| Author | Message | ||
     John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 579 Registered: 03-2003 |
We have a decent selection of tools here at the shop. It's natural for me to gravitate toward the "fun" tools like air tools: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC05635.jpg or some Medievel-looking tools that look really cool: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC06522.jpg http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC06652.jpg http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC07545.jpg But I must admit that my favorite tools in our entire collection are none of the above. I have two new favorite tools. These are tools that I appreciate more than any other tool in our box. The first is the air hose swivel: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC07564.jpg http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC07562.jpg The swivel fits on the end of the air hose: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC07560.jpg http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC07568.jpg I put a six-ball coupler on both of my couplers and now can enjoy some swiveling action on all of our air tools: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC07565.jpg No matter which way you have have the air tool oriented, the air hose still points straight to the ground. There is less weight on your arms this way, and you fatigue must more slowly with the swivel in place. The air hose is also far less likely to kink with the swivel attached. I love the air hose swivel. I don't think I can ever go back to using a simple air hose with no swivel. The second favorite tool is the Unibit: http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=948&Group_Name=Titanium %2DNitride+UNIBIT%AE+Step+Drills&Sub_Cat_ID=2038382&Sub_Cat_Name=Specialized+Dri ll+Bits&Cat_ID=2038271&Cat_NAME=Drilling&store=snapon-store I was watching American Chopper one night and I saw Paul, Jr. drilling into a gas tank with a Unibit. I bought a three-Unibit set from our Matco guy and I must say that I am truly amazed by these bits. They are so awesome. They make perfectly round holes with sharp edges, and they are so fast it's almost unreal. When you have to drill multiple 1/2" holes through an ARB bumper, these bits are just invaluable. It's virtually impossible to drill a 1/2" hole and you usually have to do it by step drilling. The Unibit lets you step drill all in one "step". I even snapped a Unibit during a recovery point install, and Rene Pauer our Matco guy warranted it (which was cool of him because I don't think drill bits have a lifetime warranty). Anyone else out there have a favorite tool? | ||
| Robbie Donaldson (Robbie) Senior Member Username: Robbie Post Number: 446 Registered: 02-2002 |
OK, hopefully this isn't a letdown after all the Snap-on and Matco stuff, but one of my favorite tool purchases that I have made has been a set of Craftsman deep off-set box end wrenches in metric size. I have used these things all over my truck recently and they have really been useful. some stuff is a one time purchase for a project, but these have definitely become a staple for me: http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?BV_UseBVCookie=Yes&vertical=TOOL&pid=0 0944350000 | ||
| Jack Parker (Jack) Member Username: Jack Post Number: 236 Registered: 03-2002 |
My votes are for: 1. Flank Drive Plus wrenches - combo and offset open-end. There really IS a difference in grip and torque with FDP. 2. Not exactly an exciting tool, but biting the bullet for a KRL. You can open every drawer while you're working - it doesn't tip or sway. Kind of like having a bank vault in the garage. I got a killer deal and had to buy it. 3. DeWalt 12" miter saw. Built 4 decks, and other projects before I finally got one. Should have done it years ago. Gives a professional look to each cut (straight!), and really speeds up any woodworking/building project. 4. My sentimental favorite is an old fashioned (because it is old) rawhide mallet. Manufactured way before plastics, this baby is old, but nothing is better for "non-maring" blows. I'd post a picture, but it's pretty boring. RE American Chopper - Paul Jr. is very talented. I use slow motion to see what brand, or type of tool he is using if he is doing something really cool. I remember those bits John! I do agree with Paul Sr. though, on one episode he went ballistic over the messy work areas. Empty cups, drinks, gloves, and tools laying everywhere. They should get Mikey off his ass and make him clean up. I still like Jesse James on Monster Garage. He seems like an arrogant bastard, but he backs it up with top-notch fabricating and sound mechanical ideas. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 583 Registered: 03-2003 |
Robbie, it doesn't have to have a fancy label on it or be expensive to be your favorite tool. I think that air hose swivel was something like $18, yet it saves me grief and energy, so I love it. From what I have seen, the Orange County Choppers uses a mix of various tools. I wonder if Snap-on is paying something to OCC or American Chopper, because most of the interviews seem to happen right in front of that red KRA with the giant "Snap-on" script on the inside of the top lid. I've seen them using an eclectic mix of various tools, from Snap-on drill bits, to Unibits, to a Makita cordless drill to a Snap-on Techwrench, to Craftsman wrenches. I cringe whenever I see them toss their tools into the tool "pile" when they finish a bike. I really like American Chopper. It's one of the few "reality" shows on TV that I can relate to. I'm not a Monster Garage fan, as the show has always struck me as being really contrived. Not as bad as Junk Yard Wars (which is just bullshit), but still a little lame. And those MAC tools that they give away at the end always crack me up. They're such pieces of shit that MAC gives them away. I think this was a horrible judgment call on MAC's part. Our Snap-on guy is friends with the Snap-on guy that services West Coast Choppers, and he tells me that the West Coast Choppers guys are always trading in their MAC tools (that they got for free from MAC) with their Snap-on guy. I don't know if this is true or not, but it's certainly funny if it is. | ||
| Wei Quek (Apohis) New Member Username: Apohis Post Number: 16 Registered: 04-2003 |
Unibits are cool. I used them exclusively when installing cable conduits into electrical breaker boxes. Don't know what to do without them. | ||
| han chung (Hanchung) Member Username: Hanchung Post Number: 128 Registered: 10-2002 |
i've been buying some nice tools lately but there's this one life-saver tool... serves me well for several different jobs around the house, work and car... my Swiss Tool RS. now from my recent tool purchases, the snapon 3/8" locking flex head ratchet and the ratcheting screwdriver set... they feeeeeeel gooooood. http://www.necessiteesapparel.com/rangie/tools/DSC01366.JPG http://www.necessiteesapparel.com/rangie/tools/DSC01358.JPG http://www.necessiteesapparel.com/rangie/mantec_snorkel/DSC01412.JPG | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1202 Registered: 02-2002 |
Estwing 2lb engineers hammer is by far my favorite and most useful  http://www.tools-plus.com/est-hammers-drillers--cross-pien--engineers-and-2-face -hammers.html Bill | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2583 Registered: 02-2002 |
Bill, That's not the right hammer.... http://www.benmeadows.com/store/product_group.asp?dept_id=2459&parent_id=5776 Oh! You meant for a Rover....  lol.... Taking the Series apart, I've come to REALLY appreciate a sawzall and an angle grinder. 30-year-old rusted bolts just aren't worth fighting, kill 'em quickly and move on...  I don't know that I'd say they're my favorite, tho'.... I'll think on it some more, and see if I can narrow it down to one thing more than any other.... -L | ||
| Bill Bettridge (Billb) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Billb Post Number: 1203 Registered: 02-2002 |
LOL - I wonder how many people other than Blue will get that? Bill | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2584 Registered: 02-2002 |
Hey, you did.... -L | ||
| Jack Parker (Jack) Member Username: Jack Post Number: 237 Registered: 03-2002 |
I think those AC/OCC guys use what works, and what they've collected over the past few years. Not sure if Snap-on has a deal with them or not, but you're right about seeing the inside lid logo. I don't care for the Monster Garage show per se, I just like Jesse Jame's calling bullshit on some of the "team" members, and watching him weld, or do any fabrication is cool. I think that $3500 MAC tool set is funny....I'm sure one will turn on up eBay soon, with the title, "Not snap-on, MAC tool kit as featured on Monster Garage" I'm sure West Coast Chopper's tool arsenal is quite different than Monster Garage's. Monster Garage is reality TV, WCC is earning a living Compared to OCC, I think WCC's work is a little more custom, in that they fabricate their frames, tanks, etc., parts that OCC subs out. Not sure of this though, and if their respective customers are happy with the results, I guess it doesn't matter anyway. On my '67 MGB, my sawzall and angle grinder are my version of Liquid Wrench. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 587 Registered: 03-2003 |
My guess is that a lot of the Orange County Choppers' tools are just old tools that they started out with before they hit the big time. You're right about that second son Mikey. Did you see that episode where OCC had to send a frame out West for the custom fitment of that fire engine theme bike's gas tank, and Mikey didn't send it? It's not as if he got busy either. He had one thing to do the entire day and he didn't do it. And there's that other episode where Paul, Jr. is building Mikey that blue/green chopper, and Mikey can't even pass the DMV exam to get his motorcycle license. Unreal. I have no idea what's wrong with that guy. Maybe he's adopted or something? He doesn't even look like Paul, Sr. or Paul, Jr. Anyway, I really like American Chopper. What a great show. | ||
