Mis used tools.. How do you misuse or abuse some tools.

[jerseykat1]

guilty of using flat head screwdrivers as pry bars on the daily basis, they also get used as chisels, door panel removers (no i do not damage the door panel).

ratchets become hammers (very very light hammering), wrenches become hammers, hell ive even beat on things with a screw driver handle.

ive used ball joint press adapters to press in hub bearings, i have used hub bearings to press in other hub bearings.

breaker bars become pry bars, oil filter pliers to compress brake caliper pistons when convenient (very often, actually its faster than using the proper tool)...

im sure there is more.

 

[NUTTSGT]

Channellocks (hammer) and flat blade screwdriver (driver) to tighten the lock nut on a cable connector.

 

[wafrederick]

I broke a 3/8 drive 15mm deepwell chrome socket on a 1/2 drive impact once.Luckily it was a Craftsman with no questions asked how I broke it getting it replaced

 

[trackwelder]

Adjustable wrenches, and ratchets as hammers. Screwdrivers as prybars and chisels.

 

[jerseykat1]

I broke a 3/8 drive 15mm deepwell chrome socket on a 1/2 drive impact once.Luckily it was a Craftsman with no questions asked how I broke it getting it replaced

I have so been there before.

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[L.Cheapo]

I don't abuse my tools. If a situation arises where I might do such a thing, I view it as an opportunity to purchase the correct tool for the job.

 

[FullRaceMerc]

guilty of using flat head screwdrivers as pry bars on the daily basis, they also get used as chisels...

I am somewhat guilty there. But I have a dedicated screwdriver for those tasks. Sometimes it just works better than the "correct" tool. Screwdrivers that turn screws are safe.

Channellocks (hammer) and flat blade screwdriver (driver) to tighten the lock nut on a cable connector.

I am also guilty of using a "Channellock hammer". Partly because they can do multiple jobs without bringing more tools than required while crawling under a house.

The angle of the head on the GL series makes a surprisingly effective hammer when closed. Handy when trying to hit into a narrow space.

 

[hautpot]

I don't abuse them either because then I have justification to buy the correct tool!

 

[jerseykat1]

I am somewhat guilty there. But I have a dedicated screwdriver for those tasks. Sometimes it just works better than the "correct" tool. Screwdrivers that turn screws are safe.



I am also guilty of using a "Channellock hammer". Partly because they can do multiple jobs without bringing more tools than required while crawling under a house.

The angle of the head on the GL series makes a surprisingly effective hammer when closed. Handy when trying to hit into a narrow space.

They should just make those with a little hammer head on the back.. Lol.

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[BDT/NWMN]

Sockets used for bearing and seal drivers; use extensions as needed. (use of brass hammer recommended by BDT)

 

[jerseykat1]

Sockets used for bearing and seal drivers; use extensions as needed. (use of brass hammer recommended by BDT)

I have done the socket as seal driver thing too.

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[MrGiggles]

I frequently use HF 3/4 sockets as dies in a press. Used a cheap 3/8 extension once while pressing in lug studs and put a nice bend in it.

I will rap on something with anything in hand, rather than run back to the box and get a hammer.

I have been known to loop two wrenches together, or hit them with a hammer when breaking bolts loose.

 

[Hondarancher4435]

Guilty of using screwdrivers for many uses and finding a good heavy tool close by rather than walking back to my work van to get a hammer

 

[tweedlestan]

Intentional tool abuse followed by warranty abuse, theft. That's real nice.

Please be careful, if you fall off your high horse you might severely injure yourself.

 

[Greg85mcss]

Done pretty much all of these. I do have a couple screwdrivers I don't bear up. Also was just talking about 12 points to remove wheel locks in another thread.

 

[Marcm157]

Sockets used for bearing and seal drivers; use extensions as needed. (use of brass hammer recommended by BDT)

I always thought this was an accepted practice...

 

[Here2Learn]

Two words:

Adjustable Hammer (wrench)

I am also guilty of using sockets as bearing and seal drivers.

Never u

 

[jerseykat1]

I frequently use HF 3/4 sockets as dies in a press. Used a cheap 3/8 extension once while pressing in lug studs and put a nice bend in it.

I will rap on something with anything in hand, rather than run back to the box and get a hammer.

