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Worst Tool Abuse / Misuse
I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I
haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. Some tools are just asking to be abused (e.g. screwdrivers as chisels) and some, like hammers used as screwdrivers (Birmingham screwdriver), just find alternative uses. I'm sure we've all broken a tool at some point through misusing it. Have you used things as tools that were never intended to be tools (old credit cards make great grout spreaders)? I once made a raised platform for painting ceilings out of old blocks of polystyrene and a plank. It was great (for about 6 months) until one corner gave way. |
On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 12:17:09 UTC, doozer
wrote: I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. Stretching it a bit, perhaps... 1) Piece of copper tube 2) Workmate 3) G cramp makes a nice cable reel stand when unrolling long lengths of cable and pulling them. -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
doozer wrote:
I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. Some tools are just asking to be abused (e.g. screwdrivers as chisels) and some, like hammers used as screwdrivers (Birmingham screwdriver), just find alternative uses. I'm sure we've all broken a tool at some point through misusing it. Have you used things as tools that were never intended to be tools (old credit cards make great grout spreaders)? I once made a raised platform for painting ceilings out of old blocks of polystyrene and a plank. It was great (for about 6 months) until one corner gave way. When you need to get a job done quick, dont have the right tools, and the cost of sacrificing a cheap tool doesnt matter, all sorts can be done. Last one of these involved cutting a screwdriver in half to get 2x 3" bits of steel rod. I made sure the victim was a 'black spur.' NT |
When you need to get a job done quick, dont have the right tools, and
the cost of sacrificing a cheap tool doesnt matter, all sorts can be done. Last one of these involved cutting a screwdriver in half to get 2x 3" bits of steel rod. I made sure the victim was a 'black spur.' NT I don't know why but as I read that post just thought A-Team (perhaps crossed with MacGyver). |
Lost the alternator pivot bolt on my Lancia Montecarlo once. It's
impossible to get access to the nut with anything that has a handle long enough to torque it adequately. The replacement had a Nyloc, as it should have done from the first. But standing in a layby on the A1, wondering where the charge and waterflow have gone, you have to improvise. I still have the screwdriver I used instead and apart from the flat spot that a pullety wore into the handle, even the fact it was half the diameter it ought to have been didn't matter over the next 200 miles. |
In message , doozer
writes When you need to get a job done quick, dont have the right tools, and the cost of sacrificing a cheap tool doesnt matter, all sorts can be done. Last one of these involved cutting a screwdriver in half to get 2x 3" bits of steel rod. I made sure the victim was a 'black spur.' NT I don't know why but as I read that post just thought A-Team (perhaps crossed with MacGyver). Some years ago (I won't say how many), I was puzzled by a HSE advert showing a screwdriver inappropriately used to open a tin of paint. So what should you use? The other job looking for an appropriate tool is removing fencing staples. Everyone I know uses a hammer and a point from a finger bar mower (agricultural). regards -- Tim Lamb |
Tim Lamb wrote:
The other job looking for an appropriate tool is removing fencing staples. Everyone I know uses a hammer and a point from a finger bar mower (agricultural). Well, just to be different, I use electrical pincers and, if they're not man enough for the job, a pair of blacksmiths pincers. -- Chris Green |
doozer wrote:
I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. I alluded to a bit of this on the thread you ref'd ... Spoon or other cutlery = screwdriver Huge old tyre lever = wrecking bar and "slab lever" Chisel = scraper Scraper = chisel Screwy = chisel or scraper or tyre lever Power drill = hand held "bodge" router. Shortened (broken off) jisgaw blade for removing floorboard tongues when circ. saw not handy (taught this one by a builder mate of mine). Hammer = weight for lowering down flues to get a line in. Weight in garage = hammer on occasion. Brick = hammer when not in garage Antique sheffield steel knife (with mods) = finger trowel (done by builder mate ... wife very miffed). Bath = mixer .... I have given this sort of thing up for the most part now! Alex |
