Valuable tools

by "RacinBob" (racinbob)
Published 11/12/2017 at 20:16

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STARS: 4

I changed the rusted out muffler on my ‘07 Si. today and sometimes, having the right tools make all the difference.

First I snapped off one of the exhaust pipe bolts. There was no way that I could drill out the captured nut so I dug out my trusty air chisel and made quick work by knocking the nut off the pipe flange.

Then when the bolt broke on the exhaust tip, I drilled out the bracket and using my safety wire pliers and using 0.041 stainless wire made a permanent attachment to the pipe.

By the way, I had the muffler fail at the end of August and using safety wire and some sheet metal accomplished a temporary repair till I could replace the muffler. Who knows, my fix might have lasted for years!

I find that large gauge safety wire and pliers to be one of the handiest tools I own. And I have used that air chisel twice in 25 years. Each time it was the only tool for the job and saved hours. Having the right tools make all the difference.

Replies (8)

"RacinBob" (racinbob)
11/12/2017 at 20:19, STARS: 0

Here are the pictures that failed to produce on publication....

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/12/2017 at 21:37, STARS: 1

It really is true, sometimes there is no replacement for the right tool.

"atfsgeoff" (atfsgeoff)
11/12/2017 at 21:52, STARS: 1

Air hammer and torch are two of a rust belt mechanic’s best friends.

"RacinBob" (racinbob)
11/12/2017 at 22:14, STARS: 2

First I tried drilling, no luck. It would have been hard to get the dremel in there so Plan B was out. Then I thought of the air chisel.

The difference between shade tree and professional mechanics is professionals have the tools and know when to use them. I’m just the guy laying under the car on jackstands wondering “what do I do now?” when the first bolt broke.

"Kiltedpadre" (kiltedpadre)
11/12/2017 at 22:24, STARS: 1

Safety wire pliers are among my favorite tools. I don’t have to break them out often, but when I do it’s hard to imagine not having them.

"shop-teacher" (shop-teacher)
11/12/2017 at 22:28, STARS: 0

When it comes to cars, that’s the category I’m in too. My training is in carpentry, drafting, and architecture.

"RacinBob" (racinbob)
11/12/2017 at 22:31, STARS: 1

just remember to bend the pointy ends up. It seems that there is nothing sharper than cut safety wire......

"RacinBob" (racinbob)
11/12/2017 at 22:32, STARS: 1

BTW, the pliers are probably 30 years old. I bought them from JC Whitney back when I first started racing.