Welcome to the 788th Metamorphosis Monday! Having lived in the same house a long time, I’ve been through quite a few renovations and updates over the years, some small and some that were pretty big. I don’t mean this to sound pessimistic, and I say this with a big sigh accompanied by a very big eye-roll, but with every single update I’ve ever completed in my home, it seems like something has always had to be sacrificed.
What do I mean by that? Simply, I’ve never gone through an update in this house where something, some “thing” didn’t get damaged during the process of the renovation. With any renovation, you always gain something that you really want, like a new kitchen, or a new fill-in-the-blank, but inevitably, you always have to “lose” or give up something, or at least that’s the way it has always worked whenever I’ve renovated a room in my home. No matter how hard I try to prepare in advance, I can never predict or plan for everything that can or will happen.
Remember the extensive garage overhaul I completed a year or so ago? (Read and see photos of that renovation here: Dramatic Garage Makeover with New Lighting, Fresh Paint, and New Flooring!) There were quite a few things that didn’t go right with the painting process, but those were part of the actual renovation itself so were eventually corrected. That’s not the type of thing I’m talking about. As we know, hindsight is 20/20. See the large, floor-standing tool chest there in the center of the garage–the one the painters covered with a sheet of thin plastic during the painting process?
This is where it lived before the renovation began, and that’s where it is today, as well.
During the renovation, the chest got moved around by the painters quite a few times, but mostly it stayed here in the center of the garage. At one point, the 3-tiered cart that I often use in the garage (visible in the photo above) was placed in front of the tool chest. I can’t find that photo now, but I do remember seeing the cart in front of it in another photo I took during the renovation.
Anyway, at some point the chest got dented. 🙁
The chest I excitedly brought home in my SUV a few years back…
…and managed, with the help of my garden cart, to get out and into the garage by myself…
…where I unpacked and gently laid down on a blanket…
…added its wheels…
…installed its handle, and with great effort, removed the thick protective plastic covering it.
I then lovingly lined each drawer to protect it from scratches and damage as best that I could.
I just recently relined a few of the drawers where the liner was starting to show some wear.
All that is to say, this dent hurts! Do you see it there on the smooth surface of the top drawer of the chest? After the garage makeover was all finished and the tool chest was moved back into place, that’s when I noticed it. For the past year, whenever I arrive home and the garage door goes up, as I pull into the garage, I see it. As I get out of my car and walk toward the door to go inside, I see it.
I remember reading an article years ago that said we humans have evolved to be very attuned to the smallest changes in our environment as a means of survival. Our eyes/brain are designed to notice even the tiniest things that don’t belong.
This dent waves a big red flag at me each time I pull into my garage. This must be similar to what it’s like to have a stainless steel refrigerator that has somehow accumulated a small dent on its front door over the years. I don’t have stainless appliances in my kitchen, but I’ve read that can happen with those and that it’s super annoying.
Since this dent is so darn visible on the shiny, polished surface of the chest, I’ve been wondering if the guys who magically pull small dents/dings out of car doors could un-dent my tool chest. I may look into that but I kinda worry that if I find someone who does the car door magic, and who will come to my home to take a look at my tiny, red-flag-waving dent, they will make it even more noticeable in the process of trying to remove it—know what I mean? What do you think?
So maybe I should just leave well enough alone. Grrrrr! I know this is a small thing, but it sure is an annoying small thing that my eyes see every time I come home or enter into my garage. I wish I’d had the forethought to know something like this could happen—I would have placed a very thick, heavy quilt over the chest before the painting began. At least you can learn from my mistake. If you renovate a room, remove as much as you can and heavily cover/protect the rest!
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That first scratch or dent is always the hardest! When we had our counter top range installed…less than a few weeks later….I dropped a stoneware piece on the stainless edge of it – and dented it. I was sick about it…and have hated the range ever since..lol. I loved my old one so much…but one burner had stopped working. And when we removed it…we discovered we could have had an electrical fire! The electrician used marrets that were too small…and the wires had almost completely burned through! Could have been devastating if a fire had broken out! So getting a new one was a blessing in disguise!
I understand your chagrin…..Would it be possible to contact the company, Husky, to ask if you can purchase a single replacement drawer? That would be a pretty easy solution if they could help you.
That’s a great idea, I will look into that! I know they don’t make this chest anymore, now all their chests seem to be painted black, but maybe they will have replacement parts for old chests. If that doesn’t work, I’m going to find a small, adorable magnet or sticker, like of a daisy or something, and cover it. Ha!
That’s what I was going to suggest! A magnet!
That’s what I was going to suggest – magnet or a decal.
Consider it has more character now. Just like humans who have wrinkles or a little more around the middle…..it all counts as character in my book. I wouldn’t worry so much about the dent. Life happens.
