Useful tool

[Shellbelly]

I got this from a machinist/mechanic/one who worked on anything.  He told me that I would use it just about as much as a screwdriver.  He was right.

I don't know if these are sold anywhere, maybe they are.  This may be one of a set.  It's very rigid stainless.  I looked for some at Harbor, but didn't find them.  I suppose a machinist would make his own. 

I use it to get at little bits of old grease or anything that doesn't belong in a crevice or corner.  When used lightly, it cleans out detailed areas like picture plates,  around raised lettering, and places where a brush seems to just compact things.  It's a good "spud" for aligning tight rings when they need just a little nudge to match the mounting holes.  It helps with dog springs....on and on. 

It'll also scratch that annoying itch on your ankle down in your lace-up boots.  That's important. 

[Keta]

One can easily be made from SS shaft using a bench grinder and vice.  A piece of 4"-6" pipe could be used as a mandrel for bending it.

[foakes]

Thanks for sharing this, Brian —-

You're right, it does look useful for a lot of things.

I know this looks disorganized —- but this is part of my "ready at hand" tool supply —- directly to the right of my main bench area when working on reels.

Both vertical on the wall, plus a double rotating set of Lazy Susan's.

I have acquired a fair number of tools over the years —- some work and are used frequently —- some never at all.

A trick to declutter your work area is when adding a new tool to your Arsenal —- just put a little piece of tape on the new tool —- when you use it, take the tape off.

At the end of 60 or 90 days —- any tool with tape still on it goes out in the outer shop drawers, and away from the reel bench.

I use an assortment of old picks and tools —- but they have to work to earn their place on the bench.

Best, Fred

[Shellbelly]

Thanks, Fred.  An organized bench is one where you can reach tools without always having to look or fumble around.  How it appears to others is immaterial. 

I see those Wiha's back there.  As a fire alarm technician, those were the tools of choice for me when terminating control panels.

Midway Tommy is gonna gitcha for having that WD 40 in the picture!  You know how much he loves that stuff.

[foakes]

Midway Tommy is gonna gitcha for having that WD 40 in the picture!  You know how much he loves that stuff.

WD40 is the POOREST lubricant for anything —- and the best selling because of simplicity for homeowners and good marketing.

It attracts dirt & dust & other crud.  It only works for so long.

EVERY woman, housewife, and guys who know nothing about mechanics —- use it regularly.

However, it is a good water displacement product —-

But, the only thing I use it for is after servicing a reel —- I spray a little on a microfiber cloth —- then wipe down the reel to get off any stray grease and oil and fingerprints.

And, for the average reel client —- the reel is shiny and also smells like I really did something to it!

Great cleaner —- worst lubricant ever.

Best, Fred

[happyhooker]

Sounds like a handy tool; I'm always hunting around for a stiff piece or wire, old knife; beat-up screwdriver, etc. to do all the things that tool will do.

Frank

[Shellbelly]

to do all the things that tool will do.

In a pinch, sharpen an ice pick.

[Shellbelly]

EVERY woman, housewife, and guys who know nothing about mechanics —- use it regularly.

I haven't bought any in many years.  But somehow a can appears out of nowhere.  It's insidious.  Someone who shall remain nameless keeps buying it.  I spray it on wasp nests.  It does smell good but not as good as Hoppes No. 9.  IMO.

[oldmanjoe]

      Hoppes No. 9. Is my after shave lotion .   

[Midway Tommy]

Midway Tommy is gonna gitcha for having that WD 40 in the picture!  You know how much he loves that stuff.