Tools for old age....

[ScottsGT]

Boomer checking in. I'm almost 58 and have arthritis starting up in my hands. It *****. Yesterday I had to do a water pump swap on my 2015 Mustang GT. Hose clamps ****. Especially when all I have is Knipex channel locks. I could use my right hand to compress the clamps, and then attempt to use my left hand to pull on the hose. It was a struggle.
So when I was done, I ordered real hose clamp pliers. Not playing this game again.

Radiator/overflow cap. Cannot unscrew it cold. Extremely difficult warm. Found an ebay seller that makes a crows foot type wrench for it. Ordered it too.

So now that I'm older, I get to buy geriatric friendly tools.

 

[joel63]

Boomer checking in. I'm almost 58 and have arthritis starting up in my hands. It *****. Yesterday I had to do a water pump swap on my 2015 Mustang GT. Hose clamps ****. Especially when all I have is Knipex channel locks. I could use my right hand to compress the clamps, and then attempt to use my left hand to pull on the hose. It was a struggle.
So when I was done, I ordered real hose clamp pliers. Not playing this game again.

Radiator/overflow cap. Cannot unscrew it cold. Extremely difficult warm. Found an ebay seller that makes a crows foot type wrench for it. Ordered it too.

So now that I'm older, I get to buy geriatric friendly tools.

Glad you found a way.

Leave brands and part numbers for tools that worked for you and made life easier.

 

[Two Door]

I'm sixty five. About ten years ago I decided the best, and inevitable, solution was to start giving small projects to various nearby facilities as test runs. And start buying newer vehicles. I'm still content with that course, overall.

 

[lardy1]

I'm almost 67. I try to still do as much of my own work as I can. But I'm not really hard up and I've learned when to say when. If it's miserable, I'll hire someone.

 

[ScottsGT]

Here's a link to the coolant cap tool I found.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RADIATOR-C...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Here's the hose clamp pliers. Lots are out there, but I went with these over the Knipex due to the ratchet mechanism built in.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYB6Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[captain14]

Maybe start a thread for tools that work well for experienced Workers such as ourselves.

I don’t bend as well as before try to get under the vehicle or around objects.

 

[softailgarage]

Yup...getting old *****. I'm 59 with Carpul Tunnel in both hands, bad knees, hips and 3 back surgeries, the last 3 is
the result of being crushed between 2 cars in 8th grade. I can't describe how tough it is to pick up a screw or small nut. Working as a slot mechanic and doing re-modeling at home, I'm constantly using my hands and everyday it gets more difficult and painful. I've come to relay on magnets alot and the extending / collapsing style is always within reach, as well as needle nose pliers.
Toby Keith had it right when he sang, "I ain't as good as I once was, but I'm as good once as I ever was"

 

[dubdoc]

It made me sooo very happy to read this thread. I'm 72 and have a NICE garage full of tools. 2 days ago, a rebuild kit arrived for a favorite round head fine tooth 1/4 Craftsman ratchet. On the 3rd try, the little spring went "sproing" again and no amount of searching could find it. I am not awaiting another kit and wondering how I can trick my son into the rebuild.
The next person who talks to me about "the golden years" is gonna get a poke in the mouth. Getting old surely does **** !

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

You young guys moaning.... I'm 71. A life time on my feet, carpenters and millwrights don't work at desks, has left me with worn out knees according to the X-rays. So I need something to push off to get up. A small stool helps as well as being able to sit while working. Working on travel trailer right now, at least when I finish my morning coffee.

 

[retDAC]

I like more comfortable wrenches. The XBeams by Gearwrench and Dolphin by T&E Tools are the only ones in current production AFAIK. If you want to check Ebay for NOS or used, there have also been cross beams branded Armstrong, Craftsman, Kobalt, and Astro Pneumatic.

 

[TuxThePenguin]

I like more comfortable wrenches. The XBeams by Gearwrench and Dolphin by T&E Tools are the only ones in current production AFAIK. If you want to check Ebay for NOS or used, there have also been cross beams branded Armstrong, Craftsman, Kobalt, and Astro Pneumatic.

Maybe you would appreciate something like this https://shop.snapon.com/product/Loc...rench-Set-(8-19-mm)-(Blue-Point)/BOERMFLCG712

as you probably don't need the open end that often, these would probably work for many of your wrenching applications where a socket might not fit.

(You can probably find a similar type of thing for less money; I just went to Snap On's site because I already knew I would be able to quickly find that example so I could link it)

 

[retDAC]

Maybe you would appreciate something like this https://shop.snapon.com/product/Loc...rench-Set-(8-19-mm)-(Blue-Point)/BOERMFLCG712

as you probably don't need the open end that often, these would probably work for many of your wrenching applications where a socket might not fit.

(You can probably find a similar type of thing for less money; I just went to Snap On's site because I already knew I would be able to quickly find that example so I could link it)

Thanks for the suggestion, but I already have more than I need in tools overall and those are quite expensive for me.

