Recent content by TSirotock

In Las Vegas I seem to have the biggest issue with Black Widows. While no expert, I use Tetracide in all the lawn to kill the cockroaches that the spiders feed on and because I have dogs I use the eco-friendly (i.e. harmless) spray inside, laying a perimeter, including around doors and in the...

Great to hear, thanks! Sadly yes, it just started the mysterious loss of coolant, and now it spits from the overflow at the cap. Everything points to the very popular head gasket failure. It is British and Ford and German with an American heart so I am in for a frustrating lot of work I fear.

I need to pressure test my cooling system and found several options for test kits, including of course the Harbour Freight one. As a DIY mechanic who likely needs this tool but a few times in my lifetime, can anyone recommend one that is adequate and cost effective? Is the HFT one servicable...

Ideally one would have a complete set of all three, open-end, combination and box-end. Often a task requires two wrenches the same size. That said, I found combination to be the best value. Open-end are not preferred by some because they only grip two points and under higher torque could lead...

Its all economics in action. Under capitalism we allow the market to steer the economy and allow the individual to direct their money to their pursuits which business will pursue. Everything cycles. At one time the largest industrial nation and consumer on earth was England, it was moving to...

This will become the fate of many such useless plastic cases. Most are glorified boxes to get from store to you, I only keep them if they are designed to organize and store a tool(s). Now, I look at my vintage metal tool cases that actually function as holders of the tool, its cord, its...

You truly can never have enough bench space and a bench and vise are the foundation of a shop. That said it sounds like you need a good 48 or 60-inch "clean" bench for hobby work, something that stores the tools and supplies. I would start building your precision and light duty tools, 1/4-inch...

"Hand Tools, Their Ways and Workings," by Aldren A. Watson. This book got me into using hand tools and interested in older tools. And lots of pictures!

My Two-cents worth. As the owner of a fair amount of Craftsman tools it is my opinion that management does not understand the value of its brand or the brand name. Sears has had lower priced and lesser quality lines for years, i.e. Companion or Dunlap, but Craftsman always seemed to be about...

I have the Craftsman, like them, use them for hex, torx, flex, etc. Mine are marked "Made in the USA." That kept me loyal.

I use both the Hansen trays and the Craftsman plastic rails. I also have a tray that is mixed SAE and Metric on the same tray and the Lisle magnetic trays. Why? First, the Hansen trays make finding a socket quick and easy and if needed I can take the tray to the work. As mentioned they do...

FYI - A green Snap On and green Matco (or Mac) Boxes are for sale in Las Vegas on Craigslist.

I have the 5HP/25 Gallon Craftsman (not a true 5HP - "oil-free"), going on nearly 20 years old and still works like a champion for what it is. I do not use air enough or to the fullest sadly, it is loud, but so far it has never given cause for complaint. That said I think $200 is too much. If...

Now that is the way a proper garage should keep the bathroom keys from wandering! Bravo!

Perhaps; perhaps not. I have been astounded at the prices paid for anvils. Peter Wright's go for some big dollars. A 9 pounder I wanted sold for $10 per pound before adding shipping on eBay! And to think of all those anvils lost to dropping randomly in Bugs Bunny Cartoons!