| Jack Parker (Jack) Member Username: Jack Post Number: 238 Registered: 03-2002 |
I saw that one, I thought Mikey would get his ass kicked for not packing and shipping the frame, and from what I remember, Paul Jr. took the fall. He cracks me up though. He's a good natured goof-ball that helps diffuse Paul Sr's temper. Here's the link to Discovery Channel's bio on Mikey http://dsc.discovery.com/fansites/amchopper/meet/mike.html In November, Discovery Channel will air a series of AC specials, narrated my Mikey! | ||
| laszlo nemeth (Laz) New Member Username: Laz Post Number: 8 Registered: 03-2003 |
tool #1 leatherman pulse http://www.leatherman.com/products/tools/pulse/default.asp its small enough to be in you pocket all the time, so you always have it, but it is real enough to do work. Tool #2 brass rod bout 1-2 feet long. i get them at scrap metal prices and abuse them for anything. like removing tire chains after they fall/wedge into the inside of the front wheel well. or opening gas cans with a non sparking tool. or wedging between to parts to hold a gap without marring. or.......... as for OCC i like the show, i like the fab, and real world problems that show up with fixes/misses. but the bikes are useless for anything but posing but then i guess thats what most bikes are used for these days. laz | ||
| Lewis Jones (Cutter) Member Username: Cutter Post Number: 47 Registered: 10-2003 |
fav. tool? Corkscrew | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 546 Registered: 04-2001 |
I am with Billb, though I prefer my 3lbs estwing, to the 2lbs one. I have only had it for a year, though it looks about 15 years old now Ron | ||
| Andy Thoma (Andythoma) Senior Member Username: Andythoma Post Number: 487 Registered: 01-2003 |
I agree Cutter, but make sure it has a bottle cap opener to, man can't live on wine alone, you need beer to! Problem is what are we working on? For the Rover it's those snap on swivel head 3/8" and 1/2" ratchets. I use the 3/8" way more than the 1/2 but would buy the 1/2" again. For house/woodwork a Bosch Router; http://www.boschtools.com/Tools+and+Accessories/Tools/prod_detail.htm?item_no=16 17PK I dream of finding projects so my hands can hold those wood handles. For hiking, mountaineering, wheeling, Kayak touring; the Garmin 76S. Easy to use and with the newest software quite fast. For playing in the winter here in Utah, the BCA shovel probe combination and the BCA digital transceivers. http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=158999&storeId=8000&cat alogId=40000008000&langId=-1 http://www.rei.com/online/store/ProductDisplay?productId=47577858&storeId=8000&c atalogId=40000008000&langId=-1&addon=629753-691640 I also love my Cajun Cooker , bought it brew beer and now I can boil 6 gals of water in about 5 minutes. http://www.thebrewhut.com/ViewProductPicture.cfm?ID=337 I have to many tools I fall in love with, plus I keep falling in love with new tools everyday, good thing I live in Utah, this kind of life style is accepted here. | ||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1552 Registered: 04-2002 |
For some reason whenever I watch OCC, Paul, Jr. reminds me of this guy:   | ||
| Tim (Snowman) Senior Member Username: Snowman Post Number: 589 Registered: 12-2002 |
OCC is a great show that our whole family likes. My son loves the fabrication and of course the "cool dude" factor of the guys on the show. Did you see the show when they went on vacation to the Florida everglades? Jack- I have a 1970 MGB project car, do you ever visit this site? The MGB Experience It's a great BBS community for B's. | ||
| Jack Parker (Jack) Member Username: Jack Post Number: 246 Registered: 03-2002 |
Thanks Tim - I'll check it out. | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 213 Registered: 11-2002 |
Here are my choices. All of them made life much easier when rebuilding engines. None are particularly a favorite as there are too many tools that have regular use in this profession. However these are special to me for their ease of use and for getting me through the job. The tools that have basically never let me down. Bolt Extractor http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=10522&group_ID= 1262&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Pry bar http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=8920&group_ID=1 005&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Cam tool http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=11748&group_ID= 1584&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Timing light http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=diagnostics&item_ID=10985&g roup_ID=1388&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Magnet http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=56000&group_ID= 1272&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog Pick http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/pro_det.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=9264&group_ID=2 318&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 628 Registered: 03-2003 |
This is quickly becoming my favorite tool: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/snap-on/DSC08192.jpg Unfortunately, I use it almost 20x per day, and each time I use it is another nail in my coffin. | ||
| Jaime (Blueboy) Senior Member Username: Blueboy Post Number: 814 Registered: 02-2002 |
JOHN!  used to smoke 4 packs a day during my Railroad time. went to bed on Sunday and said that was the last day. that was 21 years agao. Jaime | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 215 Registered: 11-2002 |
John...don’t leave that tool out in the open. It could easily be "borrowed" | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 811 Registered: 04-2003 |
close, Leslie, but no Macanudo http://www.benmeadows.com/store/assets/product_images_XL/bmw162071.jpg | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 812 Registered: 04-2003 |
I prefer the chisel-end to the pick end. Some prefer Harp with their Guiness, I prefer Bass. (LOL, I think we've had this conversation before.) I also prefer the leather Estwing handle for my camping hatchet...it has that rustic woodsy feel: http://geotoolsdirect.com/cgi-bin/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=G &Product_Code=ELGSA&Category_Code=EA Combine the rock hammer and the hatchet, and you can split wood like a champ. Combine two chisel-end rock hammers, and you're breaking through anything... | ||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1597 Registered: 04-2002 |
http://geotoolsdirect.com/cgi-bin/merchant2/merchant.mv?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=G &Product_Code=ENGCAWS&Category_Code=EA I actually carry one of these. Love the Eastwing products. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2644 Registered: 02-2002 |
Yep, we have done this before, I think..... I'm guessing it depends on what your first professor told you to get, that you like.... pick, chisel, etc. I agree, I like the leather, too. Not that I mind the blue-rubberish stuff, but, leather is leather. -L | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 815 Registered: 04-2003 |
here's John's favorite tool in action in the field...I think Curtis fell over shortly after Ho lit the smoke he bummed from John  | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 217 Registered: 11-2002 |
"Combine the rock hammer and the hatchet, and you can split wood like a champ. Combine two chisel-end rock hammers, and you're breaking through anything..." Can you use it on a rotor change? | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 816 Registered: 04-2003 |
maybe if you're Ron Brown | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1219 Registered: 02-2003 |
Like Andy Dufresne I prefer my handles made from wood. It really gives it a woodsy feel. "I'll tell you what it is and why I want it. A rock-hammer looks like a miniature pickaxe - about so long... It's got a small sharp pick on one end and a flat, blunt hammerhead on the other. I want it because I like rocks." | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 817 Registered: 04-2003 |
So what you're saying is that geologists who like the pick ends are felons? Makes sense to me. | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1220 Registered: 02-2003 |
no i'm saying you need to grab my wooden handle and see what you are missing. leather it aint. rd | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 820 Registered: 04-2003 |
I only use wood handles on full-size axes, like The Preacher in Pale Rider. "Nothing like a good piece of hickory." And Andy Dufresne's rock hammer was a joke. That's no Estwing. He could have dug out of prison years earlier with an Estwing. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2647 Registered: 02-2002 |
I loved that movie... one of the few movies that was truly accurate to the book..... -L PS: the female geology majors on campus never get messed with.... people see those hammers, and steer clear.... -L | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 569 Registered: 04-2001 |
Eventually I hope to be able to perform all repairs and services on a land rover with only a large rock. Ron | ||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1600 Registered: 04-2002 |