 

[bczygan]

Credit card with high available credit or debit card with high bank balance.

I have neither, so an assortment of pain medications.

Bill

 

[brianh]

The best for me would be a lift, I kick myself for not putting one in when building the shop. 56 in good shape but laying on my back on a creeper under my truck ***** just replaced the exhaust a few weeks ago and got some major back spasms getting off the creeper.

 

[ScottsGT]

The best for me would be a lift, I kick myself for not putting one in when building the shop. 56 in good shape but laying on my back on a creeper under my truck ***** just replaced the exhaust a few weeks ago and got some major back spasms getting off the creeper.

I've never had a home that would support a lift, and at this stage of my life I'm doing the best I can to not need one. Only reason I can foresee one now is brake jobs and if I have to put a clutch in the Mustang. Hell, even with brakes, I can lift it high enough to sit in my mechanics stool and roll around. We just bought the wife a 2021 Honda Pilot two weeks ago. She keeps asking me "isn't it nice not having to shift gears??"
"No. It's boring!"

 

[joel63]

Here's a link to the coolant cap tool I found.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RADIATOR-C...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Here's the hose clamp pliers. Lots are out there, but I went with these over the Knipex due to the ratchet mechanism built in.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYB6Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks for the links.

Never saw the one for the coolant caps before.

 

[wood02]

I am 72. Both hips replaced and have been advised the left knee is in need of replacement. Right shoulder has been dislocated six times. I told the orthopedic surgeon that at my age I have no more recoveries from surgery left in me. I go to the garage...set in my chair with three inch foam and "think" about what I need to do. I try to leave the tools in visible sight. It does not help. I seem to forget where I placed the tool and can be looking straight at it and not even see it. I find it and just laugh at myself and set back down on my foam cushion. It also is getting expensive. I use to do all my work and now I need to farm it out.

 

[Ralf11]

yeh wish I'd put a lift in years ago

Softer screwdriver handles is my current concession

still using the std. steel ratchet handles

if you stop using your body, your body starts using you...

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Today I started using my new creeper, this one has a tilting head rest. It helps. Yeah, I don't know how tools disappear in plain sight. For years now I have been using a magnifying glass to read taps. And bright light.

 

[brianh]

I've never had a home that would support a lift, and at this stage of my life I'm doing the best I can to not need one. Only reason I can foresee one now is brake jobs and if I have to put a clutch in the Mustang. Hell, even with brakes, I can lift it high enough to sit in my mechanics stool and roll around. We just bought the wife a 2021 Honda Pilot two weeks ago. She keeps asking me "isn't it nice not having to shift gears??"
"No. It's boring!"

Changing the clutch in my truck will be next I am thinking of getting one just for that it will pay for itself fast. Me and my wife have both driven stick shifts our whole lives.

 

[Noworries]

Here's a link to the coolant cap tool I found.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/RADIATOR-C...e=STRK:MEBIDX:IT&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Here's the hose clamp pliers. Lots are out there, but I went with these over the Knipex due to the ratchet mechanism built in.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0002NYB6Y/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Ok i seem to be the kid here... ill be 58 on 9-11. I ride a 30 year old harley so i have no idea a sepcial tool existed to take off a radiator cap...are cooling systems that high pressure that caps requiring a dedicated tool is needed?? When i was 20 if someone told me they had a "comfort grip" ratchet because the bare steel handle hurt their hand i am sure i would have called him a lover of men and puppies using words that today will get you sent to prison. Oh well.. change is good they say, think i will change my depends and go for a ride...

 

[MJK]

I'm not as old as you guys, but things hurt a little longer after I am done than they used to. So, some concessions may be in order.

What are you using for stools/mats/creepers etc?

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

My creeper is just a no-name on sale, but Princess Auto had Big Red ones on sale at the same time. The stool is one a guy at work made. He did a pretty fancy job of it, milkmaid height. He had died of leukemia over twenty years ago. I inherited it . A lot of workplace chemicals are not healthy.

 

[ScottsGT]

Ok i seem to be the kid here... ill be 58 on 9-11. I ride a 30 year old harley so i have no idea a sepcial tool existed to take off a radiator cap...are cooling systems that high pressure that caps requiring a dedicated tool is needed?? When i was 20 if someone told me they had a "comfort grip" ratchet because the bare steel handle hurt their hand i am sure i would have called him a lover of men and puppies using words that today will get you sent to prison. Oh well.. change is good they say, think i will change my depends and go for a ride...

Do a google image search for 2015 Mustang coolant tank. That and the cap are plastic. It threads on like a bottle cap, not a typical push and twist cap. They are made of different types of plastics. The cap contracts more than the tank making it much tighter. When cold, the cap is almost impossible to remove even for the strongest guy with G.I. Joe’s Kung-fu grip.

 

[HenryAZ]

Chain hoists (or cherry picker), pry bars, a riding mower (used to have a pusher), cane.

 

[Outlander]

My knees have approved reading of this post. 58 years of abuse coupled with 30+ years sitting in an office maken them cranky, at best.

