I was thinking what the most underrated tool would be in modern mechanical repair. For me it is my smart phone. But I was wondering if anybody else would consider it a tool. I use it for the camera, timer, flashlight, calculator, service manual, dictionary,task list, audio recorder for classes and even to play music while I'm wrenching. To me that has got to be considered at the very least a tool. Would any agree? I used to draw on something when trying to describe what I was working on now I just pull up a picture and show them, text them or email it to them..........Its gotta be considered a tool.
Can your smart phone be considered a tool?
- Thread starter MechMyk
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jwh
Well-known member
Absolutely! Used to have a note book for the high failure parts now on my iPhone. Used to keep a notebook of time clock rings (they're **** here about that) now on my iPhone. Plus a camera, a calculator, a level...Now if I could merge this with my leatherman.....
JoeFin
Well-known member
It sure was when we were attempting to start up some 1500 Hp off loading pumps at the wharf of a oil refinery and a circuit board in the valve positioner for some tiny seemingly insignificant lubrication system valve didn't want to work.
I down loaded the .pdf on my Blackberry
Did I mention there was a tanker full of crude standing by waiting to be off loaded
I down loaded the .pdf on my Blackberry
Did I mention there was a tanker full of crude standing by waiting to be off loaded
jfcasey
Well-known member
It can make you into a tool when all you do is chimp with it
I have seen some pretty good uses for them though, a field engineer using it to measure pinion angle in our shop stands out in my mind.
I have seen some pretty good uses for them though, a field engineer using it to measure pinion angle in our shop stands out in my mind.
Thephranc
Well-known member
I have all kinds of electrical and other calculators loaded on an old phone. Its very convenient and definitely a tool.
jim2664258
Well-known member
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You can use lots of things as tools that are not tools themselves. Lots and lots of things fall into that category. It's all in how you use it. A big rock can be considered a tool if you use it to do what a hammer normally does.
comedyman809
Well-known member
sometimes i use my phone to take a pick of how the wiring is on a board, so i remember what went where. very good tool.
bczygan
Well-known member
I've used mine as a level
That's FUNNY!
Post #3...I saved the world with mine...
Post #4...I used mine as a flashlight!
What is a tool but some thing that makes your life/job easier and I would say a smart phone falls in that category for sure. In fact I'm using my iPhone now to post this message on the forum.
Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.
Sent directly from the Snap On Kool Aid factory.
Gary S
Well-known member
I don't have one to annoy me anymore. When I retired, all my cell phone nightmares ended.
Who ever said technology is replacing paper has obviously never tried wiping their **** with an iPhone 
Sorry, couldn't resist. I used the company cell phone for taking pics of parts for the parts guy. Alternators were the worst because one kind for one engine can come in 4 or 5 different configurations. He relied on pictures for everything.
Sorry, couldn't resist. I used the company cell phone for taking pics of parts for the parts guy. Alternators were the worst because one kind for one engine can come in 4 or 5 different configurations. He relied on pictures for everything.
scaron
Well-known member
if it is, it's a fairly lousy one, LOL. i've got a penchant for oddball stuff so, of course, i got on the palm webos wagon and after a few years of buggy software, no updates and a super slow and very expensive data plan, i'm about ready to go back to my flip phone... as an engineer, frankly, i find the idea of having to reboot a phone, ridiculous.
G_P
Well-known member
I use my phone all the time to look up parts diagrams and instructions.
Also to ask questions and search for answers here!
Sent via carrier pigeon
Also to ask questions and search for answers here!
Sent via carrier pigeon
FiendFX
Well-known member
i use it as a flashlight, calculator, dictionary, and camera.
richfinn
Well-known member
Torch
Calculator
Ohms law calculator
Dtc look up
Google
Email
Camera/video/audio recorder
MP3 player
Phone
Calculator
Ohms law calculator
Dtc look up
Camera/video/audio recorder
MP3 player
Phone
rickhigginshtbr
Well-known member
absolutely, OBD2 Scanner, Flashlight, Level, Google, and the Dayco app is awesome if you need belt part numbers fast... or to quickly get the vin # from a car.
pepi
Well-known member
I do not know but there are lot of tools that own em.
cburnscrx
Well-known member
Far and away my most valuable tool.
pendragon1998
Well-known member
Yeah, but look at it like you're rebooting your mini computer with a built in microphone and phone app. I don't know why we even call them phones any more. We need a whole new word.
Flatintoone
Well-known member
I train a lot of guys in the desk work we do. Many of them have been mechanics their entire careers and are terrified of computers. I've found the best way to get through is to point to the computer and say, "this is your toolbox, and all these programs are your tools. Smart phones are no different.
Another guy in the processing industry. What kind of positioner was it? and valve?
FarmerPete
Well-known member
I consider mine a tool. I'm just ultra careful about getting grease/dirt on mine. I don't like the ultra thick otterboxes (I used them for +4 years on my Blackberry, but I couldn't bring myself to use one on my Nexus 4.
3xpendable
Well-known member
X2. Would be lost without mine
thundermug
Well-known member
Just got my first smartphone a few weeks ago. iPhone 4S. It was $1 with a contract, so we took the technological plunge.
Tool-wise, I use it for recording how I dismantle projects for reassembly and for seeing inside of things. That's me looking at how a Kennedy badge is affixed to the box from the inside.
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1379730_655634471922_1553677270_n.jpg
Tool-wise, I use it for recording how I dismantle projects for reassembly and for seeing inside of things. That's me looking at how a Kennedy badge is affixed to the box from the inside.
https://scontent-a-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-frc3/1379730_655634471922_1553677270_n.jpg
Bruce57
Well-known member
I consider it an important tool. I work in the field and need to be able to communicate with the shop. They can send me drawings or schematics I may need on the job. I can send them pictures and get direction on how they want to proceed on unexpected problems on the job site. I also can go on line to get technical information I may need as well as manage my travel arrangements.