I always thought oil-based paints were the only tough choice for steel. We tried a water-based coat on a bridge last fall because of new rules. It dried fast, smelled way better, and held up through the winter storms. Now I see it cuts down on fumes and waste without losing strength. I'm telling every ironworker I meet to give it a shot.
I always gave bolts a quick look and called it good. When a new guy asked about one I missed, I saw how lazy that was. What's your go-to method for spotting loose connections on site?