A new purpose

If you've got that job, that just requires something that's not in your arsenal of weapons, and you're short on cash to buy it from that Snap on guy.  The only alternative is to modify an existing tool to suit ones purpose.  This little gem was used to get those pesky bosch type fuel injection plugs.  The ones with the wire clips, they're such a pain.  A couple swipes with the grinder and we have a special tool. Now it's used quite a bit on other odd jobs.  Definitely worth the sacrifice.

This is what was before it went under the grinder.

Is it a sin?

Modifying ones tools. I'm usually adamant about purchasing the tools to get the job done right. Back when I was turning a wrench for a living, I always took notice of the more experienced mechanics with their modified tools. These were modified Snap-On and Mac tools. Back then, I never could bring myself to do such heinous acts. Since I was still paying for mine. And for those who don't know, those tools are definitely not cheap.

Since I was trying to finish my project. I searched around for something that may get the job done without success. So I did the unthinkable. I took a spare wrench I had laying around, and did a bit of grinding.

Here's the modified (left) and unmodified tool.

Here's modified tool fitting in some tight areas.

Just like my car parts, I'm accumulating duplicate spares of tools without realizing it. I'll have to take inventory cause I can't seem to remember what I have anymore.

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Old School tool

Dunno if i'll ever use it. I don't come across cars with external regs. Don't even know if the guy I got it from way back then even used cause it looks so new. It measures the temperature of an alternator regulator. This was when cars had their regulators mounted outside. But i'm sure you guys already knew that.


The original Snap-On box with label, I wonder how old this piece of equipment is? Could'nt find much information on the net.

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Eccentric tool

If you've ever browsed through tool catalogs like Snap-On etc. You'll always notice the odd ball wrenches they offer. If it weren't for some of the descriptions you'd never figure out what they were used for. Way back when I first started wrenching I would always love dropping in on the Snap On tool truck. Though I never got much, cause I didn't have much money to drop on a tool set. But like a kid in a candy store I'd just look to see what they have. They every now and then there would be odd ball things i'd like to get. For some reason I just notice these half moon wrenches and decided to get them. Not a whole set just what I thought I needed.

Everyone at the shop was like WTF, why did you get those. My answer 'One day i'll need them'. Over 10 years later I found a good way to use them.


My turbo setup, even though I tried to make it as easy as possible for removal and installation. It's still tight in certain areas.

As you can see one of the bolts on the turbo exhaust outlet is in a difficult area. Usually I'd have to remove the valve cover just to get the angle I need to remove the bolt. I could also used a stubby wrench, but usually this requires a lot of torque. Remember let's work smarter not harder.


Now with the half moon wrench that step is eliminated.

Finally this tool is paid for!

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R.I.P. another tool

It seems that the more work i've been doing in the garage, i've been breaking more tools. Now I sent to tool heaven and Blue Point die grinder. I don't how much I paid on the Snap on truck, and I don't really want to know. But it's years of service will not go unnoticed. Next time i'm gettng an Ingersoll Rand.

Just a little tease...

I'll post up when I'm not drooping over keyboard and have a clear fresh brain. Tire smoke is not good for the head.

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Tool Book

I've received my share of tool catalogs during my time as a tech. They're usually just cheap and simple books. From Snap-On to S-K tools they were pretty much all the same. Until I came across this one from Beta tools. It's a hardbound book that looks like more an encyclopedia.

The replacements

Image by CARLOS62 via Flickr

Got some Snap on and Mac tools replaced recently. It really sucks that if you break a Snap on or other big branded tool, you can't them replaced as easily with other brands i.e. Craftsman. Usually, I end up sitting on them since i haven't really worked in the automotive industry for a few years. It's just a hassle to find a tool truck and beg the tool guy to replace it especially if he doesn't know you. Since he's not making money off you, he could care less. Sometimes i'm happy I have some Craftsman tools in the arsenal, so at least I break'em I can get them replaced anywhere there's a Sears and in no time so no time or money lost.

Improvise, yes we do.

I used to spend alot of money on tools when I wrenched for a living. Since i've all but given up the profession. I have a lot more money to spend on other things. But there's days I won't have the tools I need to get the job done. This is where being filipino comes into play. Yes I did use a connecting rod, pinion bearing and a socket to press a couple of ball joints in. And yes it did work take that bitches! Unfortunately, a Snap On tool was sacraficed in the line of duty.

Finding the right tools

If you choose automotive as a career or a hobby, you gotta have tools right? Borrowing the neighbors tools will only go so far. Most rookies start off with Craftsman tools cause it does the job and the price is reasonable, it's what started with when I first started out in the industry. Sears is also in every major city so if it breaks you have a place to go to for a replacement. But when you start using high end tools you can really appreciate them, something I didn't do initial due to price. But since I don't wrench for a living any more I still like to get my hands on the high end tools. But it's hard chasing the tool truck around, looking for a couple tools that you hope he may have stashed in his truck. Or I could go on each tool makers site and order from there. But either way it gets expensive really fast. And I'm cheap, so I've started scouring places like ebay, swap meets and garage sales for tools. Sure it's used but it does the same job. Lately I've been dealing with Carl who sells tools at swap meets and ebay. A really nice guy with awesome prices on used tools. He carries names like Snap-On and Mac (which I prefer). So take a visit to his site http://www.landonlawtools.com/ or if you're a Southern California local you can also see him personally at the Long Beach Hi Performance Swap Meet at Veterans Stadium