"maybe if you're Ron Brown " You know, you guys give Ron a hard time for suggesting ways to repair things, but some people don't have a huge chest full of Snap On tools at their ready disposal. I've always appreciated his help, and his suggestions have always worked for me when I've been in a bind with out a "PROPER" tool. For example, when I couldn't get my lug nut locks off, I got suggestions from Ron and others to use a sledge and a chielsel, but no one spoke up and said a word bad about all the other people suggesting the same thing then. I think Ron, and all the others, that get the job done, sometimes using what they have available, are the true innovative thinkers. Think about this for a moment next time you give him shit for a suggestion............... If you are out on a Trail such as the ones shown on all the video's that Dweb sells, are you always going to have that special "Snap On" tool available? No, your not............. Cut the guy some slack for once....... | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 570 Registered: 04-2001 |
Thanks Greg, It is totally unnecessary to defend me. Someone will be sitting there with their snap on 1/2in drive impact and it will strip the head on that screw (or more likley the screw will be pre-stripped by the last guy to take off the rotor) and then will be like, humm . . . what can I use to get this POS out? Ron | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1225 Registered: 02-2003 |
i have no problem with people improvising solutions especially if the situation leaves no other alternative but i do see a problem suggesting to inexperienced people that you should go the unconventional way first. i don't know where ron brown falls into that equation. | ||
| Greg (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1601 Registered: 04-2002 |
Well, Ron has never suggested the unconventional way first. He always suggests the correct way, however when that was not available to me at the time in a tough situation, he has always had a creative solution. I just get tired of seeing the few on this board that always resort to bashing him or giving him a hard time. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 631 Registered: 03-2003 |
Greg, your points are pretty much absurd and are not well taken. For example: "when I couldn't get my lug nut locks off, I got suggestions from Ron and others to use a sledge and a chielsel, but no one spoke up and said a word bad about all the other people suggesting the same thing then." Nobody said anything about Ron's suggestion because it was a perfectly legitimate suggestion. Your wheel locks were junk and were going to be tossed into the garbage after they came off, so using a hammer and chisel on them is not butchery. How can one butcher garbage? He can't. Using a hammer and chisel on a wheel lock is no more butchery than using a twist socket on it. In both cases, the wheel lock will get mangled. However, it in both cases the wheel locks will be discarded after removal, so it really doesn't matter. Contrast that with using a hammer and chisel on your brake rotors' set screws. It is not the same thing. I suppose in your mind the two situations are the same because in both cases Ron advocated the use of the same hammer and chisel. However, the two cases are not the same. Try using the brain that God gave you. Exercise some judgment and discrimination. Weigh the advantages and disadvantages. In other words, think. "I think Ron, and all the others, that get the job done, sometimes using what they have available, are the true innovative thinkers. Think about this for a moment next time you give him shit for a suggestion............... If you are out on a Trail such as the ones shown on all the video's that Dweb sells, are you always going to have that special "Snap On" tool available? No, your not............." Of course not. You're not going to have the same tools at your disposal on the trail as you would in your garage or shop. You say this as if you it were "innovative" or a novel idea. It's not. Of course you're not going to have a fully loaded KRL on the trail. That's why what can be butchery at home is not butchery on the trail. What is butchery in one situation may not be butchery in another situation. Again, use your brain. Think. In the Dusy DVD, Paul Kleinkramer welds a crow bar to his straightened drag link: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/dusy/dsc00222.jpg http://www.expeditionexchange.com/dusy/dsc00225.jpg This is not butchery. It is not butchery to weld a crow bar onto a drag link to effet a trail repair and get home. Nor is it butchery to weld some halfshafts onto your track rod so that you can get home: http://www.expeditionexchange.com/corva2003/DSC02845.jpg And, it would not be butchery to use a hammer and chisel to remove the brake rotor set screw in the field because you left your impact driver at home. In the field, you make do with what you have at hand. However, it certainly is butchery to effect those same types of repairs your driveway because the dirt road safari social event of the season is shortly forthcoming and you have to effect the same repair to attend the event and you're too niggardly to go to Sears and spend $20 to get the proper tool. Also, I think it's equally absurd how both you and Ron frame the tool thing as "either nice tools or skill, but not both". You sound like those sheep in Animal Farm: "Four legs good, two legs bad." It is quite possible to have nice tools and the skill to use them effectively. Just because you don't have nice tools, don't tell yourself that the people who use nice tools do so to compensate for their lack of skill. | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 645 Registered: 02-2002 |
Ron- If you use the 1/2" impact driver properly, you won't strip any screw. Just because it's called an impact driver doesn't mean that a neanderthal effort is required to break a frozen screw. | ||
| Sean Roche (Crazy_fish) New Member Username: Crazy_fish Post Number: 6 Registered: 10-2003 |
"Greg, your points are pretty much absurd and are not well taken." --Gee I like em! "and you're too niggardly to go to Sears and spend $20 to get the proper tool. " -- a bit harsh don't you think? I've replaced T-bars, shocks and springs with vise grips and a sawzall. "You sound like those sheep in Animal Farm: "Four legs good, two legs bad." -- It was Snowball and Napoleon ( pigs) have suddenly taught themselves to read and write, and soon a list of 7 Commandments is written on the tarred wall. Unfortunately only a few of the animals can actually read the rules. One other passage that is interesting... " "Do not imagine, comrades, that leadership is a pleasure. On the contrary, it is a deep and heavy responsibility. No one believes more firmly than Comrade Napoleon that all animals are equal. He would be only too happy to let you make your decisions for yourselves. But sometimes you might make the wrong decisions, comrades, and then where should we be?" Just some random thoughts. Thank you for your time Sean | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 582 Registered: 04-2001 |
There is a simple point that both John Lee and Koby just don't get, and why should they, they live in cali: Corrosion Do you think I came up with the chisel thing because I was too cheap to buy a 1/2 impact driver (which BTW I do own, along with pretty much everything)? No, let the POS sit there for a good while and drive through salted PA winters and see how easy it is to get off. Koby you are nuts if you think that think will work everytime. Or better yet, try to get a fastener off one of the beauties I have resuced from Canada, try 45 years up north and see how your little impact driver does then, but two seconds with the chisel and the estwing and bob's your uncle. "either nice tools or skill, but not both". There is a minor sublety to my argument you seem to be missing. Nice tools + skill= get the job done no nice tools + skill = get the job done Nice tools + no skill = can't get the job done Success is independent of the nice tools, but dependent on skill. My point is all the nice tools in the world no not make up for a lack of skill, but that skill and creativity will make up for a lot of things with the word snap-on on them. Ron I would like to hear from people who have seen John or Koby in action, do they have the skill? | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 647 Registered: 02-2002 |
Ron, Your corrosion argument doesn't hold water. If your bolts are that rusted, then removing them would be analogous to Greg removing his wheel locks. The bolts would be fucked up to the point where you'd probably not want use them again, so using a chisel and hammer may be appropriate in that situation because you don't care if you damage or mangle the screw. And I invite you to come check out the skill any time. | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 583 Registered: 04-2001 |
Koby, you missed my point! My comment was a direct response to: "If you use the 1/2" impact driver properly, you won't strip any screw." The comment made me think two things: 1. He has no practical experience and does not know how things go when you actually try to fix something: or 2. He lives in Cali and has never seen a bolt rusted on. I was giving you the benefit of the doubt and going with #2, but now I am not so sure. You can have a screw that looks fine but the threads have been rusted and its siezed so that when you put the impact on it, it strips the head, you do not know ahead of time if it is toast in all situations, in fact most you do not, you give it a shot with the "preferred" method and it strips and then you go to the "unconventional" method. Ron | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 648 Registered: 02-2002 |
Ron- I agree with you. If the bolt is fucked up, then by all means use the chisel and hammer. You do this because you don't intend to keep the rusted bolt anyhow. That is all I said above. I revise my original statement to read that "You won't strip any screw in good condition." | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1231 Registered: 02-2003 |