"doozer" wrote in message
... I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. Some tools are just asking to be abused (e.g. screwdrivers as chisels) and some, like hammers used as screwdrivers (Birmingham screwdriver), just find alternative uses. I'm sure we've all broken a tool at some point through misusing it. Have you used things as tools that were never intended to be tools (old credit cards make great grout spreaders)? I once made a raised platform for painting ceilings out of old blocks of polystyrene and a plank. It was great (for about 6 months) until one corner gave way. Abused many tools over the years Cutting the corner of a small screwdriver so that it fits a really small torks screw(didn't work so well) using a cordless drill as a starter motor for a strimmer that was having trouble starting (worked well) Spanners used as hammers(much success) cordless drill to hammer in a wall plugs (works but wouldn't recommend it) used alot of stuff in the place of tools bulldog clip as a screwdriver for computer case (worked but took ages) Bit of metal from back of computer case as screwdriver(slightly better than buldog clip) Paperclip for screwdriver on computer case(useless) Car keys for screwdriver on PC (somtimes worked) Car keys to open boxes (works good) Paul |
AlexW wrote:
doozer wrote: I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. I alluded to a bit of this on the thread you ref'd ... Spoon or other cutlery = screwdriver Huge old tyre lever = wrecking bar and "slab lever" Chisel = scraper Scraper = chisel Screwy = chisel or scraper or tyre lever Power drill = hand held "bodge" router. Shortened (broken off) jisgaw blade for removing floorboard tongues when circ. saw not handy (taught this one by a builder mate of mine). Hammer = weight for lowering down flues to get a line in. Weight in garage = hammer on occasion. Brick = hammer when not in garage Antique sheffield steel knife (with mods) = finger trowel (done by builder mate ... wife very miffed). Bath = mixer ... I have given this sort of thing up for the most part now! Alex It was your post that really gave me the idea to start a new thread. I, too, have used an old power drill as a router but they don't last long (certainly wouldn't do that to my new drill). Cheap and nasty spanners make great weights when trying to run a fishing line for cable pulls because you have something to easily tie on to. Wish I had known about the jigsaw trick when I had to lift a load of floor boards. |
doozer wrote:
I, too, have used an old power drill as a router but they don't last long (certainly wouldn't do that to my new drill). Mine was only casual gouging and it survived. You just know its wrong but do it anyway ;-) Cheap and nasty spanners make great weights when trying to run a fishing line for cable pulls because you have something to easily tie on to. I'll remember that one! Wish I had known about the jigsaw trick when I had to lift a load of floor boards. Handle with care though. The reciprocating action can catch cables, pipes and joists etc if the blade is too long. You also have to get it started by puncturing the tongue ... if we are keeping with the spirit of the thread this can be done with any old flat head screwy! I use my circ. saw these days though. |
doozer wrote:
AlexW wrote: doozer wrote: I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. Does self defence count as tool abuse? A purely hypothetical question of course. NT |
On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 15:32:52 +0100, Paul ( Skiing8 ) wrote:
"doozer" wrote in message ... I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. Some tools are just asking to be abused (e.g. screwdrivers as chisels) snip cordless drill to hammer in a wall plugs (works but wouldn't recommend it) The back end of my Makita seems to have a thicker part of the case presumable designed with this abuse (which I own up to) in mind. -- Ed Sirett - Property maintainer and registered gas fitter. The FAQ for uk.diy is at http://www.diyfaq.org.uk Gas fitting FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/GasFitting.html Sealed CH FAQ http://www.makewrite.demon.co.uk/SealedCH.html |
On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 16:34:42 UTC, wrote:
Does self defence count as tool abuse? A purely hypothetical question of course. I dunno, but self abuse probably does... -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
Well some time ago I tried to find out exactly what this tool was for...
