Do you have a failed tool/wrench/socket story I can learn from?

[Egon]

I was under the impression the thumb was placed to direct the hammer?

 

[Henry]

Back in my 20something (and not so smart) days, I tried helping a friend bust off a giant lug nut from one of those really big skidders (used on logging operations in Washington State). We tried using my trusty Craftsman 24" long breaker-bar (a really big socket wrench). Well, we both cranked on it pretty hard and it wouldn't budge... so we slipped on a 6 foot long peice of pipe over the breaker bar and proceed to climb-on-top, then jump up and down on it.... we never did break loose that lug nut, but proceeded to bend the Craftsman breaker-bar about 30 degrees!

Next day, we went to Sears, asked the man about the life-time warranty on Craftsman tools, and much to our amazement, we got a new breaker bar, no questions asked.... now that's one heck of a warranty!

 

[CShipman]

I have replaced my Craftsman 19mm socket about 6 times. Everytime, it was because it either split, or cracked. In every case, it was because I was using it to loosen the lug nuts on either my trucks or SUV, and yes, I had to use a "snipe." I finally found the solution, whenever I had the wheels on my vehicle get removed by a "trained professional" , I insist that he use either a torque bar or torque wrench, that way, the lugs don't get air blasted to 150+ foot pounts of torque!!! I then test a lug on each wheel before I leave. Since following this procedure, I have not broken any further 19mm sockets, AND, I can now rest assured that in case of a flat tire, the spousal unit and female offspring, can change their own tires without waiting for help!

 

[billbill1]

Vise grips were invented to aid in the removal of nuts and bolt heads damaged by adjustable wrenches. Never fry bacon in the nude.

 

[Defective]

Vise grips were invented to aid in the removal of nuts and bolt heads damaged by adjustable wrenches.

Not true...

Vise Grips were invented by a blacksmith as a better set of tongs.

Never fry bacon in the nude.

Never fry ANYTHING in the nude...

 

[alvanko]

Never try to drill through a small piece of sheet metal without clamping it down. When the drill bit catches, just as it goes through, it will spin around and slice your hand up pretty good. Of corse, I wrapped it up with a shop rag and tape and kept going, but it bled for a long time and hurt for weeks.

 

[Bedlam]

I've heard some people use silicone caulk to seal a cut. I recently used some of the "new skin" in a tube it stung, but helped stop the bleeding. (it was on the knuckle).
Ive several times used several band aids, and then wrap with black electrical tape.
Its a real pain when its on a joint or a part of the hand that you use.
Really makes you appreciate your body.

 

[Egon]

Duct Tape!

Superglue may also work. I think some proffesional sports us it to seal small cuts.

 

[czechsonofagun]

Paper towel and electrical tape works for me. It keeps the cut clean even if you hurt yourself right before you start changing water pump or oil in the differential.