Chopped! The GJ User Modified Tools Thread

[Private Lugnutz]

Snagged these midget speeder spinners at the flea market this morning. Sizes are 7/16" and 3/8". Fairly well-done, with minimal snot weld showing. I love them for the look and feel of the bulbous, smooth, steel rotating handles. I don't know what these were before they were converted to speeder spinners. Speeders are rare in the midget sizes.

 

[bonneyman]

Nice finds, Lugz!

Whoever made them did a nice clean job of it.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Yup. Not sure I would've used a bolt to extend the shank on the one - threads are sharp and collect gunk, but I LOVE the rotating steel handles. I'm still wondering what these were.

 

[Arne73]

This was in a box-o-junk. I doubt that the cut open box end works without spreading open..

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[BlakeTheCarGuy]

It makes me sad seeing all these modified tools [emoji23]. Especially the Craftsman and Snap-on and other vintage brands. I feel like I’m the only mechanic who has never modified one. Probably never will I just buy specialty tools or borrow my coworkers modified tool. Tools weren’t ever meant to be modified lol. I don’t think I could ever put a modified one in my box either because everything has to be perfect and just right and no imperfections.


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[Outlawmws]

It makes me sad seeing all these modified tools [emoji23]. Especially the Craftsman and Snap-on and other vintage brands. I feel like I’m the only mechanic who has never modified one. Probably never will I just buy specialty tools or borrow my coworkers modified tool. Tools weren’t ever meant to be modified lol. I don’t think I could ever put a modified one in my box either because everything has to be perfect and just right and no imperfections.


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I'm not sure I follow? Tools have always been modified -from our Flint knapping ancestors, and throughout history...

I get more irritated with those that misuse tools for what they were never designed for, and damage or destroy them...

I've come to like modified tools for the ingenuity they show, and yes, I've modded a few myself, - rarely, as I like to have the right tools, but sometimes they don't exist without making or modding the mods.

 

[RTM]

I know a guy who modified a wrench back in the day to avoid a four hour tear down of some part of his car, ten minutes to bend, ten minutes to fix the car. Seemed like easy math to me. This was on some English two seater back wHen I was twelve, so I don’t recall much besides watching him use a torch on a wrench, and asking why.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

I'm not sure I follow? Tools have always been modified -from our Flint knapping ancestors, and throughout history...



I get more irritated with those that misuse tools for what they were never designed for, and damage or destroy them...



I've come to like modified tools for the ingenuity they show, and yes, I've modded a few myself, - rarely, as I like to have the right tools, but sometimes they don't exist without making or modding the mods.

Yes I I don’t like misusing tools either. But I can’t stand modified ones lol. Anything that doesn’t fit perfectly in my drawer or isn’t in it’s original state is not going in my toolbox that’s just how I am. My ocd won’t allow that LOL. I know if anyone moves my tools a centimeter.


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[harley jim]

Back in the 70s I worked as a diesel mechanic we modified old wrenches all the time. It allowed us to get a job done sometimes 4 or 5 times faster than the book called for or allowed one guy to do what it would have taken two to do. I still have most of them, totally useless today but I used them daily back then.

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[Private Lugnutz]

Somebody ruined an otherwise perfectly good and very interesting vintage Bahco double-ended adjustable and "alligator" Volvo wrench.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here's the Salvador Dali view.

 

[Outlawmws]

Here's the Salvador Dali view.

You need to display it like that!

 

[Private Lugnutz]

If you mean in the Lugzsonian, I may just do that. I've seen Dali-inspired melted clocks for sale. I could just hang them both over the edge of a shelf.

 

[RubiconJK]

Here's the Salvador Dali view.

 

[handmadeMI]

I found this one in a lot of tools from an auction. It hurts. Was there nothing else lying around?


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[slowtwitch73]

Tools are for using.. love it. Definition of tool.