 

[jonesg]

Do a google image search for 2015 Mustang coolant tank. That and the cap are plastic. It threads on like a bottle cap, not a typical push and twist cap. They are made of different types of plastics. The cap contracts more than the tank making it much tighter. When cold, the cap is almost impossible to remove even for the strongest guy with G.I. Joe’s Kung-fu grip.

try a girly man with a pipe wrench.

 

[lardy1]

I have developed a like for longer ratchets, as well.

 

[thymer]

What a timely thread. Just had my physical with the internal med doc and complained about my fingers aching and tennis elbow that makes using a nail gun or anything heavy or requiring grip strength painful. ***** and I'm only 54.... Lift made all the difference in the shop and air conditioning increases my patience level for sure. The newer compact air impact wrenches are amazing for brake and suspension work. Lot's of ibuprofen...

 

[ScottsGT]

try a girly man with a pipe wrench.

I guess you're the guy that uses Vise-Grips instead of a socket or a wrench? Just the other day my co-workers did a double take when I told them my water pump crapped the bed. "What?? That's a brand new car!"
I had to remind them it was 6 years old already. Yea, I take care of my stuff and don't use things like pipe wrenches on plastic caps. My obsession with keeping things in great condition is almost a handicap.
But I'm also a slob in my work area.

 

[bonneyman]

Yeah at 60 I've got arthritis in one hand and the knees are showing the effects of 35 years up and down a ladder. I do all that I can - which is still quite a bit -but most car stuff now goes to the mechanic.

Leverage can be increased artificially with long style wrenches and ratchets but the dexterity of lining up and running in small bolts is a tuffy. Magnetic sockets and driver bits are a must.
Plus I find that I need bright lights on the work area in order to get the detail I need. I've got this elastic band head lamp I wear. Lightweight, really bright, and adjustable. Helps when in a dark area yet my hands stay free.

Getting old ain't for sissies.

 

[ScottsGT]

The bright lights. I forgot about that little issue. I've always had strange vision issues. I have been diagnosed with "Photo-phobia" where bright lights cause physical pain. I'm the guy that screams out when someone turns on the bedroom lights early in the morning or the middle of the night. I have extra dark window tint on my car that is illegal for everyone else unless you have a prescription letter.
Another side effect is not seeing any details in shadow areas in bright sunlight. Almost like exposure levels in the old film cameras.
I think I have more flashlights and luminary devices than my entire family! LOL!
You should have seen me trying to look down inside the engine bay the other day trying to map out the serpentine belt diagram and then trying to put it back on. Yes, working in bright sunlight and using a flashlight.

EDIT: The dark window tint is not for daylight use. I have sunglasses for that. (To the tune of $850 for prescription) It's for headlights coming up behind me at night.

 

[BB Sig]

Ok i seem to be the kid here... ill be 58 on 9-11.

I'm 43 and have Parkinson's. I'm the young guy and I'll be watching this thread!

 

[bczygan]

I'm 70 and using cardboard on concrete.

I go slow and count the aches and pains as evidence that I'm still alive.

Bill

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

What a timely thread. Just had my physical with the internal med doc and complained about my fingers aching and tennis elbow that makes using a nail gun or anything heavy or requiring grip strength painful. ***** and I'm only 54.... Lift made all the difference in the shop and air conditioning increases my patience level for sure. The newer compact air impact wrenches are amazing for brake and suspension work. Lot's of ibuprofen...

Arthritis run in my family big time. It doesn't hurt, just the clumsiness . One of my ratchets in parts in a bag. But my mom took lots of ibuprofen, it ruined her stomach. If Tylenol, or it's generic, works, it's easer on you.

 

[lardy1]

Cardboard and concrete. LOL. I was afraid to admit it. I've been wiring a trailer that way.

 

[jayemm]

My hands still work good but I have a terrible time leaning over an engine (or anything) for any period of time.Stiffens up and hurts like hell.I smashed a lumbar vertebra 3 years ago and it lets me know it sometimes.I'll be 70 this fall.My biggest help has been the compact suv I (luckily) bought before my injury.The increased seat height makes it so much nicer getting in and out of it.Couldn't tolerate the standard height car seat anymore.

 

[Ralf11]

Jack-hammer with soft-start feature

 

[crewchief888]

i'm 62, and still working full time as a field mechanic at a const eq dealer. i average 50 hrs a week.

at my age i can still outwork the young-uns...


arthritis in my shoulder, hips, knees and ankle makes working in cold weather a literal pain.....

 

[woody 73]

Not complaining although if you ask my wife you will hear a different story...

I can no longer feel the ground anymore because of my diabetes, my doctor has me on some kind of elephant pill that I take three times a day something to do with the nerve endings in my feet; it sure works I can tell when it wears off.

Still doing things in the man cave but not as fast as in my younger days, plus all the heat and humidity really slows me down.

Tools for the old age any beer that is sugar free...Do they make such a beer???