LOL. ron is right here. the rust in PA is legendary. it's the reason everyone else does shocks and springs in 4hrs and me takes 12-14, LOL. i swear know what the hell i'm doing! | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 649 Registered: 02-2002 |
"the rust in PA is legendary." Then move. Rob knows the camping and food is better out here anyhow. | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 584 Registered: 04-2001 |
PA is not that bad especially around here Phila, Erie is real bad though, pittsburg is not terrible. The worst is the snow belt in upstate NY, either between syracuse and watertown or between buffalo and the state line. They have salt out there in May Ron PS I can do rusted shocks and springs in under 2 hours. All about the skill in getting the shocks off You figure out how to get the bottom nut off the front shock quickly and you are home free. (somehow I don't think that the oval socket John Lee was talking about would help with a rusted nut ). That and figure out that you do not have to take off the retaining plates to install and remove the springs. Ron | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1232 Registered: 02-2003 |
salt in may does not sound so unlikely. so your torch the shock off (sizzle if it's woodhead) and then compress the shit out of the springs... lol. koby, i'd more to california but yinz got yourself in a finacial mess out there. i'll wait until you guys pay it off first meanwhile i'll be sand blasting the rusty areas. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 844 Registered: 04-2003 |
"maybe if you're Ron Brown " blah blah blah "Cut the guy some slack for once......." vs. "Eventually I hope to be able to perform all repairs and services on a land rover with only a large rock. Ron" LOL, someone got the joke, and someone didn't. What's really funny is that Ron got it and posted to that effect 6 hrs before the rant. LOL | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 585 Registered: 04-2001 |
Yes Blue, thats why I said not to defend me Actually Rob the key to to grip the top shock with the biggest pair of channel locks they make and wedge them against the tire and turn the bottom nut with a 17mm wrench. If you can't turn the nut you hit it with the chisel, or my personal favorite the air chisel You could get some special tool to hold the shock or grip the whatever but no need. Works like a charm. Ron PS torch on shocks is a BAD idea, very close to brake lines. | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 586 Registered: 04-2001 |
PS did anyone else notice the tools John posted above look like they have never been used. Is that file pics or are they your tools John? Ron PS John Lee why can't I seem to find you on Martindale.com? | ||
| John Davies (200tdi) New Member Username: 200tdi Post Number: 10 Registered: 07-2003 |
Interesting thread. My favorite tool is the rattle gun, changing to the mud tyres becomes a grind after awhile. Ron, another way to grip the front shocks is to get some seatbelt webbing. Wrap it around the shock, make a loop and wind it up tight using a big screwdriver and brace against spring. Then undo nut. Shock doesn't get mangled by those big vice grips. John D | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 218 Registered: 11-2002 |
I prefer to soak anything rusted with some penetrating oil, then burn the oil off with a torch and quickly cool it off with water. | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 934 Registered: 05-2002 |
OK - back on topic here: My favorite tools are: Reciprocating saw Hammer Hand wrenches Good ratchet & set of sockets I have a fair amount of tools, but these see the most use for various applications. BTW - Craftsman sucks. I have had a 3/8 drive ratchet and a 1/2 drive ratcheting torque wrench fail in the past month. They will not warranty either because they are "precision instruments" and not hand tools. I guess they might warranty the rock that Ron wants | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 632 Registered: 03-2003 |
Oh man, Ron, where do I even start with you? "Nice tools + skill= get the job done no nice tools + skill = get the job done Nice tools + no skill = can't get the job done Success is independent of the nice tools, but dependent on skill. My point is all the nice tools in the world no not make up for a lack of skill, but that skill and creativity will make up for a lot of things with the word snap-on on them." I find it hilarious that you equate "success" with "getting the job done". It's obvious that in your mind, "getting the job done" is all that matters. For example, if the new rotors are on the vehicle, then "the job is done". I prefer "getting the job done right". By "right", I don't mean using a nice tool when a cheaper tool will work perfectly well. By "right", I mean doing the job with as little collateral damage done to the vehicle as possible. In your mind, so long as the new rotors are installed, that is all that matters. If the set screw is mangled from hammering and chiseling, that is of no consequence so long as the new rotors are installed. And it's funny how "Snap-on" keeps coming up in these conversations. Had I specifically advocated the use of a Craftsman impact driver, I doubt we would even be having this debate. But since the impact driver I showed a pic of had "Snap-on" written on it, you get defensive and start saying how impact drivers are junk and a hammer and chisel are preferable. "You can have a screw that looks fine but the threads have been rusted and its siezed so that when you put the impact on it, it strips the head, you do not know ahead of time if it is toast in all situations, in fact most you do not, you give it a shot with the "preferred" method and it strips and then you go to the "unconventional" method." Have you ever considered that an impact driver can be used skillfully as well? Of course not, because you obviously use your impact driver the way you use other other tools. You beat on it with a hammer and use the improper bit, and then when you mangle the set screw, you blame this mishap on the impact driver. An impact driver can be used skillfully. This may be a surprise to you, but it's true. First of all, the impact driver may not even be required. Whenever I try to undo a screw, I don't first turn to the impact driver. I try unthreading the screw with a screwdriver handle. If that doesn't work, I try a palm ratchet to get more power on it. If that doesn't work, I try an impact driver. And I don't automatically go to the maximum setting and hammer away. It is quite possible to put different amounts of preload on the impact driver's handle, to adjust the amount of camming action going on when you strike the impact driver with your hammer. You can also use a soft-faced deadblow hammer to attenuate the blow on the rear of the impact driver. Also, using an impact driver doesn't mean you can't remove the impact driver from the fastener after each blow to see if the fastener is starting to round. All of these things are quite possible. I do them all the time. It's obvious you don't. "PS I can do rusted shocks and springs in under 2 hours." Wow, that's really impressive. You can work fast. Big deal. This reminds me of Dean Brown's claim that he could remove a driveshaft in five minutes. I can only imagine the horror of seeing you work. There is no way on earth you can do a decent job of swapping out all four springs and shocks in two hours and do a decent job, let alone on a vehicle that has corroded fasteners (I'm assuming you don't have a lift in your backyard.) Just setting up jack stands takes a while by itself. (You do work under jack stands and not under a lifting jack, don't you? Of course you do.) By "decent job", I don't mean the new shocks and springs are on, i.e., "get the job done" as you are so fond of saying. I mean the new shocks and springs are on, the rust problems are dealt with by putting antiseize or grease or whatever on the bolts, the new components are unmarked, etc. "All about the skill in getting the shocks off You figure out how to get the bottom nut off the front shock quickly and you are home free. (somehow I don't think that the oval socket John Lee was talking about would help with a rusted nut )." You're such a dick. You have so little to go on, you resort to misconstruing what I say so that it sounds absurd. I went and found my comments on the shock socket and this is what I wrote: "Those sockets, assuming they fit, might help with a shock replacement. For sure, they would be useless on the front lower shock studs, but they might help on the front tops and lower rears. It's very possible that the oval tip on the shock could shear off when trying to remove a rusted shock. I don't know though because I've never used one of these sockets. The most I've used was an open-ended wrench and the result was usually that the oval tip got rounded under load. But on non-rusted shocks, the open-ended wrench holding the oval tip of the shock has always worked, so I would think the socket would work even better. For sure, this socket would help with the installation of a brand new shock, where you don't want to use things like Cobra pliers to hold the shock body stationary while you tighten the nylock nuts. So I think having this socket would definitely be worth the $12 pricetag, assuming you could get the correct size socket." I think that pretty much sums of these shock sockets. They are not indispensible items, for you can "get the job done" without them. But they can make the job easier, so they are worthwhile, at least to me. "That and figure out that you do not have to take off the retaining plates to install and remove the springs." If you're talking about "screwing out" the rear springs from the lower