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

[Brownsfan]

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.

I have been guilty of it too. But man some of the plastic used on today's interiors is softer than charmin toilet paper. Sneeze while prying and bam it will snap.

 

[Scottishross]

Screwdriver chisel ha ha

 

[B_Bimmer]

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 do that about once a month. Right when the residual pain subsides, something needs just a little bit of persuasion.... It has occasionally worked, but not often, and as you say it hurts. When do I get to be old and wise?

 

[trackwelder]

I use chrome sockets and swivels with power tools at times.

 

[iajonesy]

True story. Many years ago I worked for Caterpillar Tractor and we had a tool crib for hand tools. I was waiting for a tool and another guy came to the window and asked for a Crescent wrench. When asked what size he needed, the guy said big. The tool crib guy said, "how big"? The fella said real big, I'm going to use it for a hammer anyway. It's been going on a long time.

Mike

 

[jerseykat1]

I use chrome sockets and swivels with power tools at times.

You can use chrome sockets with power tools as long as it's not an impact power tool... I am also guilty of this..

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[jerseykat1]

True story. Many years ago I worked for Caterpillar Tractor and we had a tool crib for hand tools. I was waiting for a tool and another guy came to the window and asked for a Crescent wrench. When asked what size he needed, the guy said big. The tool crib guy said, "how big"? The fella said real big, I'm going to use it for a hammer anyway. It's been going on a long time.

Mike

That's funny.. Atleast he was being honest.. Lol

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[Finky198]

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..

That is a excellent method when a 64oz HF deadblow won't work. I am constantly have to kick the the tires loose on a few jeeps it works even better with massive workboots on.

 

[jerseykat1]

That is a excellent method when a 64oz HF deadblow won't work. I am constantly have to kick the the tires loose on a few jeeps it works even better with massive workboots on.

My kick has improved much. Lol..

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[MushCreek]

For some reason, it annoys me to watch an electrician use his linemen's pliers as a hammer. I've even seen them do it it on home improvement shows. I know it works, but...

 

[Rubiman14]

I'm guilty of the majority mentioned already. Whatever it takes to get the job done...especially when I didn't have the most elaborate tool collection. Channellock/Crescent wrench hammer, screwdriver hammer/chisel/prybar, sockets as press dies (works wonders on u-joints), locking wrenches together, ratchet hammer, etc.

These days I try to only use my expensive tools for the intended purpose. I keep a complete set of Craftsman screwdrivers, sockets, wrenches, and ratchets around just for the tasks above

 

[Greg85mcss]

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.

My local hf used to have a full assortment of individual sockets & still has a few. Mostly deep inch.

 

[theoldwizard1]

My biggest offense is using anything heavy and handy as a "light" hammer. Amazingly, my almost 50 year old Craftsman 3/8" ratchet has survived this abuse !

 

[trackwelder]

You can use chrome sockets with power tools as long as it's not an impact power tool... I am also guilty of this..

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There are sometimes used with impacts. I have a set of Snap On shallow chromes that have been beat on nuts with a hammer, and used on an impact with a vengeance. Never broke any out of that set.

I always have a garage full of projects in various stages of repair with tools spread out everywhere. Sometimes when trying to finish stuff I just use what's near and could care less if I ruin a tool. I'll just buy more if needed.

 

[jumpstart]

Guilty of most.....doubling up wrenches, ratchets or anything else available as hammers, screwdrivers as pry bars, sockets for press dyes, screw drivers for punches (oil filter draining), pipes on ratchets for leverage, whatever works.

Would love to always use the right tool, but it is what it is. I don't sweat it.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

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...

The tool box isn't always 30 seconds away and every tool within arms reach might be another tool carried up and down 6 flights of stairs, or a 60' ladder.

Yeah, I have a pry bar screwdriver and my channel locks... or Knipex linesman's are also my hammer. If it works and saves me time, I'm doing it.

 

[Ponchoguy]

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.

+1. I did have a Cman screwdriver yield on a rusty license plate screw one time in the past. I was like WTF? It got replaced at Sears and I still have its replacement.

 

[Vvmvbb]

I use snap ring pliers (the normally closed, opening variety) to separate electrical connectors sometimes.

 

[Todd.Brock]

I needed a 12pt 14 mm in 1/2" drive for and impact and a 3/8" 10mm impact. I bought cheap chrome HF sockets to use instead of my snap on sockets. I hate using chrome sockets on impacts. I see it all the time in TV shows.

 

[dutchgray]

I try not too, good tools are expensive and we don't have generous warranty policies over here, sometimes an adjustable or a combo wrench gets hit or a screwdriver gets used as a pry bar, but that's about it.
I did catch our painter using a PB Swiss slot head as a can opener and stirrer, which I definitely wouldn't do.

 

[four.cycle]

to be fair: there have been no shortage of screwdrivers manufactured which were suitable for no other purpose other than opening paint cans; many of them don't even make good pry-bars or gasket scrapers.

now, if you're talking about your good Snap-on or Klein screwdrivers, you should perhaps consider turning loose of the two bucks it might cost for a real paint can opener (unless the guys at the paint store will give you a free one.)

 

[Empty Pockets]

I'm no longer employed in the trades, but I try to always use my tools for their intended use. If I dont have the tool I need, I'll go down to my shop in the basement to get it, unlike my wife, who commonly used a butter knife for a screwdriver.

