Not ideal, but better than smudged ink on a soggy receipt. I’m curious—has anyone found a good middle ground for note-taking on the job that doesn’t break the bank or fall apart in a wet pocket?
Honestly, I think those dollar store spiral notebooks are more hassle than they’re worth. I used to do the sandwich bag trick too, but half the time I’d end up with a ripped bag or the ink would still bleed if it got damp. What’s worked better for me is just using a carpenter’s pencil right on a scrap 2x4 or even the back of my tape measure—no paper to lose, and it doesn’t care about rain. Not perfect, but at least I can always find my notes... or what’s left of them.
I get where you’re coming from with the scrap wood and pencil trick—it’s definitely handy in a pinch, and I’ve done it plenty of times myself. But I’ve started leaning away from that approach, mostly because I’m trying to cut down on waste and keep things a bit more organized. Those little bits of 2x4 end up everywhere, and half the time I forget which piece had the measurements I needed. Plus, I’ve had a few too many “wait, which side did I write that on?” moments.
What’s worked better for me is switching to a reusable notebook, like those stone paper ones or even a small whiteboard. They’re waterproof, don’t tear, and you can wipe them clean when you’re done. I know it sounds a bit overkill for jotting down a quick measurement, but it’s saved me a lot of headaches. No more digging through sawdust for a scrap with half-legible numbers, and I’m not tossing out extra wood or plastic bags.
I guess it depends on how much you care about keeping track of your notes long-term. If you’re just scribbling something for a quick cut, your method makes sense. But if you want to look back at what you did last week or double-check something later, having it all in one place is a game changer. Plus, less clutter in the shop—always a win in my book.
Not saying my way’s perfect either, but it’s been a solid upgrade from the soggy notebook days.
