I used to book rooms based on the online price shown. @black.jordan's tip had me call a place and they listed resort and cleaning fees. Now I always check by phone first and it saves me from overpaying.

How often does a miscommunication almost ruin the whole piece?

Honestly that just sounds like carrying extra weight for imaginary problems. Most hotels have basic tools at the front desk if you really need pliers. A chair with a sharp edge is a safety issue they should fix, not you. Carrying metal through city security or into events is asking for trouble and a pocket knife does 90% of those jobs anyway.

Honestly some groomers do pet nails and they're really good at it though.

My buddy Leo had his weird metal sculpture in a park show last spring. He pretended to just walk by it, but he saw some little kids stop and point. He told me he almost cried in public, lmao.