If I dont have the right tool in my collection, I have an excuse to buy it. She usually doesnt stay mad for long

 

[ibedayank]

who ever said it was abuse to use an adjustable wrench as a hammer just has the wrong one

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

I sometimes put my tools away dirty (abuse), in all seriousness I mainly catch myself using screwdrivers at pry tools to speed up the process of repair. Other than that I am with the others with trying not to intentionally abuse my tools, I like new tools and can always use a reason to buy more.

 

[Zapp Branigan]

I got a new watch for Christmas, and the band was too big. I used a precision screwdriver as a drift, and a watch case removal tool (spanner) as a hammer to get the roll pins out. The screwdriver is toast, but my watch fits. I was just being lazy. I didn't feel like walking out to my shop to do it right.

 

[90zcar]

Flat head screwdrivers to pry seals and scrape things and just about everything else. I mean what the hell else would you use them for. It's funny how a lot of screwdriver sets come with more variations of flat head drivers than Phillips yet so few slotted fastners exist


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[928'er]

Not me, but I picked up a Matco 1/2" drive ratchet on ebay that, apparently, spent most of it's previous life either as a hammer or as a short to ground connector....

 

[SVTDice]

Pretty much what everybody else mentioned honestly.

*Doubled up wrenches
*Using ratchets as hammers and wedges
*Flathead screwdrivers are pry bars
*Beating sockets onto rounded fasters or onto locking lug nuts
*Using non impact sockets on an impact tool

The list goes on, but everybody doing any form of mechanical stuff with tools knows sometimes you need to be resourceful!

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

I've abandoned a lot of my unsafe and ill advised pracrices. I no longer hook a box end to an open end wrench, I no longer slide something over my ratchet, combo wrench or breaker bar. I do still find it hard to not use my leatherman to tap something like a finishing nail or similar that doesn't take a whole lot of force.

 

[Wayfastwhitie440]

I rather not abuse my tools for a warranty. I do use old bearings to drive in new one's. I don't see where the issue is. I use extra sockets I get in deals for seal driver ( but not my main set). I really don't like looking at beat up tools. I understand character but not abuse. I would not try to warranty something after I just used it improperly. But that's just me. I like having the tools for the job.

 

[speed bump]

I don't ever set out to abuse them but completing the job is typically more important than the tool. That being said: if you are abusing tools because you are a ***** (leaving them out in the weather, not wiping them down, constant chrome socket on an impact, and constantly cutting hardened wire with the wrong pliers) I have no problem condemning you.

 

[John Deere tech]

Not misuse, but my 1/2" Matco long 16"? ratchet has a nice curve in the handle then snapped 2 heads off that day. Bought a 30" breaker ratchet next week on the Matco truck, twisted 2 heads off in 10 minutes with no bar, put a new rebuild kit in it and traded it in for my Snap-on the same day, that held up for about 3 months before I got a good chance to try to break it. i twisted and butterflied the flexhead, snapped the pivot screw, and once I grabbed a cheater pipe after the head was flexed out from me and snapped the head off the snap-on with much force. Snap-on ratchets are far supperior to Matco. Will try to fine pics

 

[Finky198]

The tool box isn't always 30 seconds away and every tool within arms reach might be another tool carried up and down 6 flights of stairs, or a 60' ladder.

Yeah, I have a pry bar screwdriver and my channel locks... or Knipex linesman's are also my hammer. If it works and saves me time, I'm doing it.

Trust me I get it. I do tree work when I'm not in the shop and there's nothing like getting 75 feet up in the air and realizing ur forgetting something it *****, but it's def not an excuse to not have a tool with you on the regular. If you know you're always needing a hammer why not just carry one it's not like it weighs 10 pounds even an 8 or 16 ounce hammer would work. Knowing what tools you are going to need for job is part of being a productive tech, mechanic or what ever you may be.

 

[uart]

who ever said it was abuse to use an adjustable wrench as a hammer just has the wrong one]

Hehe. Love it I want one.

 

[WhiskeyRanger]

Trust me I get it. I do tree work when I'm not in the shop and there's nothing like getting 75 feet up in the air and realizing ur forgetting something it *****, but it's def not an excuse to not have a tool with you on the regular. If you know you're always needing a hammer why not just carry one it's not like it weighs 10 pounds even an 8 or 16 ounce hammer would work. Knowing what tools you are going to need for job is part of being a productive tech, mechanic or what ever you may be.

Always needing something, and sometimes needing something are two very different things. The toolbox is full of tools I sometimes need, the pouch is full of tools I always need. Being productive is about getting things running is the most efficient way possible. You can't bring every tool on every job. If you can improvise and get the plant running again, you do it. The down time is going to cost thousands of times more than the hypothetical broken tool reimbursement.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I purposefully use a 3 foot pipe on my 3/8" Duralast ratchet and try to see what I can take. Hasn't given up yet, but I haven't done anything extravagantly heavy I guess.

 

[G-Ram]

My employer has a strict "right tool for the job" rule. Any abuse or misuse of tools would result in termination of my employment. No cheater pipes, using screwdrivers as prybars, etc. It's just not worth my job to do that kind of ****.


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[90zcar]

Curious as where you work^^^


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[Finky198]

My employer has a strict "right tool for the job" rule. Any abuse or misuse of tools would result in termination of my employment. No cheater pipes, using screwdrivers as prybars, etc. It's just not worth my job to do that kind of ****.

^^^^ This is how I like to work as much as possible. Gives me a reason to keep buying more tools

 

[biowrench]

It's funny how a lot of screwdriver sets come with more variations of flat head drivers than Phillips yet so few slotted fastners exist.

Yeah, why?