Your James May comment of the day

"Cé hé sin" (michael-m-mouse) 05/09/2016 at 13:59 • Filed to: James May, Adjustable tools, Charlatan

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“Adjustable spanners* are the tool of the charlatan,”

* A spanner is what some colonials call a “wrench”

DrJohannVegas > Cé hé sin 05/09/2016 at 14:03

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Technically, those are adjustable clamps. Even worse is this:

Cé hé sin > DrJohannVegas 05/09/2016 at 14:06

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Maybe so, but I admit to charlatanism either way. I’ve removed many a nut with a vice grip and frequently put them back again too.

functionoverfashion > DrJohannVegas 05/09/2016 at 14:07

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I worked with a marine Master Tech who did not own an adjustable wrench such as that one. I mean, not even one? I keep one in my boat, one in my car, in my truck... it’s a lot better than carrying around a full tool set in every vehicle, right?

Chinny Raccoon > functionoverfashion 05/09/2016 at 14:12

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The good ones are just about useful in a pinch, or for plumbing. The cheap ones aren’t good for anything.

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > DrJohannVegas 05/09/2016 at 14:13

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I’ve never heard them referred to as anything but Vise Grips, regardless of brand.

Same as you never hear anyone say “facial tissue”.

BigBlock440 > functionoverfashion 05/09/2016 at 14:14

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I’m not sure if I own one either. If I do, I would never use it. Anything smaller than 1" and they just round whatever you’re trying to turn, in my experience. They work ok for bigger stuff since the tolerances are much looser, but smaller stuff I won’t even bother trying anymore if that’s all that’s available.

RallyWrench > DrJohannVegas 05/09/2016 at 14:14

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Is that the metric one?

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Cé hé sin 05/09/2016 at 14:14

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Vise Grips and Channel Locks are essential tools.

The end.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Cé hé sin 05/09/2016 at 14:18

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Vise grips: the best way to completely wreck something.

Jcarr > Cé hé sin 05/09/2016 at 14:24

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I changed my tie rod ends a few weeks ago using a Crescent (yes an actual Crescent) wrench and a set of Channellocks (yes actual Channellocks).

That said, a couple of open ended wrenches of the right diameter would have been much more effective.

functionoverfashion > BigBlock440 05/09/2016 at 14:31

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To be honest, it’s rare that I use one on an actual bolt or nut. More often I’ll use it as a pry/grab tool on a thin metal part, or on a wingnut if I come across one. But it’s a good spare tool to have for occasional use.

One place I used one about 35 times a day was at a marina where we removed/installed the square brass bilge plugs that most small boats have. They’re about 9/16" square and the adjustable on the forklift was just perfect.

Chinny Raccoon > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/09/2016 at 14:40

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I’ve always known them as Mole Grips. No idea where that name comes from.

BigBlock440 > functionoverfashion 05/09/2016 at 14:41

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I guess they do work fine for square nuts, but so do normal wrenches. For hex nuts though, I’ve never had any luck with them.

HFV has no HFV. But somehow has 2 motorcycles > functionoverfashion 05/09/2016 at 14:45

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I keep one in my moped, and one in my car as well. it might not be better than a full too set, but it’s way better than using your fingers. I also keep a 10mm in both vehicles, even my wife’s car.

DrJohannVegas > RallyWrench 05/09/2016 at 15:36

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+1 FSAE Paddock Announcement

Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer > Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch 05/09/2016 at 15:55

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And often the best way to fix something that’s already wreaked.

Bman76 (no it doesn't need a WS6 hood) M. Arch > Smallbear wants a modern Syclone, local Maple Leafs spammer 05/09/2016 at 16:10

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^This, so much this!

RallyWrench > DrJohannVegas 05/09/2016 at 16:32

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That joke never gets old. We like to use it on new shop helpers and parts store counter staff.

Cé hé sin > Chinny Raccoon 05/10/2016 at 05:37

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From the Mole company who used to make them. I don’t think they exist any more.