Maybe you can put a label on each drawer stating what is in the drawer. Like “Hammers”, “Screwdrivers “, etc. This will cover the dent and with each drawer labeled, it will be uniform. I also like the idea of contacting Husky about a replacement drawer.
There are cute magnets that I use to cover dents on stainless. Try a regular magnet to see if it will work. If not, there are specialized stainless steel magnets which work great sold on Amazon. They even have longer bar magnets on Amazon as well. It will hide the dent. Good luck!
There are self adhesive metallic trims that you could purchase or have a ‘tinner’ one who works in stainless steel make an appropriate skin to go over the dented surface. I had a stainless steel island in my butler’s pantry that got punctured during a remodel and that was a great solution. Has the remodel GC offered any solutions?
So, As I am in the process of redoing my garage as well, your’s is very helpful advise. Question for you… Did you come up with a list of tools you really needed in the tool chest. I am in the process of unloading all my husband’s tools etc, as there is no way I will ever use them, but so many to deal with. A list of what we really need would be very helpful.. Cheers and and a good day. Please and Thank you…
Pam, that would make a great blog post, sharing all the thing I use regularly around the house. I really, really like DeWalt tools, they are a bit more expensive but worth it in my opinion. For sure, I recommend a really good drill, a good set of screw drivers, a sturdy set of Allen wrenches, a hammer, a storage cabinet like you see on the top of my chest for holding screws, nails and other assorted stuff, pliers of various sizes—I love the ones that are designed to also cut, and a good way to store everything so you can find it when you need it…love a standing tool chest. I’ll put together a post on this because I think it would be really helpful.
Pam, I finally put that post together sharing all my favorite tools. Hope this helps! https://betweennapsontheporch.net/the-best-tools-for-everyday-household-diy-jobs/
Susan, I think you would benefit from reading this article: https://www.amusingplanet.com/2017/08/the-art-of-deliberate-imperfection.html
There just might be a hidden lesson in that dent that could be turned into a positive if you chose to see it as such. A lot cheaper too! Have a blessed day.
Thank you for sharing this article. Embracing imperfection would make the world a better place, especially in how we treat each other.
Why not add some bling to that drawer and cover up the dent with sparkles!
I know what you’re talking about. You painstakingly go through a not cheap renovation only to find that something got a dent, ding or chipped and no one brought it to your attention. (quite possibly the workers didn’t even know it happened, but I feel your frustration) 🙁 We’ve been considering a much needed addition to our kitchen. Only 64 sq ft more & my kitchen would function so much better, but I can’t stand the thought of having to go through the building process because I know little things will happen….Anyway, I like your idea of finding a cute magnet to cover up the ding.
Could you fancy it up w pretty contact paper on the drawers??
3 things
Get your strongest vacuum cleaner and let it try to pull it out some or call a body shop and describe issue- if the drawer comes out maybe you could take it in OR
Buy cute magnets and decorate
Magnet idea sounds like a winner. You could change it out seasonally so that the garage gets a bit of new decor from time to time
I know it’s super frustrating to see that dent and I don’t mean to diminish your feelings about it, because they are valid and as someone who likes this *just so* (read: maybe a tinge of ocd…), I totally understand. We renovated (to the studs) two bathrooms and then a few months later, a little hairline crack in the brand new drywall appeared. It’s our house, it’s just never done settling (or we live on a sinkhole, I’m not sure yet) and it just hurt my heart so much, but then I decided I could quit obsessing over the pureness of these two new (expensive) bathrooms because nothing ever remains perfect, and could just live in them, enjoy them, now, without the pressure. Maybe you could just try to retrain your brain from seeing the dent as a problem and look at it as how nothing is ever perfect, but still so valuable (just like we, as humans, are not perfect, but still so valuable). Or you could try to buy a replacement drawer. haha!! At any rate, I covet your garage in its entirety!
Get a cute sticker or magnet to put over it! Don’t sweat the small stuff, too many big things to be concerned with. Just sayin….
Several years ago we had the carpet in all the bedrooms replaced in a tan color. A few weeks later my husband decided to clean the master bath and carried a large bottle of Clorox through our newly re-carpeted bedroom. You can see where this is going….it wasn’t a big bleach spill which would have required replacing the new carpet. No, it was one drop, right smack in front of the bathroom door and or course it left a small white spot in my new tan carpet. I was so upset! I couldn’t not see it every time I walked into our bedroom. I thought about trying to dye it, but was afraid of making it worse. Well, it’s been several years and I still notice it from time to time but it doesn’t bother me anymore. Needless to say, my husband has been banned from touching the bleach bottle ever since.