I have been known to loop two wrenches together, or hit them with a hammer when breaking bolts loose.

+1 ...double wrenching? i do that all the time . whacking a 21mm wrench with a hammer on ford cargo van rear brakes or anything else i see fit is the easiest way to break them loose.

 

[mrvm]

Freebie HF flat head screwdrivers make nice light-duty pry bars or heavy-duty scrapers or crevice tools

 

[jerseykat1]

Please be careful, if you fall off your high horse you might severely injure yourself.

 

[jerseykat1]

Done pretty much all of these. I do have a couple screwdrivers I don't bear up. Also was just talking about 12 points to remove wheel locks in another thread.

you can use 6 point impact sockets too you just have to hit them harder..lol.. HF just started (or maybe i just noticed) selling some impact sockets singularly for like 3-5 bucks each.

 

[Brownsfan]

guilty of using flat head screwdrivers as pry bars on the daily basis, they also get used as chisels, door panel removers (no i do not damage the door panel).

ratchets become hammers (very very light hammering), wrenches become hammers, hell ive even beat on things with a screw driver handle.

ive used ball joint press adapters to press in hub bearings, i have used hub bearings to press in other hub bearings.

breaker bars become pry bars, oil filter pliers to compress brake caliper pistons when convenient (very often, actually its faster than using the proper tool)...

im sure there is more.

Be very careful using a flat blade screwdriver to remove interior panels. If you haven't damaged any yet you will if you keep doing it especially on newer vehicles. The plastic is very soft on these newer cars.

 

[drink]

guilty of using flat head screwdrivers as pry bars on the daily basis, they also get used as chisels, door panel removers (no i do not damage the door panel).

ratchets become hammers (very very light hammering), wrenches become hammers, hell ive even beat on things with a screw driver handle.

ive used ball joint press adapters to press in hub bearings, i have used hub bearings to press in other hub bearings.

breaker bars become pry bars, oil filter pliers to compress brake caliper pistons when convenient (very often, actually its faster than using the proper tool)...

im sure there is more.

I have had very few tools to break so far. Most of my broken tools over the past few years have been defective tools that broke, bent, or had such terrible defects that they had to be replaced under warranty. When I use tools I try to follow the instructions on how to use them properly and they usually don't have problems. You know, use SAE on SAE fasteners and use metric tools on metric fasteners. Use impact sockets on air tools and regular sockets with ratchets without cheater bars, etc. What can I say? I buy quality made in USA tools and they usually don't break.

 

[jerseykat1]

Be very careful using a flat blade screwdriver to remove interior panels. If you haven't damaged any yet you will if you keep doing it especially on newer vehicles. The plastic is very soft on these newer cars.

i usually just use it to get enough space for my hands then i just pull it the rest of the way. I have not damaged anything yet. I typically only do this on cars that i know i can get away with it on, the ones i have done a few times. If im not sure i will grab my panel tool out the box.

 

[jerseykat1]

I have had very few tools to break so far. Most of my broken tools over the past few years have been defective tools that broke, bent, or had such terrible defects that they had to be replaced under warranty. When I use tools I try to follow the instructions on how to use them properly and they usually don't have problems. You know, use SAE on SAE fasteners and use metric tools on metric fasteners. Use impact sockets on air tools and regular sockets with ratchets without cheater bars, etc. What can I say? I buy quality made in USA tools and they usually don't break.

That's cool. i have broken them all in every which way possible. i have broken them using them properly, and improperly. Snap-on, Mac, GearWrench, Matco. They all break if you use the daily. Ive worn out Snap-on 10mm and 8mm sockets more than ounce just from everyday use. The impact stuff wears out faster because its softer metal regardless of brand. Broken? i suppose so if it no longer fits the fastener properly.

 

[four.cycle]

[QUOTE="FullRaceMerc]I am also guilty of using a "Channellock hammer". Partly because they can do multiple jobs without bringing more tools than required while crawling under a house.[/QUOTE]

^ no crime committed there.

I would add to that:
I have a hard and fast rule: if you're up on a ladder and more than four feet from the ground, any tool is a hammer.

... and I was of the understanding that everyone used their deep-wells now and then for setting bearing races and seals. have I been misinformed?

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I always thought this was an accepted practice...

