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MG TD TF 1500 - Alternative uses for tools.

We all use tools for other than their intended purpose. With a suggestion from Chris Couper I thought I'd start a thread about the misuse uh, I mean the alternate use of tools. For example, using sockets to drive out bushings. Have any other examples to add?

Tim
Timothy Burchfield

I often use pliers to pinch my fingers, and hammers to hit my thumbs, and I once used a circular saw to nearly cut off two of my fingers as well. But I'm not sure that's what you mean... so...

I use old, worn-out sockets to make gasket punches - grind down rims to make them sharp and they work well. You can also add an extension to use as a punch handle for the sockets.

Similarly, I use a ball-peen hammer as a gasket making tool, by laying the material on the part and using the ball end to lightly tap around the holes and edges to cut the gasket material to match the part.




Kevin McLemore

One day soon I'll remember to take the leed out of the amps hole on my multi meter when I finish with it so that next time I go to measure volts or ohms it doesn't take me a while to work out why my meter doesn't work
one day soon I'll remember not to hit my little click centrepunch on the end with a hammer
one day soon I promise to stop using screwdrivers for levering things till the ends drop off
one day soon I'll remember to turn the pilot arc on my welder off when the weather is wet
one day
willy
William Revit

Oh, where to start. What I lack in actual smarts, I make up for in ingenuity.

Railroad rail for an anvil.

Old circular saw with a metal blade for a chop saw.

Engine stands as a rotisserie

Kitchen cabinet hoist as a lift.

Q tip swabs as a paint brush

Dixi Cups as throw away glue and paint cups.

Popcicle sticks for stiring paint and mixing epoxy glue. (a hundred are just a few bucks at walmart)

Ratchet straps as clamps

Compression tester extension hose to put air into a cylinder to keep the valve closed to change a spring or seat (the fitting is a A type air hose fitting)

Today, I needed to use a super fine bit in my drill. Of course the chuck would not close tight enought on the small bit. I found an old broken drill with a small chuck, removed the chuck and found a bolt that would fit into the base of it. I then milled the bolt so it would fit into the chuck of the good drill.

I was inspired by a spoof of Popular Mechanics that was in Mad Magazine when I was younger.

How to Make A

1. Chisel from a screwdriver.
2. Steel ruler from a chisel.
3. File from a steel ruler.
4. Scraper from a file.
5. Saw from a scraper.
6. Knife from a saw.
7. Screwdriver from a knife

Bruce Cunha

I use super glue a lot as a temporary holding device. Usually a sharp blow will brake the bond.

I was putting the tonneau on several years ago and one of the (original to the car) snaps refused to secure to the body metal. The hole had become too large.
I decided to use a "Tinnerman" nut but I did not want to remove the entire doorcard. I glued the nut, with just a bit of glue to my finger and I was able to get my hand in between the dooryard and the body an lock the snap in place.

No damage to my finger upon removal, at least not that I remember.

Jim B.


JA Benjamin

One of my favourites is a stepped shaft golf club picked up for a few cents at a recycling centre. Cut off at the required diameter and sharpen the inside edge with a countersink bit you can punch neat holes in gaskets etc.
Chris
C I Twidle

I use a big socket on top of the front hub shaft and then place the knock off back on after removing the nut. Tightening the knock off acts like a wheel puller and the hub comes off easily. I like it even better than using a wheel puller.
Christopher Couper

I bent this about 10-15 years ago. It has been one of my most useful tools ever since.
Mort

Mort Resnicoff

This thread was discussed between 08/09/2019 and 22/09/2019

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