Mary, I wonder if you could find a marker, maybe a permanent marker in a color that is very very close and lightly touch it up so it doesn’t grab your eye. That is so frustrating and it always seems like these things happen right after you have just replaced them.
It’s barely noticeable, I would try to just let it go, it’s in the garage and not your house, I promise the only one who can see it is you. It’s a great tool chest, and the big star flag over it captures the eye, try to only see that!
I have to agree with the magnet/decal solution. This is a chest in your garage. Yes, I understand your annoyance and frustration; however, this is only a chest in your garage. Get two magnets made up with pics of your grandsons and every time you pull in, you can see their smiling adorable faces. I think Shutterfly could make them for you. Life is just too short to sweat the small stuff.
I think that you are wonderful and enjoy your posts. But you asked, so I’ll say this, having had a week where I lost two dear friends and another is ill. When you see that little ding, consider how small a thing that is and all of the people and blessings you enjoy right now…today. Let the ding be a little poke from the universe…. We all need them from time to time…..
So sorry to hear about your friends, Shelley. I went through that just a few months ago, so I know how much it hurts. As we get older, I’m afraid it will continue to happen more and more, something I very much dread. I have to think our friends are in a much better place now, but that doesn’t mean that we don’t miss them. ❤️
If you can’t get a replacement drawer, can you get a good handyman who can use some heat and a rubber mallet from behind to mitigate the dent? If that fails, the label cover that one of your readers suggested could be a good solution.
I thought of this too. A rubber mallet lightly tapping on the back side of the dent “might” push the dent out. The mallet should tap on something the size of the dent – a screwdriver with the a big pad? An unsharpened pencil with a brand new eraser? I have no idea but perhaps there is something out there just the size of the dent. Do some serious thinking outside the box and good luck!
Sorry, Susan. I know how irksome things like that can be. Your comment about it being a ‘big red flag’ actually got me to thinking – could you cover it with something decorative? The drawer is not very tall, so it would take some detective work, I know. But you’re great at that! Perhaps you could find something nice, (like a USA flag) to cover a portion of that faceplate so you don’t have to constantly be reminded of it.
Funny, I thought the same thing about the autobody mechanics and their ability to remove dents. I’d say it’s worth a call to ask, but I wonder if their equipment would be small enough (probably. Even car dings and dents come in all sizes) But also, would not mar the finish. I hope you can find a solution.
Ya gotta let that stuff GO! I understand perfectionism, and working hard to getting things right, but on a scale of what’s important?… I think you should move that thing so it doesn’t catch your eye, and focus on all that’s good about your renovation.
lol I am a perfectionist, at least about some things. Other things roll off my back. You know, I think I’m going to find a fun way to just hide it/cover it up. I really like the chest being in that spot near the door to the kitchen. I have an idea now, just ordered something from Amazon that I will give a try. If it works, I’ll share it. 🙂
Oh gosh I’m seriously sorry your tool chest got damaged. Maybe someone has offered this suggestion already but if not…possibly you can remove the drawer and take it to a shop for repair. I’m sure this would be more economical than having someone come to your home to do the work. Just a thought. I would probably be stressing over the same thing so I get it. I often have to remind myself, that in the grand scheme of things, I need to evaluate what I consider a big deal. AND, it helps to share how we feel about things like this because we just need to vent. XXOO
Hey Susan have you saw these?
https://www.amazon.com/Magnetic-Bulletin-Adhesive-Frameless-Stainless/dp/B0CDW5SL1Q/ref=mp_s_a_1_9?crid=2HPKAD9DDUK11&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.-a0kEMifVIzm2KpHD5yRueYr5ZqRR6O1R4BxYgqs8mmS_hBTFrMkRua_SWiz1nifK6tcg8iojaKSUpF80Id9vaO1Iv5HCTM8ENQ852BEI4wjTOdm-ABeRme3Fr4s0CmVB7tkjD8yGQKiv4rHuxgpXBGaQHE_lnI17_K1G3GfIwDklETgc4kVQfxGOp3Glj8d5OKTdMc_xpTcPalWLWL25Q.csGddkVWhA7bIMVRrnm8U0SW-9Fan2L4R-3E_ASlD4c&dib_tag=se&keywords=magnetic+mural&qid=1709578533&sprefix=magnetic+mur%2Caps%2C135&sr=8-9
Those would be great if I made labels for each of the drawers as someone mentioned, that would def hide that dent. Thanks, Jo May! Those are really cool!
My husbad and I had our driveway replaced last year. We live in Michigan. Five weeks ago I was shocked to see that 3 slabs have cracked, 1 completely in half. We have reached out to the company with no return calls or emails. We spent thousands. Susan you are very creative! You will remedy that dent one way or another. You go girl!
if the drawer can come out…take it to a auto body shop and they might be able to fix it.