 

[LesserSon]

st73, that is the perennial debate, isn’t it? ARE tools for using? (ARE guns for killing? ARE cars for driving? ARE planes for flying? ARE dollars for spending?) ARE they “wasted” when not in use?
Leaving collecting out of consideration (because then, the answer is often - though not universally - “no”), there are degrees of what is meant by “use.”
There’s “use” as intended by design.
There’s “utilization,” which “uses” for a novel or unforseen purpose.
There’s “using it up” as a consumable, which may or may not be a consideration in its design.
There’s “overuse,” which reduces its lifespan.
There’s “misuse,” which may cause injury to the user or damage to the tool.
There’s “abuse,” which damages or destroys the tool for further use.
WHERE, along that continuum does a particular modification place a given tool? I think it can be subjective, and may actually cover more than one point.
Lugz’s last post, for instance. The deformation is clearly intentional, not the result of normal use (defect), overuse, misuse or abuse. It is a modification for “utilization” which is likely irreversible (the original shape could be restored, but it would lack the strength of the original state). It seems to me the intention was to create something that would function as an adjustable crowsfoot, but be used without modular extensions or handle/ratchet. It cannot now be used for its designed purpose, because of the loss of original ergonomics and leverage.
Should tool users weep for such a tool? I don’t think so. It expedited some job, maybe a one-off, but it did what users expect from a tool, and retains its modified purpose (whatever that may have been). But for its original purpose, it would have to be replaced. That seems wastefull, when, as was suggested, some other tool might have been sacrificed in its stead.
Re-admitting collectors, this tool has been ruined. It is not in its original state, nor in a normal state of honest wear. Maybe in that light, it does deserve tears. Users occasionally reject the legitimacy of collectors, even suggesting that collectors drive up the cost of used tools, interferring with their intended use. But that is a myopic view. Collectors are not immortal - inevitably those collections are broken up and come to market again - and the tools themselves are preserved in the meantime. Not so for second-hand tools in a working shop, where they are obviously the first to be sacrificed for “one-off” jobs, because they were more cheaply acquired by the present owner than “new” tools. Further, regardless of whether a tool is consumed by a user or preserved by a collector, new tools are going to be manufactured and brought to market to replace the ones thus taken out of circulation. Collectors do not impede, but rather accellerate that process.
These are just my thoughts, and not a unified argument.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

It seems to me the intention was to create something that would function as an adjustable crowsfoot, but be used without modular extensions or handle/ratchet.

Maybe. I gave it some thought, if only to dispel the even more depressing notion that someone did it for kicks, and your theory is more than I could come up with. I was trying to picture it alleviating an obstruction, i.e., a fastener in a narrow opening that was blocked in front and below, but, it wouldn't be able to turn on that axis. Something in a hole, like old fixed crowsfoot wrenches, or a crowsfoot on an extension makes sense, but again, you couldn't get much leverage on the turning. I will tell you that the right angle is spot on 90*. I had it on an angle finder. So whoever did it and for whatever reason, they were determined to do it "right." But there are a hundred other crappy adjustables I would've done that to ahead of a beautiful vintage double-ender BAHCO.

Which is a good segue to respond to your broader points.

I can sympathize with Blake's position above, partly. My position has been pretty well known even before we had this thread, and I've been pretty consistent on the thread with my examples. I am fascinated by modified tools, in general, due to role that "Necessity is the Mother of Invention" and oneupsmanship played on drawing boards and small workshops in the history of hand tool evolution in this country. As Outlaw alluded to, mods are not so far removed from the commercial innovation. And I have a small collection of them. But I don't like or approve of them all, all the time.

Some are necessary. Some are unnecessary, usually because there is a tool built for the job, but the guy who made one, ruining two or more other tools in the process, either didn't know it, or knew it, didn't have one, and couldn't wait to acquire one. And some are unnecessary because they're just ridiculous. (Many multi-tools in this category, a concept that can and often does get taken too far.)

When those are modern tools, I don't mind so much. When they're antiques or vintage, it is a shame in my book.

And then there's execution. Some are done well. Some are ugly.

When a chopped tool is vintage and unnecessary and ugly, well, it's three strikes against "Bubba", a term you will see Don and I and a few others use, derived from the Military Vehicle resto world, used to describe a mechanic who took the hasty, crude, and stupid approach to something, usually involving a torch, a hacksaw, and a welder.

 

[slowtwitch73]

Sometimes you have the time to noodle and fuss with looks. Sometimes you just need to get it done asap with the minimum needed to have a functional tool with what's at hand.