retainers, this is yet another indicator that your work isn't worth shit. If you're threading on the new springs, their surfaces are very likely to get scratched from the retainers. You may not care about this, but most customers do. It's not that burdensome to remove the retainers. You might invest in a 17mm ratcheting box wrench to undo the M10 bolts that secure the factory lower retainers. You say you have basically everything in your toolbox already, so take a look there and use the tool that you claim you already have anyway. If you want to speed things up to meet your 2 hour time limit, at least limit the spring unthreading to your old springs and once they are off you can impact off the M10 bolts with an impact wrench. Should take only a few seconds and this will prevent scratching the new springs using your method. This will also let you examine your corroded fasteners and see if they should be replaced. This is also a good time to lubricate the corroded fasteners before assembly, something I'm sure you do religiously because you live in such a corrosion-prone area. You do all of these things in your two-hour installs, don't you Ron? For my use, I prefer to disassemble the retainer bolts completely, clean them, grease them, and then reinstall them after orienting the rear springs correctly so that the retainers will not bend upward or downward over time. I can't do the springs and shocks in two hours though. Oh well. "PS did anyone else notice the tools John posted above look like they have never been used. Is that file pics or are they your tools John?" Again, you're such a dick. You have nothing else to go on, so you resort to saying I'm a poseur because our tools are new in those pics. Have you ever considered that I took those pics when the tools were new? Also, I'm sure you think this is hilarious, but one reason our tools always look nice is because I take good care of them. I treat them the same way I treat my guns or my truck. That is, I use them but take good care of them. Even when I'm tired after an install, I make sure to wipe down our tools after using them instead of tossing them into the tool box. I actually oil our pneumatic tools before putting them away just in case there was moisture in our air lines, even though we use a dryer and an inline oiler on our air hose during airtool operation. For unfinished tools like pliers and impact sockets and screwdriver bits and such, I actually take the time to wipe them down with an oily rag so that they will not rust. And gasp!, I even drain our air compressor after each use. Again, I know you're cracking up at all of this, but that's what I do. Contrast that with your tools. I noticed in another thread that you had a hammer that was something like a two years old, but that it looked as if it was 10 years old. You actually bragged about it, just as you brag about the carnage on your trucks that you suffered at the dirt road safari social event of the season. "PS John Lee why can't I seem to find you on Martindale.com?" Oh God, so the slob tries to go legit with his 1L Training. Why am I not listed on Martindale? If you knew anything about Martindale, you would know that it's a paid service that law firms pay for. Many firms do not pay for the Martindale service and are thus not listed. Tens of thousands of attorneys are not listed in Martindale, and those are attorneys still practicing. I'm on inactive status with the State Bar, so I'm not even practicing. Both of my old firms are listed in Martindale, but they have long since updated their periodic resume reports to Martindale. If you want to dig up dirt on me, you can start with my former employers. Here's where I clerked for three years after law school: http://www.cacb.uscourts.gov/ The two judges I clerked for were Mitchel R. Goldberg and Meredith A. Jury. Here's my first firm, Robinson, Diamant & Wolkowitz: http://www.rdwlawcorp.com/ When I was there, it was called "Robinson, Diamant & Brill". I left RDB in 2000 and joined Levene, Neale, Bender & Rankin: http://www.lnbrb.com/ which is now called, "Levene, Neale, Bender, Rankin & Brill", as Martin J. Brill moved from RDB to LNBRB at the same time I did. I can't wait to see "Law Offices of Ron Brown" in the phone book next to the bail bondsmen listings. Let us know when you pass the bar exam and moral fitness exam and get admitted to practice law. Don't worry, I won't tell the PA State Bar that story I heard about you stealing your co-worker's used fuel injectors from his D90 and using same to cure the ignition problems on your own D90. | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 1021 Registered: 02-2002 |
*sits in corner, eats popcorn* Why oh why do so-called 'professional' people resort to name calling? Jeeeeeez John don't you ever agree with anyone? Don't you think that saving the disk bolt was the very LAST thing on Ron's mind when he was taking it out? I mean for Christ's sake you don't even need the fucking bolt in there, the wheel nuts will hold it one, and you can always pick up a bolt later at your leisure! Maybe I would be concerned about the disk itself if I had to hit it, but not the bolt. I think if someone has their own opinion and methods, if based on actual experiences and not just dreamed up like some people do on here, then its perfectly reasonable to add to the knowledge-base and provide alternative solutions to a particular problem. Your opinion is not the only one, despite it being quite the loudest, why don't you try to be more considerate when you talk to people on here. Oh, it was 4 minutes, btw, but I was having a good day. Sometimes it can take as long as 6! Anyway, ss far as the original question goes, my fav tool is the little Lincoln 135 welder I bought a couple of years ago. Compared to the mofoing bollock-wrenching bucket of shit stick welder I had before that, its just simply stonking. It never fucks up, stops, slips, sticks, or fails in any what whatsoever. And that's what ALL tools be like! Dean | ||
| Andrew Maier (Newman) Senior Member Username: Newman Post Number: 415 Registered: 04-2003 |
John, was your change to inactive status voluntary or involuntary? And what led to the "not entitled" status from 9/1/98 through 3/14/02? I assume, given your occupation, you just chose not to practice, and in doing so didn't keep up with Multistate Continuing Legal Education requirements in California. Am I right? Andy | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 657 Registered: 02-2002 |
"John don't you ever agree with anyone?" LOL | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 635 Registered: 03-2003 |
Dean, I do agree with some people. I just don't happen to agree with the likes of you and Ron Brown and Greg Parrish and JimmyG etc. You see a pattern there? Andrew, the inactive status was voluntary. AFAIK, one cannot involuntarily go inactive, as inactive status permits one to go "active" whenever he wants. If it's an action by the State Bar and involuntary, then I believe the classification used is "not entitled" as opposed to "inactive". The "not entitled" was was from 09/01/01 to 03/14/02, and not 09/01/98 to 03/14/02. If it had been from 09/01/98, that would not be good, as I was quite actively practicing until 02/01. LOL. The "not entitled" was for failure to submit compliance with MCLE requirements. I had forgotten to change my status to inactive when I quit practice in 02/01 to form EE with Ho, and didn't submit my proof of MCLE compliance to the State Bar when my segment of the Bar membership was due to report in 09/01. The firm administrators at both of my old firms had always taken care of things like MCLE compliance reports and State Bar dues, so submitting the MCLE compliance report totally slipped my mind. Oops. When I got a notice from the State Bar in 2002 and realized what had happened, I submitted proof of my MCLE units to the State Bar. (Thank God I already had enough units on hand, as MCLE units in California are really expensive and my old firms had always paid for the MCLE events.) After I submitted my proof of MCLE compliance, the State Bar returned me to active status, and then I immediately converted to inactive so that this cluster wouldn't happen again. (Inactive members don't have to comply with MCLE requirements.) Out of curiosity, do prosecutors in your state have to comply with MCLE requirements or are the requirements limited only to private practitioners? I remember when I was clerking, there was no need to comply with MCLE requirements and I didn't have to start MCLE stuff until I was in private practice. I was just wondering if the same rule applied to prosecutors. | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 658 Registered: 02-2002 |
Back on topic here... I threw together a quick gallery of my favorite tools. http://koby.sigmadata.net/tools/index.php This shot is my favorite. http://koby.sigmadata.net/tools/krl.jpg | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 220 Registered: 11-2002 |
 | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2170 Registered: 02-2002 |
ROTFLMAO!!! This is great: http://koby.sigmadata.net/tools/rotor_change_rock.jpg Good stuff so early in the morning. | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 1023 Registered: 02-2002 |
John, No I don't see a pettern there. The only patterns I see, and I think they are quite clear, are ones of blatant condescension and arrogance, and a cacophony of off-topic ramble. Craig - excellent! LMAO this early for me is quite rare! Dean | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2664 Registered: 02-2002 |
Paul! I need a rock like that for my collection! I think Blue needs one, too! -L | ||
| Greg P. (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1557 Registered: 11-2003 |