The proper driver would be the best choice. Despite having a couple sets of drivers that don't fit,,,,, Sometimes there is little choice but to use a socket.
If it gets the job done without damage,,, It is an accepted practice in my thoughts also.

 

[Finky198]

Freebie HF flat head screwdrivers make nice light-duty pry bars or heavy-duty scrapers or crevice tools

I really like that idea ^^.

I try to never abuse my tools cuase well I got a lot of money invested in em and I was the type raised on "buy once cry once" so I think I tend to hold onto and take care if of my stuff. But hey stuff does break . That's what a warranty is for

Heck why ever use the wrong tool,
When you already own 10 of the right tool

 

[jerseykat1]

I really like that idea ^^.

I try to never abuse my tools cuase well I got a lot of money invested in em and I was the type raised on "buy once cry once" so I think I tend to hold onto and take care if of my stuff. But hey stuff does break [emoji38]_hitti. That's what a warranty is for

Heck why ever use the wrong tool, When you already own 10 of the right tool

Convenience.

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[Finky198]

I get it but In the end Dealing with the warrantees becomes a much bigger inconvenience and in all realty If I can walk to my box in about 30 seconds was it really worth the risk to a good tool, sounds more like laziness to me.

Hammers have one major purpose appling force to an object therefore should always be one within arms reach dare I say its probably the main reason I own a bunch of 16 ounce ball peen hammers.

I don't know maybe if I was using Harbor freight pliers and not Knipex, I would've a different opinion on there use as a hammer. Same reason I wouldn't use one of my snap on screwdrivers as a pry bar. They cost to much and why risk breaking the tip off and having to warranty, but Next trip to HF you bet i'm going to buy a couple flathead screwdrivers to beat the **** out of...

 

[OccupantRJ]

The value of a tool lies in it's usefulness and versatility. Otherwise, it's just jewelry.

 

[FunkyfullWidth]

I use paint scrapers all the time for breaking the seal on oil pans that are secured with silicone. Also use them to break free some transmissions that get stuck to engines.

I have a set of cman impact sockets that are dedicated beaters. I leave them under my press and use them for u joints and whatever else they fit.
I use channel locks all the time for compressing calipers. I don't think that's misuse at all. I have a long handle trim/push pin tool that I use daily as a light duty prybar. It's great for various electrical plugs and small things.

The one thing I hate is using a screw driver handle, ratchet, or wrench as a hammer. I have plenty of different sized hammers.

But like Occupant says, a tool receives it's purpose from who wields it. Not the other way around.

 

[Squddle]

Had a friend that always used butter knives as screwdrivers. All his butter knives were twisted at the tip. Also saw a co-worker use a 1/2" drive Cman ratchet to hammer a socket onto a rounded lugnut. I can't bear to do such things.

 

[dragonballz]

Everything is either a prybar, chisel, or hammer.

I actually like the free HF screwdrivers more than the craftsman or any other brand. They are magnetic and most importantly, free!

 

[steveo3002]

big screwdriver is my universal pry bar /paint lid opener

vice might sometimes get some light anvil beating

sockets instead of bearing /seal installers

 

[MushCreek]

I'm guilty of using screwdrivers for all kinds of jobs other than driving screws, but I've trained myself to only use cheap ones as pry bars.

What I don't understand is- Why do I think my hand can be used as a hammer? It doesn't work, and it hurts like hell. But I do it again!

 

[jerseykat1]

big screwdriver is my universal pry bar /paint lid opener

vice might sometimes get some light anvil beating

sockets instead of bearing /seal installers

Vices are intended to take a beating. Most of them have flat and curved sections on them specifically for that reason. That's not abuse at all.

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[jerseykat1]

I'm guilty of using screwdrivers for all kinds of jobs other than driving screws, but I've trained myself to only use cheap ones as pry bars.

What I don't understand is- Why do I think my hand can be used as a hammer? It doesn't work, and it hurts like hell. But I do it again!

I use my feet as hammers now that I am older and wiser... Round house kick or 3 usually frees that stuck on wheel.. Lmao..

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[jimgood]

OMG, what have I NOT used for a hammer at one point or another?

 

[Tellingthem]

Usually using my tape measure or drill to adjust something. Just a tap or two to get something positioned properly. And yeah I've also used the screwdriver pry bar and pliers hammer.