Repair/mechanic tricks and or tips?

[neverenough]

1) Read the directions BEFORE starting the project.

2) Use silicon as a sealant, NOT as a fashion statement. Using too much sealant can/will cause more harm than good.

3) Just becouse a part is "new", doesn't mean it works.

4) A fuel line from an outboard motor tanks makes a decent siphon. It's a little slow once it gets flowing, but it beats the heck out of the taste of fuel.

5) It's good to have spare tools....you never break a tool after your done.

6) Alway's check over "field" repairs when your back home. Things can get missed in the heat of a quick repair.

 

[firemanpat2910]

There are times when a cheap tool will do the job just fine, there are times that you want a good wrench. I have Snap ons, Craftsmans, S&K, Mac,proto,Matco, china and jap. I do not see the point in carrying my snapon screwdriver set on my tractor when a set that cost 95% LESS will do.
The same for the wrench and socket that fit my shearbolt. Do I have several name brands that I could use? Yes. What do I use? the cheapest set I can get by with. As for proto being good tools, they may be better than junk but they arent Snap, S&K, or Mac. they are about even with craftsman. IMHO

 

[BobRip]

Use BP Blaster (available at NAPA) to loosen rusted bolts and nuts. It does what the others claim to do. Best tip I ever found.

 

[cmatthew]

I may have been the last to figure this out but last month I was replacing the clutch in my truck and I couldn't get the pilot bearing out. I broke the $1.99 China Town (HF-see cheap tools) pilot bearing puller and was about to throw a fit when a buddy told me to pack the insides with grease and make a dowel that just fits the hole/inside diameter of the bearing. I did this and tapped the bearing out with a hammer in about two seconds with no effort. Wish I had thought of it myself.

 

[jimmysisson]

I may have been the last to figure this out but last month I was replacing the clutch in my truck and I couldn't get the pilot bearing out. I broke the $1.99 China Town (HF-see cheap tools) pilot bearing puller and was about to throw a fit when a buddy told me to pack the insides with grease and make a dowel that just fits the hole/inside diameter of the bearing. I did this and tapped the bearing out with a hammer in about two seconds with no effort. Wish I had thought of it myself.

********

never heard that one - good thinking!
Jim

 

[Charolais]

I solve battery post one battery at a time. I'm sold on Optima batteries. End of problem. LOL

 

[dieselsmoke1]

I own SK's, Proto Challengers and Proto Professionals, never felt enough difference in the three to detect personally. As I stated they are "good" tools, and probably compare with Craftsman. Never had Snaps or Macs, can't speak to that.

Regarding the difference in the two wrenches pictured, the import is 2mm wider on the open end and the boxed end than the Protos or the SK for that matter. I stand by my earlier statement, that 2 mm will be real important one day, at least it has been for me.

Splitting a 1/2" drive 7/8" socket on a trailer wheel lug with a pull handle on the side of the road in 98 degrees blazing sun with cars whizzing 4' behind your butt also provides a lesson not to be forgotten. I'll stick with the "good" tools.

 

[ksmmoto]

Never push on a wrench, always pull so you don't smash your knuckles. If you have to push, use your open palm as John_Bud mentioned.

If you have a Phillips screw that has the slots rounded out try some valve grinding compound grease, the carbide grit will help grip.

If you can't get a socket off of the ratchet, rap the ratchet on an edge so the socket is down and hanging off. When the ratchet stops the socket will come right off with the inertia.

A large crescent wrench works great for bending metal.

And most of all, always read these tip posts. I learned about the grease for bearing removal and how to pour from a five gallon bucket spout. Always more to learn, I have been working on mechanical equipment for forty years!

ksmmoto

 

[woodchuckie]

A c-clamp is good for compressing the calipher on disk brakes.

One of those yellow oil catching things is the best thing I've found for oil change. That pour spout works great.

When I change my brake shoes I lay the springs and things on the carport in the potition they go in so I don't forget how they go.

They sell these things called dust shields to prevent that brake dust buildup from disk brakes on your wheels.

Keep a spare door key to your car hid somewhere on your car.

Break a bead on a tire using your fel.

When I hear a some kind of noise comming from who knows where I put a short length of garden hose to my ear and listen as I move the other end to different parts of the motor.

A small mirrow comes in handy when working and trying to see what you're.
feeling of.

That new kind of flouresent bulb in my drop light don't ever burn my ear.

I like using those doctor gloves when doing a really greasey job. No clean up required.

Don't ever let gas drip in your ear while undoing a gas line above you.

A tobogan on your head can keep a lot of dirt and grease off your head.

When I notice a rock hole in a headlight I patch it with silicone and moisture doesn't get in and cause the bulb to burn out .



The older I get the more I say- Pay someone else to fix it.

 

[Farmwithjunk]

Try to sit here at the computer and think of these things..... But go to the shop and start working on something, and the ideas just flow.

Got a screw that won't budge? Insert a GOOD FITTING screwdriver, apply a fair amount of torque, and strike the top end of the screwdriver with a hammer. The shock is transmitted through the screwdriver and will break the screw loose! It worked for me yesterday! (Poor boys impact screwdriver)