The heat gun is one of those tools like the five pound sledgehammer which reveals its many uses as time passes. The idea is simple if not slightly dangerous. Like a hopped up hair dryer, the heat gun focuses superheated air in whichever direction it is pointed. This makes the heat gun great for softening up and removing everything from old vinyl graphics to unwanted paint. The … [Read more...]
Tool of the Week: Mechanic Stool
Sitting on a stool is a famously popular activity the world over. Add some slakey beverages, put the stool at a bar, and folks will part with substantial sums of money and time. If you're reading this chances are your stool of choice is out in the garage, probably has some wheels on it, and most certainly has a wrench or two sitting on the handy built-in tray. Such is the dual … [Read more...]
Tool of the Week: Fiat SST
Going by the book while driving and repairing fine vintage automobiles usually means running into the point where the manual says use Special Service Tool X-5745 to remove a bearing, or SST set 09612-10091 and a block of wood to overhaul the steering gear. Many of these tools have long since been tossed into the dumpster of discontinued parts. Lack of availability can result in … [Read more...]
Tool of the Week: Nut and Bolt Gauge
In a time before nuts and bolts were packaged into useless plastic bags in never correct quantities, gathering fasteners was as easy as heading down to your auto parts or hardware store and just asking for a dozen M8 45 millimeter exhaust studs with a 1.25 thread pitch and matching copper pinch nuts. While there are some auto parts joints and fastener suppliers that still … [Read more...]
Five Tips for DIY Automobile Repair
You are one of the intrepid few that revel in the satisfaction of fixing automobiles yourself. You enjoy building things no matter the cost or even unfortunate result. While that unintentionally cubist home made book shelf in the living room may lean more towards Braque than Picasso, it represents a valuable lesson learned for the next square and far more rectangular … [Read more...]