Not that it makes any difference at this point, given the extreme posts above, but I did replace the screws in the rotors. I didn't have screws at the time, as they didn't come with the rotors, but I promptly ordered replacements and put them in when they arrived. Coincidentally, I didn't need the chiesel and hammer to get the screws out the second time. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2173 Registered: 02-2002 |
Damn Greg, You edited your post! I spent all this time searching and uploading the Fight Club bar of soap and you change your mind! | ||
| Greg P. (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1558 Registered: 11-2003 |
Oops. I was moving some stuff around in the post and I guess I deleted it somehow. Here is what I originally posted in full: "Not that it makes any difference at this point, given the extreme posts above, but I did replace the screws in the rotors. I didn't have screws at the time, as they didn't come with the rotors, but I promptly ordered replacements and put them in when they arrived. Coincidentally, I didn't need the chiesel and hammer to get the screws out the second time. Sometimes though, whether John agrees with me and that list of other people or not, you just get into situations where stuff breaks or needs to be fixed and you don't have time to get the proper tool in hand. I know a lot of the west coast guys don't believe in the "dirt road safari social event of the season" but there are an awful lot of people on this board that work very hard to host these events for attendees such as myself and others. John, maybe you should stop and think for a fucking minute yourself............ you are insulting half of the east coast when you are trying to only insult myself and a few others. Oh yes, and the continual display of extreme posts you make are pretty much pointing you out to be the DICK in the group.......... Not Ron. And lastly, I wish I had gone to the Billy Bob School of Auto-Mechanics and Law like you did so I could dispute your posts properly........... It's very tough to talk mechanics with such perfect legalese. So, Bite Me John." | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 674 Registered: 08-2002 |
My favorite tool for LR repair is Dweb, and my least favorite tool is John Lee, and yes John, you are a short little, obnoxious, insecure, emasculated, whiney tool! Your personal attacks only stand to illustrate what an ass you are, over and over and over again. Happy Thankgsiving everyone! | ||
| Zak Ruck (Zak) Senior Member Username: Zak Post Number: 500 Registered: 07-2002 |
I'd have to say my favorite tool is what ever is in my fellow dirt road safair driving Rover buddies garage as I have not amassed much of a collection yet. And what I do have is I guess from reading this post piece of shit Craftsman junk. But I would like to see how much money Mr. Lee has made off of us "safari" guys driving around our MAV's (MAR Assult Vehicles). We are not blessed out here on the East coast with the wonderful open country all you West coast guys have and make due. Does it suck to have to pay some money and drive around in circles in Off Road parks, organized events, trials coarces in someones back yards? No way. We made due with what is out here and all dream of one day making it to the Holy Grail of wheeling that you people enjoy on an anual basis. | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1247 Registered: 02-2003 |
LOL... i picked the wrong day to stop sniffing glue. | ||
| Jason Bard (Jbard) Senior Member Username: Jbard Post Number: 287 Registered: 10-2002 |
 | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 1024 Registered: 02-2002 |
Naaaaaa, we don't have any trails here in the east. All we have is covered with wet slippery stuff, nothing grippy like out west. Kinda sucks for us don't it!  | ||
| Zak Ruck (Zak) Senior Member Username: Zak Post Number: 501 Registered: 07-2002 |
Just don't leave your straps in the sunlight Dean. | ||
| Paul D. Morgan (V22guy) Dweb Lounge Member Username: V22guy Post Number: 2176 Registered: 02-2002 |
 The Rules of Fight Club. 1st RULE: You do not talk about FIGHT CLUB. 2nd RULE: You DO NOT talk about FIGHT CLUB. 3rd RULE: If someone says "stop" or goes limp, taps out the fight is over. 4th RULE: Only two guys to a fight. 5th RULE: One fight at a time. 6th RULE: No shirts, no shoes. 7th RULE: Fights will go on as long as they have to. 8th RULE: If this is your first night at FIGHT CLUB, you HAVE to fight. | ||
| Blue (Blue) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Blue Post Number: 858 Registered: 04-2003 |
Those snap-on rocks are great. I especially like the snowflake obsidian. Fuckin classic. | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 636 Registered: 03-2003 |
LOL. It looks as if the Philly Rovers group are pissed off and they're coming out of the woodwork to protect their own. "Not that it makes any difference at this point, given the extreme posts above, but I did replace the screws in the rotors. I didn't have screws at the time, as they didn't come with the rotors, but I promptly ordered replacements and put them in when they arrived." LOL. So you discarded your set screws? Well, why did you have to discard them in the first place? Could it be because you mangled them with the hammer and chisel method? "Sometimes though, whether John agrees with me and that list of other people or not, you just get into situations where stuff breaks or needs to be fixed and you don't have time to get the proper tool in hand." Agreed. As I said above, what is butchery in one situation is not necessarily butchery in another situation. If you're mangling stuff in your driveway and you're mangling items like brake rotor set screws (which are the first things to come off), it's probably butchery. It's not as if you you tore apart your vehicle and then found the set screw and you had no way to go and get the proper tool for the task. It's the first damn thing to come off. And it's not as if you're on the trail and have to effect the repair to get home. All you're doing is "prepping for MAR". "I know a lot of the west coast guys don't believe in the "dirt road safari social event of the season" but there are an awful lot of people on this board that work very hard to host these events for attendees such as myself and others. John, maybe you should stop and think for a fucking minute yourself............ you are insulting half of the east coast when you are trying to only insult myself and a few others." Oh God, now Greg is playing the Work Hard Card and trying to form alliances with others against me because he has nothing else to go on. I don't doubt that a lot of hard work goes into organizing and policing these types of events. I don't have a grievance with the people who put on these events. I do, however, have a grievance with the attitude toward these events by many the East Coasters. For example, those numerous "Prepping for MAR" threads are absurd. "What are you doing for MAR?" "I'm changing my oil." Lame. If you're going to MAR, that's fine. Just go. Don't share with the world every single detail of your preparation for MAR. If you have questions about what to bring, that's fine. Go ahead and ask. But don't just talk meaninglessly about MAR because you're eager to go. Another thing is the booze. MAR was definitely toned down this year, but the threads in years past all revolved around drunkeness and debauchery. Greg, you were one who posted that pic of the drunken underage girl sitting on the ground. And to top it off, you even Photoshopped empty booze bottles around her and Big Daddy Evan Price standing over her with his pants off. That was brilliant. I'm sure the organizers of MAR don't condone or encourage this kind of behavior. It's guys like you turn MAR into a debauchery fest and give it a bad reputation. And you claim I'm the dick for making fun of MAR? Unreal. Another thing about the MAR type of threads is the ingratefulness on the part of the participants. That thread about the MARshal wearing a pistol showed what the attitude of a good many of the East Coasters is like. All I saw on that thread was whining about the organizers, not support of the organizers. And what of those "what did you break at MAR?" type of threads? Those are hilarious. Those threads always have guys like Ron Brown bragging about their vehicle carnage. Guys like Ron Brown think vehicle carnage is something to be proud of. They think it shows that they're not poseurs and they're the real deal. These are the same people who leave mud on their trucks for days and sometimes even weeks after an event, just to show that they're the real deal. And, yes, they're the same type of people who treat their tools like shit so that the tools appear well used and they can make fun of the people whose tools are in good shape. Those are some of the reasons I make fun of events like MAR, Uwharrie, and SAE, or more accurately the participants at these types of events. There is nothing wrong with these types of events. They're an opportunity to meet fellow wheelers as well as see some old faces. It's more the attitude of the people attending these events that ruins them, as described above. In fact, I think that with the exceptions of making fun of the teeter totters and the stick courses, all of my pokes at MAR, Uwharrie, and SAE revolve around the participants rather than the events themselves. "But I would like to see how much money Mr. Lee has made off of us "safari" guys driving around our MAV's (MAR Assult Vehicles)." Translation: "East Coasters, don't buy at EE." Just like Greg Parrish and just like Carter Simcoe. You can't say what you mean. Get a backbone. I would respect you more if you had a backbone and said what you mean. I actually have more respect for Rans than I do for you; at least Rans doesn't hold back. "We are not blessed out here on the East coast with the wonderful open