TTT -- The Tool Thread

[NCFJ]

@slceso make sure you add some suntan lotion to one of those drawers........ or invest in the full length gloves

X2!! I build a rack for my pickup when I was in my early 20s using a buzz box (stick) wearing only a T-shirt and gloves. Got a pretty good burn. Never again! After living in the Keys for 10 years I learned that long sleeved shirts are key to me not burning. Wearing a long sleeved T as we speak.

 

[slceso]

X2!! I build a rack for my pickup when I was in my early 20s using a buzz box (stick) wearing only a T-shirt and gloves. Got a pretty good burn. Never again! After living in the Keys for 10 years I learned that long sleeved shirts are key to me not burning. Wearing a long sleeved T as we speak.

We wear FR stuff at work, so I just wear one of those for everything in the garage now, and when I burn sticks.

 

[cruisermatt]

How 'bout a short tool making story.

Sometimes there's a SST for a job, but you just don't have time to go get one, or didn't know you needed it till you're in there. Take this for example, the preload screw in the top of the steering box sector shaft:

That screw freely rotates, but it's held in with that hex nut that's staked in place. Tried punching it out to no avail.

Measured the diameter of the hex with a set of calipers then picked out a sacrifical hex socket of the appropriate size. They're hardened, so you can't drill it easily. To anneal, all you have to do is heat it to as hot as you can get with a MAPP gas torch and let it cool to room temperature. I did that three times then punched a hole through. To restore hardness, I got the end as hot as I could and quenched it in some used motor oil I had:l

Worked like a charm. Thought the metallurgy part was neat. Use the anneal/harden technique to modify any kind of hardened steel tool you need.

I don't think those are actually hardened. I'm pretty sure they're just tool steel like any other punch or chisel. I could be wrong though. Did you try drilling before the heating/cooling processes? Feeds/speeds?

 

[GLTHFJ60]

I don't think those are actually hardened. I'm pretty sure they're just tool steel like any other punch or chisel. I could be wrong though. Did you try drilling before the heating/cooling processes? Feeds/speeds?

It sure felt hardened when I was trying to drill it. Drill press, maybe a couple hundred RPM, downpressure from the quill. Would not drill prior to annealing. After annealing, drilled like butter.

 

[S4Cruiser]

It sure felt hardened when I was trying to drill it. Drill press, maybe a couple hundred RPM, downpressure from the quill. Would not drill prior to annealing. After annealing, drilled like butter.

I know the output shafts for the sm465 and 420 are like this. I had a machine shop drill and tap mine like 4 years ago...they said all I had to do is throw that sucker in the oven (clean the grease off first) and then could drill myself.

 

[jamesurq]

Anyone guess why I took a crap old 5/8 socket to a grinding wheel and stuck a nail in the resulting slot?

 

[jfz80]

Tire carrier winch SST ?

Anyone guess why I took a crap old 5/8 socket to a grinding wheel and stuck a nail in the resulting slot?

View attachment 1464991 View attachment 1464992

 

[NCFJ]

Ya break your floor jack handle or lose it?

 

[jamesurq]

Tire carrier winch SST ?

We have a winner.

And it worked too.
As a result I have a 33 that doesn't fit anything I drive and an open ended question about where to mount the spare. But that's another thread probably.

 

[JohnVee]

I was gonna guess that you had a nail and needed a scribe and didn't have vice grips or pliers but did have a socket, grinder and a lot of time.

 

[jdayment]

Just ordered this Air Armor M240 Portable 12-Volt Tactical Air Compressor Kit real good customer service and stand behind their product from reviews I found. Spare parts are also available.

 

[RedHeadedStepChild]

Curious: what exactly makes an air compressor "tactical"?
Also, would you consider it to be "X-Treme!"?
If so, @JohnVee needs that link.

 

[JohnVee]

Curious: what exactly makes an air compressor "tactical"?
Also, would you consider it to be "X-Treme!"?
If so, @JohnVee needs that link.

We got you to move away but you still won't leave us alone.

 

[GLTHFJ60]

Going to move away from brake cleaner. Charges with compressed air from the air compressor and has an adjustable nozzle.

EDIT: Purchased from McMaster-Carr (direct link to part below):

McMaster-Carr

 

[fourtrax]

62.97 at summit
Sure Shot M2400

 

[little_joe]

I didn't buy into the JIS drivers thing, but took a chance anyway on some Vessel JIS drivers from Amazon:

Ball driver + bits: Bessel (Vessel) Ball Grip Difference and Screwdrivers Set No.220w-3 - - Amazon.com

Ratcheting driver + bits: Amazon.com: TD-70 by Vessel: Home Improvement

<$30 shipped to me for both.

Having used them, mostly on the 40 so far, I am a believer. Much better seating, fitment, and positive feel than phillips drivers. Every 46 yr old JIS screw I've removed so far has gone flawlessly, no mucking up of the heads at all....

 

[pawwright]

I didn't buy into the JIS drivers thing, but took a chance anyway on some Vessel JIS drivers from Amazon:

Ball driver + bits: Bessel (Vessel) Ball Grip Difference and Screwdrivers Set No.220w-3 - - Amazon.com

Ratcheting driver + bits: Amazon.com: TD-70 by Vessel: Home Improvement

<$30 shipped to me for both.

Having used them, mostly on the 40 so far, I am a believer. Much better seating, fitment, and positive feel than phillips drivers. Every 46 yr old JIS screw I've removed so far has gone flawlessly, no mucking up of the heads at all....

I've never seen these - thanks for sharing - I've got a combo screwdriver that broke the large phillips bit - and thanks for the enablement....

 

[S4Cruiser]

I didn't buy into the JIS drivers thing, but took a chance anyway on some Vessel JIS drivers from Amazon:

Ball driver + bits: Bessel (Vessel) Ball Grip Difference and Screwdrivers Set No.220w-3 - - Amazon.com

Ratcheting driver + bits: Amazon.com: TD-70 by Vessel: Home Improvement

<$30 shipped to me for both.

Having used them, mostly on the 40 so far, I am a believer. Much better seating, fitment, and positive feel than phillips drivers. Every 46 yr old JIS screw I've removed so far has gone flawlessly, no mucking up of the heads at all....

I've got the ball type drivers but the are branded craftsman...they had them for like $.99 last summer.

 

[JohnVee]

There's a tool dealer that offers a mud discount and JIS bits. I think it might be vessel. I don't have time to search now.

 

[fourtrax]

i would like some JIS bits. cross-posting from another forum.
Just buy this tool. You will thank me later