It’s true. I have had roofers who somehow managed to punch holes into my vinyl siding. A very good plasterer and painter somehow got paint on the corner of a dresser. A pedestal sink replaced by a much better sink with a super handy much needed cabinet has proven to be too high for my 5feet one inch tall self to use comfortably! Yes, that dresser was enrobed in tough plastic. Yes, that sink cabinet is standard height. Still that ache of slight disappointment lingers along with the two steps backwards! Sometimes I know I just have to live with things and go forward a bit wiser! Take care!
First, thanks so much for hosting and the party is always a great source to begin the week. Then, honestly I’m a glass full kinda gal—and if that dent is the worst thing that happens to you today, this week, this month…or if you are lucky this year…it really doesn’t matter as much as a dropping a 1/4 teaspoon of salt on the floor. Good luck with all your projects, and ka-ka happens, and it makes good fertilizer. Sandi
Oh gosh! I hate to say it but I don’t think it would bother me; however, I understand how you might be bothered. I have stainless steel appliances and have scratches on the freezer drawer handle. Makes me mad every time I look at it….. Anyway, try a cute magnet or something decorative to mask its. You are so creative, I know you will think of something!
Susan, As I was reading your post I thought about recommending the car dent repair person before I read that you had already thought of it. I’ve had great success with two minor dents on my car over the years so I’d certainly give it a try. Now, I know this sounds very sexist and I hope I don’t irritate any of your male readers (I wonder how many you have :)) but I think MOST males don’t listen well to female clients and don’t take the same care with out stuff that we do. We are in the process of building our dream home and actually have a very good builder, but there have been at least 4 or 5 times I’ve given a sub-contractor very detailed instructions (oral and written) only to find they did something different. Like installing the tile for the upstairs bath in the downstairs bath! Luckily I discovered that mistake quickly and before the tile had been grouted. Like failing to install the niche in the master shower for putting your foot in to shave. They got it in the guest bath, but not the master and I discovered it too late. Like installing the electric panels in my laundry instead of in the garage, without even asking me. Too complex to re-do, so I’m having my cabinet guy build a shallow false cabinet over them to hide them. When I discover these things, I try to breathe deeply and tell myself these are first world problems. Usually it works!!
Hi Susan! I know that perhaps a lot of people would not be able to relate to the downheartedness that comes when we discover a flaw in something we were anticipating being “just right”. I recall reading the following, and thought it might help….”The Navajos were noted for weaving beautiful blankets and rugs, but they believed that only God is perfect and that humans cannot achieve that same level of perfection. So they leave a little imperfection in anything they create”–Ozzie Tollefson, Fergus Falls Daily Journal.
Thanks so much for hosting this lovely party!! I really appreciate the time and effort that goes into it along with visiting all the links!! I hope you are having a great week!! And thanks for providing so much inspiration!!
Hugs,
Deb
Debbie-Dabble Blog
Let it go … metal is something that will dent. What would your reaction have been if you yourself, or your grandsons, had inadvertantly dented it? I don’t have any experience with dent removal but would be leery that it might not be satisfactory (would a spot/area still be visible? will it result in a ‘pimple’ appearance instead of a dent?). I’d use a label maker ((love a Brother P-Touch label maker!)) and label the drawers … screwdrivers, pliers, drill bits, and such … and place the label over the dent. Much less costly and less effort than dent removal!
Contact Husky’s Customer Service between 8A to 6P EST at 888-434-8759.
I’m sure they can help you, if you are willing to pay the price. And once you know the price, that dent may just magically disappear.
Take Care and Be Careful
Grando
How bout this…looks like the perfect set for a diamond! Glue one in there and it will make it one of a kind..you will be the talk of the town and you can only smile when seeing it as you drive in…and believe it or not probably cheaper than getting rid of that teeny tiny miniscule dent! Love you little perfectionist!
Susan, I can identify with your frustration as a woman living alone. It’s almost disrespectful that they did this and didn’t say a word. You plan and save for nice things and others don’t appreciate that. It’s “Oh, so sorry” and really don’t care. I know we live in different times and mostly, there is no pride in workmanship and “What’s the big deal ?” If I hear one more time “You can’t find good employees anymore” Remember, people do what you let them. It’s been awhile, but I would call the contractor and get it off my chest, so you can more on. As you said, they don’t even make the same one anymore. But, that’s just me.
That would drive me crazy and also make me really annoyed each time I saw it! I wonder if you could buy a replacement drawer directly from Husky, or if they could tell you the correct way to pull out a dent?
Look on Etsy for some small cute magnets and place them in a row along the dented drawer front. Then your eye will definitely be drawn to it every time you pull into your garage, but will make you smile instead of scream .