country all you West coast guys have and make due. Does it suck to have to pay some money and drive around in circles in Off Road parks, organized events, trials coarces in someones back yards? No way. We made due with what is out here and all dream of one day making it to the Holy Grail of wheeling that you people enjoy on an anual basis." Yes, it is true that the East Coast does not have the trails we have out West. But I can hardly make fun of you for that. After all, it's not your fault the trails back East aren't as good as the ones we enjoy out here. I've actually had this conversation with Rob Davison. I was comparing the East Coast trails to the West Coast Christmas. West Coast Christmas is basically a joke compared to East Coast Christmas. All the songs about a White Christmas, chestnuts roasting on an open fire, sleighbells ringalinging and jinglingaling etc. and so on all pertain to the East Coast Christmas. West Coast Christmas is basically fake snow at the malls and 70-degree sunny days. It's a joke compared to East Coast Christmas. But I don't deny this and get upset about it. I just accept it. And like me, Rob just accepted that the East Coast trails weren't as good as the West Coast trails. He didn't act like a baby and get defensive. He just accepted it. I suggest you do the same. I also think you misunderstand why I poke fun of you guys. Probably the biggest reason I poke fun at you guys is because you resort to events like MAR, SAE, and Uwharrie to wheel. You don't wheel on your own. One of the few things--probably the only thing--I like about Dean Brown is that he actually goes out and wheels on his own. He posts something on DWeb, soliciting participants, and then he ACTUALLY HITS THE TRAIL. That is in stark contrast to what I see with regard to the vast majority of East Coasters I see on this board. The attitude I mostly see regarding these dirt road safari's is that the participants actually go to these events to wheel, which is basically a joke. And speaking of East Coast trails, what about Tellico? From the pics I have seen, Tellico looks to be challenge enough for anyone. But I have yet to see the East Coast guys go and do Tellico. So far the only one I have seen do Tellico is Mike Peters, and he's a West Coast guy. I don't say this as a challenge, but rather a question asked in good faith. Why don't you guys hit Tellico? Why not a weekened trip to Tellico instead of to MAR? | ||
| Greg P. (Gparrish) Senior Member Username: Gparrish Post Number: 1560 Registered: 11-2003 |
Now, I actually respect you a little more for that post John. I didn't post the comment about "not buying at EE" and I have bought from you in the past if you remember another thread we argued on. My brake rotor job was done on a Friday afternoon while trying to get to a private outing north of Tampa. I didn't anticipate the need for a posidrive or impact driver and that was my fault. I got my parts in at noon, and started the install at 2pm. I had a 4 hour plus drive to get to the trail head to meet some guys from the Florida LR Club for a 9pm night run. I ended up not making the trip because of the rotors. Ron's advice helped me. I got the rotor and brake pad changed. I was under time pressure and didn't feel I had time to drive all over town looking for tools. Now did I post all of that story? No, but I shouldn't have to explain the entire situation to compliment Ron for helping me. I think you can be a very nice guy sometimes John, and yes my post above was a response to what I felt was a verbal lashing from you. My first inclination after reading your post was to resign my Dweb account, which I did. If you notice, after a few days, Axel restablished the account for me. I decided to just let the whole thread alone until I look and see my name mentioned in the first line of your extremely long post. So, if you want to not like me, that's fine. Don't say I'm trying to keep people from shopping at EE, and don't imply that I haven't shopped their either. If I recall, I've spent a few dollars from both you and from Ho. I just wanted you to realize that I may not be the only one that gets offended by the comments about dirt road safari. And with regards to the MAR photo, I didn't take the photo, I wasn't in the photo, and I didn't participate. I simply used poor judgement in making a visual representation of what the entire thread was about. I also took all the heat over that entire thread too. As far as MAR goes this year? I didn't attend. I did go to SAE, and I didn't take my truck on trails. I cooked and enjoyed hanging out with friends. I rode with some people and I got my ass out in the mud and worked to help with recoveries. Again, if you don't want to like me, that's your perogative. Other than defend a friend, Ron, and reply to your verbal outlashings, I've never done a thing to you to encourage you to say the things to me that you do. Take it or leave it, but that's the story. You have your hobbies and spend money on quality items and I have mine. I don't like being included in the cheap fuck category all the time when you reply just because I didn't buy what you would have bought. I don't believe myself to be niggardly as you put it, and if you want to continue to throw verbal shit my way, I'll throw it back as long as I'm allowed to be registered on this board. | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 677 Registered: 08-2002 |
Catch your breath yet John? You must get tired of hearing yourself prattle on like an old drewling fart. "Translation: "East Coasters, don't buy at EE." " Actually, surprisingly enough, I think we have been negotiating a purchase from you, haven't we? Pelicans? But we're probably doing that JUST so we can say we are customers....LOL...and negotiating because after all we are cheap fucks! LOL Anyway, we're doing Tellico in the spring. Will you meet us there? Yeah, I didn't think so. | ||
| Zak Ruck (Zak) Senior Member Username: Zak Post Number: 502 Registered: 07-2002 |
You translated my statement all wrong John. I have no problem with East Coast guys buying from you. I've reccomended EE on numerous occasions and quite a few times to non rover guys. Your store sells great products, has amazing information on the website and you guys know your stuff, I just think you come off like an asshole on Dweb. | ||
| Chris von C. (Chrisvonc) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Chrisvonc Post Number: 302 Registered: 07-2002 |
I think I have gone blind... CVC | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 678 Registered: 08-2002 |
Oh, and one last thing John..... Have a Happy Thanksgiving!!! | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 662 Registered: 02-2002 |
I thought it was more like this:  | ||
| Zak Ruck (Zak) Senior Member Username: Zak Post Number: 503 Registered: 07-2002 |
You know Chris, you mom said you'd go blind if you keep doing that... | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 679 Registered: 08-2002 |
Yeah Chris, those aren't the kind of tools we were talking about using!! | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 937 Registered: 05-2002 |
As I said wayyyy back in the thread yesterday: My favorite tools are: Reciprocating saw Hammer Hand wrenches Good ratchet & set of sockets *Beyond that it sure is good to see some good old-fashioned infighting again* -C | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1249 Registered: 02-2003 |
That's right east coaster. i tried to talk some sense into John Lee at Iron chef and more recently online. we dicussed East coast vs West coast, i dont get West coast and he doesn't get east coast. One thing is clear, this isn't as serious as it reads and i fear some of the people reading and participating just dont realize that. rd | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 938 Registered: 05-2002 |
Here is a thought: I have never seen anyone spar online with John who has actually met and wheeled with him for any amount of time. I may be wrong about this, but it seems to be true. John is one of the nicest people I know on the trail. He is generous, helpful, and friendly. Where people get bent out of shape is when he calls them on their shit. When he calls me out, I just ususally agree with him and laugh. No point in arguing because if he spoke up he is usually right. Even if he is wrong, who really gives a shit. This is the Internet and thanks to Al Gore we all can come on line and be assholes. A lot of the meaning gets lost when you are not in person. I guess the only reason I say this is that a lot of you Eastcoasters tend to have a lot of hatred for the guy. You may even has good reason as John is not exactly delicate. However, I bet if you guys were to spend some time with him on the trail you might feel different. John: PayPal the $50 to curtis@newkirks.net | ||
| Ron L (Ronl) Member Username: Ronl Post Number: 222 Registered: 11-2002 |
is 5% going to dweb? | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 940 Registered: 05-2002 |
Damn straight. | ||
| Ron Brown (Ron) Senior Member Username: Ron Post Number: 588 Registered: 04-2001 |
Happy Thanksgiving! I was getting fed up spending 16 hours a day in the library and this what I needed to see! Ron | ||
| Michael Noe (Noee) Senior Member Username: Noee Post Number: 789 Registered: 03-2002 |
So.......uh.......you guys wanna go wheelin' or what? | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 663 Registered: 02-2002 |
I just got finished watching the Dusy DVD. I can't wait to get out on the trail! | ||
| steve herrod (Sherrod) Member Username: Sherrod Post Number: 64 Registered: 02-2003 |