http://www.oofus.com/pix/RBPics/Odds/Odd-Pliers-W.jpg general opinion was that it was for putting rings in pigs noses. However there were suggestions that that it might be used for some other seriously eye watering uses! I think I claim this as the very worst misuse... :-) Roy |
Bob Eager wrote:
On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 16:34:42 UTC, wrote: Does self defence count as tool abuse? A purely hypothetical question of course. I dunno, but self abuse probably does... Esp. if you are abusing your (err) tool... |
On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 18:00:52 UTC, AlexW wrote:
Bob Eager wrote: On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 16:34:42 UTC, wrote: Does self defence count as tool abuse? A purely hypothetical question of course. I dunno, but self abuse probably does... Esp. if you are abusing your (err) tool... Exactly. -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
Bob Eager wrote:
1) Piece of copper tube 2) Workmate 3) G cramp makes a nice cable reel stand when unrolling long lengths of cable and pulling them. Where does the G-cramp go?! David |
Tim Lamb wrote:
Some years ago (I won't say how many), I was puzzled by a HSE advert showing a screwdriver inappropriately used to open a tin of paint. So what should you use? You use the dinky little 'Leyland'-branded paint-tin opening tool which was kindly thrust upon my missus when she picked up some mixed paint at the Leyland shop, and asked them not to put the lids back on too tightly cos she couldn't get them off. Thank heavens (on behalf of my car) they refused and gave her the tool instead! David |
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On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 18:49:52 UTC, Lobster
wrote: Bob Eager wrote: 1) Piece of copper tube 2) Workmate 3) G cramp makes a nice cable reel stand when unrolling long lengths of cable and pulling them. Where does the G-cramp go?! Are you *really* asking? Open up WorkMate with jaws a few inches apart, wide enough for cable reel to drop down....diameter of reel parallel with long axis of Workmate. Copper tube through reel, rests on two sides of Workmate and G-cramp holds tube from rolling. Or anywhere else you like to put it, I guess... -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
"Paul ( Skiing8 )" wrote in message news:d48dmp$nl9$1 Abused many tools over the years Cutting the corner of a small screwdriver so that it fits a really small torks screw(didn't work so well) using a cordless drill as a starter motor for a strimmer that was having trouble starting (worked well) Spanners used as hammers(much success) cordless drill to hammer in a wall plugs (works but wouldn't recommend it) used alot of stuff in the place of tools bulldog clip as a screwdriver for computer case (worked but took ages) Bit of metal from back of computer case as screwdriver(slightly better than buldog clip) Paperclip for screwdriver on computer case(useless) Car keys for screwdriver on PC (somtimes worked) Car keys to open boxes (works good) Women whose husbands take the garage/workship keys with them everywhere have to do the above - and others - all the time. We don't regard it as abuse but as invention. Necessity demands it. Mary Paul |
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doozer wrote:
I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. From school days, how to open a bottle of wine with only a pair of mole grips and a screwdriver... Use driver to remove screw from bathroom door hinge, clamp into mole grips use as corkscrew before returning screw to the hinge! -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
RzB wrote:
Well some time ago I tried to find out exactly what this tool was for... http://www.oofus.com/pix/RBPics/Odds/Odd-Pliers-W.jpg general opinion was that it was for putting rings in pigs noses. However there were suggestions that that it might be used for some other seriously eye watering uses! I think I claim this as the very worst misuse... :-) Roy If its a contest, I think youve won! NT |
Bob Eager wrote:
On Thu, 21 Apr 2005 18:49:52 UTC, Lobster wrote: Bob Eager wrote: 1) Piece of copper tube 2) Workmate 3) G cramp makes a nice cable reel stand when unrolling long lengths of cable and pulling them. Where does the G-cramp go?! Are you *really* asking? I'd envisaged the copper tube being aligned with the long axis of the workmate, being gripped in the vice, protruding from the end, and couldn't see how a G-cramp fitted... Open up WorkMate with jaws a few inches apart, wide enough for cable reel to drop down....diameter of reel parallel with long axis of Workmate. Copper tube through reel, rests on two sides of Workmate and G-cramp holds tube from rolling. Much better - and I can see why you wondered why on earth I was asking the question! I'll be doing some wiring this morning so will give it a go! David |
"doozer" wrote in message ... .... I once made a raised platform for painting ceilings out of old blocks of polystyrene and a plank. It was great (for about 6 months) until one corner gave way. It took you six months to paint a ceiling? Colin Bignell |
Tim Lamb wrote:
