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Mike, as always, I agree with you on all points. As far as interior taste, that is subjective. To each their own, but what you have done looks warm and modern. The wallpaper made it appear dated. I like cherry and walnut, too. Oak, must be quarter sawn and dyed dark or white for me to find...

Great job on this. You really modernized the look of the bathroom. After seeing the pre-existing bathroom, it screamed 90s Americana! I seem to recall reading that a major industry in the U.S. state of Indiana is construction of coaches and RVs, and a large number of manufacturers are...

I only own European and American made boxes. That said, I have been to a HF and examined closely the rolling tool cart (I think it is 6 or 8 drawers). I am willing to wager that the gauge thickness of steel used in construction is thicker than the equivalent Snap-On rolling cart. This really...

The Craftsman ratchets of that era, Made in USA, I never liked and I think Taiwan Gearwrench ratchets are a far better choice.

The silver paint isn’t the issue. Some of mine were poorly broached (I.e. off center), not completely finished inside, etc This was at a time when SK and Facom had a mutual relationship in the U.S. “As good as could be possible”…….. Only for someone who has not experienced Japanese sockets...

I own complete sets of Wright sockets in Fractional and Metric sizes. It would be a very good thing if SK used Wright to make the new USA socket range. I was never really impressed by the USA made SK sockets. I also think the finishing quality seemed to decline, over time. I.e. the early 2000s...

The new sockets I believe are Chinese made. The broaching seems much deeper on the new sockets. That being said, I had early 2000s SK sockets and saw a lot of inner finishing issues, improper broaching, etc…. I know this brand is an American icon for many, but I felt the quality was really...

This surprised me to no end. I could not imagine a mobile mechanic who preferred being on the road compared to being in the shop. In Europe, I think you see this business model more often. In the States, I have met two that have amazing businesses and who are highly skilled. They are happy being...

This is one of your best posts of all time. There is much wisdom in your words here. And this is why you have succeeded in your trade, and also, in your life.

GJ is NOT full of business minded members, especially those that account for consumables- unfortunately. The best wrench turners can barely balance a check book, usually.

I think every shop should charge a base amount for shop materials / consumables. Even if it is $10 to $15 dollars, it will help offset supply costs.

Agreed. You sell yourself short by not seeking out the clients who can really appreciate you for your capabilities, experience, and on-hand tooling….. In my honest opinion, being Utah-humble has created some missed opportunities. You have two lifetimes worth of experience between automotive...

That is really a shame. The cost is modest and it would greatly improve serviceability.

Why not add a drain plug???

Agreed!

Talk to PB Swiss USA and see if they can order you some of the tools from the head office that are not stocked in the U.S. I have had success with this in the past as the U.S. inventory isn’t the entire lineup offered in Switzerland.

And had easy warranty available via any local HF store. Taiwan quality is very very good in this era. Hard to beat the convenience of the HF store replacement if needed. And a modern mechanism with high tooth count ratchet pawl.

Wright makes great tools but their ratchet designs and mechanisms are ancient. There are better alternatives on the market with modern technology geared towards your friend’s needs. Wright is marketed towards industrial users, thus, they can get away with selling the mechanisms of yesteryear.

The gas stations never seem to fill or re-fill the window wash stations here and the few that do have a squeegee and fluid, the fluid looks to be a week old and beyond filthy. I really like major interstate truck stops in the U.S. because they have better fuel quality it seems and they keep up...

Why not? I think it depends on the area the store is located in, but the auto section is really useful and I do like some of the groceries. The convenience of it is hard to beat. I understand there is some “stigma” about Walmart in the U.S., and the people who go there. I have not had a bad...