FYI John Lee: "And speaking of East Coast trails, what about Tellico? ...But I have yet to see the East Coast guys go and do Tellico." Check out the calendar of events from the Solaros group (the same people that put on the SAE). I consider us southern guys part of the "east coast". I think twice a year at one location for 4 days (tellico) is more than enough. http://www.solaros.com/events_calendar.html Sorry for this post here, as I did'nt expect to see such commements under "favorite tools". | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 664 Registered: 02-2002 |
Steve- LOL Try to think about doing a camping/wheeling trip not put on by any group. Try to think about a bunch of Rover owners that spontaneously decide not to base their wheeling around Solaros groups calendar Try to think about planning your own wheeling trip, and not rely on someone elses' planning and preparation. If you think going to Tellico twice for 4 days with Solaros is wheeling on your own then you're confirming everything John is saying. | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 680 Registered: 08-2002 |
"I have never seen anyone spar online with John who has actually met and wheeled with him for any amount of time. I may be wrong about this, but it seems to be true. John is one of the nicest people I know on the trail. He is generous, helpful, and friendly." "I guess the only reason I say this is that a lot of you Eastcoasters tend to have a lot of hatred for the guy. You may even has good reason as John is not exactly delicate. However, I bet if you guys were to spend some time with him on the trail you might feel different." You know Curtis, it's not like people sought out an opportuntiy to blindside John with an attack, he has typically brought it on to himself, and we all know that he does it with full awareness. John likes to go out of his way to be abrasive, nasty, mean-spirited, and supperior, and he does all this without benefit of wheeling with any of us. He no more knows us than we know him, so "when he calls them on their shit" he is doing so based on very little info, and not always accurate. Most of the people he attacks are very nice, generous, helpful, and friendly. But if attacks, they will fight back, no need to fault them for that. John is knowledgable and experienced, and I respect that, but you know what? So are alot of other people on this board, many even more knowledgable and experienced than John, but they don't behave like an ass the way he so often does. I hope to meet John one day and get to know this "generous, helpful, and friendly" man, but until then, I only have the persona put forth online to go by, and that persona is basically an asshole. I work with what I have to work with. | ||
| steve herrod (Sherrod) Member Username: Sherrod Post Number: 66 Registered: 02-2003 |
i guess that must be the difference between east coast owners and west coast owners. east coast owners put a little thought and planning into a ride and west coast owners just say "hey dude, want to go riding". | ||
| Zak Ruck (Zak) Senior Member Username: Zak Post Number: 504 Registered: 07-2002 |
Another new favorite tool of mine, the paint can opener. Yes folk, the little tool they give you at the paint stores. Last night I had the joy of trying to remove a Mammoth2 backup tape that had become lodged in one of our Exabyte EZ17 tape changers. Lots of fun using a $0.02 tool to remove a couple hunderd dollar tape from a $4000 tape changer. Our idiot helpdesk technician left our set of tools in his car and went home for hte long weekend so I had to use the only thing I could find. Well I was able to remove the lodged tape and get our backup system up and running. Ron Brown would have been proud. | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 942 Registered: 05-2002 |
"I hope to meet John one day and get to know this "generous, helpful, and friendly" man, but until then, I only have the persona put forth online to go by, and that persona is basically an asshole. I work with what I have to work with." Understood and you won't get too much of an argument from me on this. I just think people tend to get a little too defensive and heated when they get publicly criticized on the 'net. There seems to be this "internet mob mentality" that starts to brew and it likely alienates people who would otherwise be laughing and drinking beer together if the conversation was in person. -C | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 1035 Registered: 02-2002 |
Well if you're buying Curtis, I'll have a Pilsner | ||
| Randy Maynard (Rans) Senior Member Username: Rans Post Number: 682 Registered: 08-2002 |
Curtis I understand your point, yet I really don't understand the need for the animosity included with the criticism. I think most of us can take constructive criticism, especially from respected and knowledgeble people. So why the superiority show? Why the nastiness? I just don't get it? I'd rather be sitting around a campfire exchanging off-road stories and a beer. One last item, I really don't care for this brewing east vs west war about wheeling and methods and so on. We are all lucky to have any sort of off-road facilities available to us, and God knows the farther west we go the more opportunities abound. We all just do what we can and where we can. Our commonality is our love for off-roading Rovers. We should just enjoy it. | ||
| Leslie N. Bright (Leslie) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Leslie Post Number: 2667 Registered: 02-2002 |
http://members.aol.com/intwg/flamewars.htm -L | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 943 Registered: 05-2002 |
Rans - agreed. | ||
| Dean Brown (Deanbrown3d) Senior Member Username: Deanbrown3d Post Number: 1042 Registered: 02-2002 |
Ok now we're all good I'd like to invite ANY of you westerners for a trip to the Pine Barrens here in NJ. Of course that's not a reason enough to come here, but you know, if you're passing by.... It doesn't resemble anything in the likes of Utah, but to me its what makes a land rover really happy And if you really insist, we can put to rest any fears you may have that the east coast trails are in some way trivial. Dean | ||
| Zak Ruck (Zak) Senior Member Username: Zak Post Number: 507 Registered: 07-2002 |
Just be warned that your interior will stink like whale shit for weeks after one of Deans trips down there. You have to know something is up when the man has a 12v bilge pump mounted in the back seat floor area to suck out all the stinky nasty water. | ||
| Curtis N (Curtis) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Curtis Post Number: 944 Registered: 05-2002 |
Hmmm...well, trails all around me, 3.5 hours to Moab, 7.5 hours to Rubicon, 5-6 hours to most trails in CO, and 33 hours to NJ. And with the latter my rig then smells like NJ mud. On the surface this all sounds good, but why don't you guys just come out this way. You will have a better time. -C | ||
| Zak Ruck (Zak) Senior Member Username: Zak Post Number: 508 Registered: 07-2002 |
3 1/2 hours to Moad, very nice. If my rig was setup to handle the trails you guys run and if i had the skill to match I'd love to come out there and hit them. One of these days. Love the pics up on EE's site of all the Iron Chef show downs. Not only great wheelin' but good food and lot of nice firearms. Can't beat that, three of my favorite things. | ||
| marc olivares (Pugs) Member Username: Pugs Post Number: 249 Registered: 12-2002 |
curtis, i thought this thread was about tools, not how we live in the best place to trail, or how moab is in our backyard...hee hee hee. superiority complex? where i can't quite see it? lol marc | ||
| John Lee (Johnlee) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Johnlee Post Number: 637 Registered: 03-2003 |
"superiority complex? where i can't quite see it? lol" Marc, I don't know about Curtis' alleged superiority complex, but I definitely see some inferiority complex going on. LOL. | ||
| Craig Kobayashi (Koby) Senior Member Username: Koby Post Number: 666 Registered: 02-2002 |
The following was a result of a bunch of us saying "hey dude, want to go riding" http://www.expeditionexchange.com/ics2/ LOL | ||
| steve herrod (Sherrod) Member Username: Sherrod Post Number: 67 Registered: 02-2003 |
looks like fun; well planned and thought out. | ||
| James (Jimmyg) Senior Member Username: Jimmyg Post Number: 436 Registered: 10-2002 |
Utah and CO are much better for wheeling but here on the East Coast, we make due with what we have. There are still some good trails here, you just have to look harder for the few that are out there. Mr. Lee sure seems to know a lot about TOOLS. | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1310 Registered: 02-2003 |
current favorite improvement http://www.standardequipmentco.com/loc_sale/loc_ad.htm loctite now has red and blue thread lock in a paste/stick form. i have a stick here, nicely done... rd | ||
| Greg Hirst (Gregh) Senior Member Username: Gregh Post Number: 383 Registered: 10-2002 |
Rob-So you've moved on from sniffing glue? | ||
| Rob Davison (Nosivad_bor) Dweb Lounge Member Username: Nosivad_bor Post Number: 1313 Registered: 02-2003 |
no, certainly not... this is my new lipstick. | ||
| Jaime Crusellas (Jaime) Senior Member Username: Jaime Post Number: 251 Registered: 05-2003 |
The past two days, its been my cheapo Husky pneumatic cut-off tool. I had a seized bearing race on a stub axle that I could NOT get off, until I cut a slot across it with the cutting wheel, smacked it with a hammer and chisel, and the thing split neatly at the slot. Next day, I'm changing my bent track rod, and the ball joint ends had rusted so tight onto the track rod, that it was impossible to get them off. Again, cutoff tool to the rescue. I exended the split that the track rod has on the ends, and then cut across halfway around the tube to the other split. Then it was a simple matter to pry the tube appart, and the ball joints came right out. I'm sure this is basic stuff for a mechanic, but for me it was an accomplishment. |