In message , writes Tim Lamb wrote: The other job looking for an appropriate tool is removing fencing staples. Everyone I know uses a hammer and a point from a finger bar mower (agricultural). Well, just to be different, I use electrical pincers and, if they're not man enough for the job, a pair of blacksmiths pincers. Umm... barbed wire is usually secured with 40mm staples. The other problem is that modern posts treated with non bituminous products seem to encourage rusting of the staples. A pair of pincers used to pull horses' shoes off is *well* able to cope with "40mm staples" I can assure you! -- Chris Green |
On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 07:24:32 UTC, "nightjar"
wrote: "doozer" wrote in message ... ... I once made a raised platform for painting ceilings out of old blocks of polystyrene and a plank. It was great (for about 6 months) until one corner gave way. It took you six months to paint a ceiling? It was the Sistine Kitchen... -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
nightjar nightjar@ wrote:
"doozer" wrote in message ... ... I once made a raised platform for painting ceilings out of old blocks of polystyrene and a plank. It was great (for about 6 months) until one corner gave way. It took you six months to paint a ceiling? Colin Bignell No :o). It worked well enough that I used it for most of the ceilings in the house. |
"John Rumm" wrote in message ... doozer wrote: I was just reading the "Worst Tool" thread and is struck me that I haven't yet seen a thread detailing, shall we say, alternative uses for a tool. From school days, how to open a bottle of wine with only a pair of mole grips and a screwdriver... Use driver to remove screw from bathroom door hinge, clamp into mole grips use as corkscrew before returning screw to the hinge! How did you get the paint off the hinge? Mary -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
"Bob Eager" wrote in message ... On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 07:24:32 UTC, "nightjar" wrote: "doozer" wrote in message ... ... I once made a raised platform for painting ceilings out of old blocks of polystyrene and a plank. It was great (for about 6 months) until one corner gave way. It took you six months to paint a ceiling? It was the Sistine Kitchen... LOL! That's cheered me up this morning - first smile of the day :-) Mary -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
Scaffold tubes and planks to make a rolling slipway for a portakabin
towed by an insustrial tractor.. Angle grinder disc mounted onto hand held drill to cut soil waste pipe lower than floor *from the inside* A blowlamp makes a useful cigarette lighter when SWMBO has nicked all the others and put them in her handbag. Broken telscopic aerials make great drills if sharpened, into very soft material - balsa or foam... |
On Fri, 22 Apr 2005 10:38:58 UTC, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
Scaffold tubes and planks to make a rolling slipway for a portakabin towed by an insustrial tractor.. That reminds me...once used a dumb-bell and a 3ft piece of wood with two battens nailed to it to move a 25ft boat about a mile. Wood under keel, dumb bell under wood...about eight people round the boat, and we just 'walked' down the road... -- The information contained in this post is copyright the poster, and specifically may not be published in, or used by http://www.diybanter.com |
Mary Fisher wrote:
How did you get the paint off the hinge? I don't recall it being a problem - so it was either not painted that well, or it was easy enought to chip away from the screw head (probably using the mole grips as a hammer on the end of the screwdriver!) -- Cheers, John. /================================================== ===============\ | Internode Ltd - http://www.internode.co.uk | |-----------------------------------------------------------------| | John Rumm - john(at)internode(dot)co(dot)uk | \================================================= ================/ |
The Natural Philosopher wrote:
Scaffold tubes and planks to make a rolling slipway for a portakabin towed by an insustrial tractor.. Hey, that could be a possibility for my portakabin disposal problem (see another thread). I have all the requirements:- portakabin scaffold poles (could use round fence posts too) tractor The only problem is that I don't really have a destination! :-) -- Chris Green |
wrote in message ... The Natural Philosopher wrote: Scaffold tubes and planks to make a rolling slipway for a portakabin towed by an insustrial tractor.. Hey, that could be a possibility for my portakabin disposal problem (see another thread). I have all the requirements:- portakabin scaffold poles (could use round fence posts too) tractor The only problem is that I don't really have a destination! :-) Where are you? Mary -- Chris Green |
Mary Fisher wrote:
wrote in message ... The Natural Philosopher wrote: Scaffold tubes and planks to make a rolling slipway for a portakabin towed by an insustrial tractor.. Hey, that could be a possibility for my portakabin disposal problem (see another thread). I have all the requirements:- portakabin scaffold poles (could use round fence posts too) tractor The only problem is that I don't really have a destination! :-) Where are you? South Suffolk. -- Chris Green |
wrote in message ... The only problem is that I don't really have a destination! :-) Where are you? South Suffolk. Oh. a long way from west Wales ... Well it was a thought. They make excellent poultry sheds ... Mary -- Chris Green |
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