Quick and dirty gets a lot done... quickly.

 

[leg17]

tool
/to͞ol/
noun

1.
a device or implement, especially one held in the hand, used to carry out a particular function:

Tools were not originally made for the collector market. They were made to be......TOOLS. See definition.

I collect tools. I like collecting tools. Lots of folks collect tools
But more people USE tools. They pay the rent with tools.
Having worked in the shop for 50 1/2 years, the best way to look at modified tools is:
"you had to be there".

It's 4:15. "where the heck is that (insert tool of choice)?" Or, "why the heck don't we have that (insert tool of choice)." The customer, or the delivery truck, will be here at 8:00 AM sharp.
The tool truck will be here next Tuesday, or the mill supply can have it (supposedly) sometime tomorrow afternoon.

Whatcha gonna do?

Tool collectors might simply be on the hunt for examples that didn't get ridden too hard and survived. Take it easy on the guys that had to actually get the job done.

 

[Outlawmws]

Exactly

 

[ChefRex]

Maybe. I gave it some thought, if only to dispel the even more depressing notion that someone did it for kicks, and your theory is more than I could come up with. I was trying to picture it alleviating an obstruction, i.e., a fastener in a narrow opening that was blocked in front and below, but, it wouldn't be able to turn on that axis. Something in a hole, like old fixed crowsfoot wrenches, or a crowsfoot on an extension makes sense, but again, you couldn't get much leverage on the turning. I will tell you that the right angle is spot on 90*. I had it on an angle finder. So whoever did it and for whatever reason, they were determined to do it "right." But there are a hundred other crappy adjustables I would've done that to ahead of a beautiful vintage double-ender BAHCO.

Which is a good segue to respond to your broader points.

I can sympathize with Blake's position above, partly. My position has been pretty well known even before we had this thread, and I've been pretty consistent on the thread with my examples. I am fascinated by modified tools, in general, due to role that "Necessity is the Mother of Invention" and oneupsmanship played on drawing boards and small workshops in the history of hand tool evolution in this country. As Outlaw alluded to, mods are not so far removed from the commercial innovation. And I have a small collection of them. But I don't like or approve of them all, all the time.

Some are necessary. Some are unnecessary, usually because there is a tool built for the job, but the guy who made one, ruining two or more other tools in the process, either didn't know it, or knew it, didn't have one, and couldn't wait to acquire one. And some are unnecessary because they're just ridiculous. (Many multi-tools in this category, a concept that can and often does get taken too far.)

When those are modern tools, I don't mind so much. When they're antiques or vintage, it is a shame in my book.

And then there's execution. Some are done well. Some are ugly.

When a chopped tool is vintage and unnecessary and ugly, well, it's three strikes against "Bubba", a term you will see Don and I and a few others use, derived from the Military Vehicle resto world, used to describe a mechanic who took the hasty, crude, and stupid approach to something, usually involving a torch, a hacksaw, and a welder.

When you lament an antique or classic tool being modded how do you know when said mod was done?

 

[Private Lugnutz]

There's a fine line between expedience and hastiness, and between need and you screwed up by not planning the job properly. When those lines are crossed, I have no problem saying it. And they tend to exacerbate each other. Those "where the heck is that (insert tool of choice)?" questions start to multiply when they've been modified to make something else. But, I enjoy mods, too.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

When you lament an antique or classic tool being modded how do you know when said mod was done?

In most cases one can't. That has no bearing on me wishing it wasn't ruined. Whether it was done in 1899 or 1959. I can recognize that some mods are necessary and wish they hadn't been at the same time without it being a contradiction. And when they seem particularly egregious, I can and will curse "Bubba" for striking again, without offense.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Here's one I saw today. A drill bit permanently snotwelded inside a Lutz tool and file holder. Hand reamer, I guess.

 

[drivesitfar]

LEG: great post!!

I agree sometimes there is definitely a need to make the wrong tool work. my issues were that when time was available to find the right tools or money available to buy the right tool that the wrong tools for the job were still used (to their destruction in some cases) again and again. AND most of the abuse was not by the owner or guy buying that tool or it was returned for a FREE WARRANTY REPLACEMENT cause after all it was just a tool.

to many good working people allow their high quality expensive tools to just sit and rust outside or in the back of their truck when it would only take a few minutes to put them away and hence save them a ton of money.

