Post by TermiteHunter on May 5, 2021 23:10:34 GMT -5
What should I do to REPAIR a cache?
The question often arises as to how far to go on cache maint. when it is not your own cache.
Simple yet not so simple. Each is a little different.
The log is mush, damp, full or missing.
If it is missing, are you sure this is the cache and not something else?
Replace the log if it is missing. This should be very rare. Usually you did not find the right item so keep looking.
If it is simply damp. Help them out. Stick it under the sun, wave it in the air a few minutes or under the vehicle heater if possible so you can sign it.
It's mush, Just forget it. leave it in place (usually in a baggie) and add your own clean log preferably in a new baggie.
Some are mush or too wet and another baggie will not fit. Log your find and be ready to prove your find. Mention it in the log. Add a Needs Maint log after your find log.
In general replace a log when it is reasonable to do so. If not possible a NM log and mention in your find log is in order.
The container is damaged. Maybe open and out in the open in the area. Bent or deformed.
Gather the contents and replace in what you think is the hiding place.
Reform what you can
Again this needs to be mentioned in your log and a NM log might be in order.
This one is hard to discribe. You found it but the container is not right in some manner. It is obvious to you that something is wrong but you are not sure exactly what.
Mention it in your log. You may want to contact the CO directly with more info possibly including pics so that they can determine if there is indeed something wrong that needs to be fixed.
You find where you think it should be. Seems obvious to you that this is where it should be and it is not.
First, you did not find it. Log a DNF
Do not assume you are correct. If you are reasonably sure that this is the location enter a NM log.
You found it and it is disassembled in some manner. The last finder didn't put it back together as intended.
Usually they found a way in to something that needed more finese and used brute force. Repair what you can but alert the CO in your log. A NM will encourage that they check and repair.
It's full of water. Pour it out, dry what you can, mention it in your log, Add a NM log if this looks like a recurring issue.
In general. Replace a log that is full or unsignable for the next finder. Add another seperate baggie if you can to hold you new log.
Make simple repairs. Fix a seal that is loose. Put it back together the way you think it should be if open or damaged
Do Not drop a log where you think it should have been (that's a DNF)
Do Not replace a container. That is the CO's job (thats a DNF)
Do Not assume you are correct no matter how many photos or hints tell you that you are right. That's a DNF. If it is not there. You didn't find it. Let the CO know with a NM log.
Even if you are certain. It is a DNF and a NM log is needed.
A NM log or similar on most sites alerts the reviewers as well so that they can track it and look for maint by the CO.
Logs are simple. Replace them
Containers are simple. Never replace them.
Repair what you can and alert the CO
A NM log will add urgency and alert the listing site that somethig is wrong that needs to be addressed.
An old addage applies here. Cachers Carry there own tools.
Meaning you carry a writting impliment and tools for extraction of small logs in tiny places.
Expanded for cache repair...
Part of that for many are spare logs (of various sizes) in case the log you find is unsignable.
A baggie is a step up if you intend to rplace a log.
Logs are available online.
We have some here in our download section iincluding GCGC logo logs (I need to add our URL to them)
A scrap of paper will do but who wants to sign that? Make it official looking by being prepared.
Baggies are available at hobby stores. Usually in the jewelry section. They are cheap for many.
Save the small baggie from other items you purchase containing small parts.