 

[Outlawmws]

Back to the main track - A couple of tent stake pullers I made from broken hatchets; the "new" unpainted one used a DOE for the claw; the painted one used extremely heavy 3/8 washers that I opened up for the stake shaft.

 

[Farmer J.]

Back to the main track - A couple of tent stake pullers I made from broken hatchets; the "new" unpainted one used a DOE for the claw; the painted one used extremely heavy 3/8 washers that I opened up for the stake shaft.

Clever. Use of old tools, past their intended lifespan, for a new purpose. Very neatly done too.

 

[Private Lugnutz]

And you can see them in the dark!

 

[Outlawmws]

More importantly, I have yet to leave one of these orange painted tools behind when breaking camp...

 

[Private Lugnutz]

That's exactly my point! Been there done that and it always seems to be dusk.

 

[RubiconJK]

Back to the main track - A couple of tent stake pullers I made from broken hatchets; the "new" unpainted one used a DOE for the claw; the painted one used extremely heavy 3/8 washers that I opened up for the stake shaft.

Great idea and nicely done!

 

[22george]

Here's one I saw today. A drill bit permanently snotwelded inside a Lutz tool and file holder. Hand reamer, I guess.

I've seen those used as hand deburring tools

 

[Private Lugnutz]

Ahh. Yes, I can see that.

 

[LesserSon]

Today I came across something I want to share on this thread, not so much for it’s innovation, nor execution, but rather for its potential.
This style of the S-adjustable routinely shows compression along the grip, where there is a long span with no web to keep it rigid. I suppose it collapsed, or even broke, if a cheater pipe was used. Anyway, the PO cut it and put two holes in the stubs, then rivetted a length of galvanized pipe to it. The result is a wobbly affair, which I doubt got much more use.
Since the rivet is not peened nuch, I expect to drive it out with little fuss, and fully disassemble the wrench for cleaning. I’m not sure about next steps. I would like to either fashion a stiffer handle, or push the idea further and make it actually swivel 90° out of the way, so it would clear an obstruction. A sliding Tee at the end of the hinge handle would make it something like a basin wrench.
Anyway, I could not leave a 14” Bonney S-adjustable unpurchased, regardless of condition.

 

[Outlawmws]

You might be able to grind a radius on the existing pipe, but as you pointed out, its short. maybe an old tire iron/lug-wrench for the new handle? Forge the end flat enough to fit, and grind the mentioned radius.

 

[Old Radar]

If you're going to get innovative--especially with the pivot ability--I would suggest a double pivot to enable the new portion of the handle to fold completely up against the old for storage or really tight areas. Not that you would really use a 14 inch adjustable in really tight areas...

 

[Outlawmws]

No, but the ability to angle the handle out of the saw maybe 30 degrees could be very handy...

 

[steaks&anvils]

Today I came across something I want to share on this thread, not so much for it’s innovation, nor execution, but rather for its potential.
This style of the S-adjustable routinely shows compression along the grip, where there is a long span with no web to keep it rigid. I suppose it collapsed, or even broke, if a cheater pipe was used. Anyway, the PO cut it and put two holes in the stubs, then rivetted a length of galvanized pipe to it. The result is a wobbly affair, which I doubt got much more use.
Since the rivet is not peened nuch, I expect to drive it out with little fuss, and fully disassemble the wrench for cleaning. I’m not sure about next steps. I would like to either fashion a stiffer handle, or push the idea further and make it actually swivel 90° out of the way, so it would clear an obstruction. A sliding Tee at the end of the hinge handle would make it something like a basin wrench.
Anyway, I could not leave a 14” Bonney S-adjustable unpurchased, regardless of condition.

Maybe slip a larger pipe over the handle pipe like a sleeve. Make the length shorter so that you can slide it over the hinge for rigidness and off to allow folding? Heck, leave the rivet long and you can do a keyhole type latching pin.

obvious you would get the pipe diameters to be the correct size and fit.

My picture is rough, but you get the idea.

 

[Kenstone1]

GB file handles

Slide Hammer