[Melrose RS]

We haven't had a good poll in a long time...

For example, When working on your car, will you take the time to go back to the tool box to get a hammer or just pound with something else that is within reach?

Will you take the time to find the wrench that is bent exactly the right way to reach the bolt or struggle through with what you already have out?

[69zee]

The right tool for the right job. Always!

[Steptoe]

I have metric, whithworth and imperial sets of tools...Some are close but if not good fits, destory heads, and knuckles...the going to get that spaner one has bent to adjust the dizzy or whatever, is more than made up from trying to work with an ill fitting 9/16 in a cramped space 1/16 of a turn at a time...to loosen off then tighten up.
This principle applies to damn near everything....short cuts, wrong tools whatever, rule of thumb not doing so one can add 1/3 time/ cost on.

[PowerWindows]

^ Although I know of them, you are the 1st I've heard mention Whitworth tools. I know the difference I've just never seen them. As an engineer I've encountered Whitworth threads but never tools.

And I always take the time to get the proper tool (provided I have it) out of the box. Then again I worked as a mechanic for a spell do I have a goodish selection to chose from. In some cases I've taken tools and made them into something else that works (cutting and grinding a 7/16 to fit headers for example).

[sleepsinshed]

The closest tool is always the right tool.

[Joe Harrison]

Originally Posted by PowerWindows

^ Although I know of them, you are the 1st I've heard mention Whitworth tools. I know the difference I've just never seen them. As an engineer I've encountered Whitworth threads but never tools.

And I always take the time to get the proper tool (provided I have it) out of the box. Then again I worked as a mechanic for a spell do I have a goodish selection to chose from. In some cases I've taken tools and made them into something else that works (cutting and grinding a 7/16 to fit headers for example).

To my knowledge Whitworth tools were used for British cars and Aircraft. I had a 1965 Jag XKE that came with some Whitworth tools in the boot. I gave them to a British buddy that worked on British cars.

[camaroman7d]

The right tool and if you don't have the right tool, make it!

[Steptoe]

I know the difference I've just never seen them. As an engineer I've encountered Whitworth threads but never tools.

I also have 1940s/ 50s Jowetts...
Even to source whitworth bolts these days is a mission, thu UNC is real real close.
But the heads in most cases are weird sizing...pick up a W 1/2" and may look the same, its not.....a couple imperial are interchangeable, as area couple metric, but anything else on between, for get it.
I picked most of my Whit. stuff up from 2nd hand stores, deseaced estates, autions over the years....being old , beatiful steel, and things like taps and dies in hand made wooden oil boxes....Its almost like working with tools in new condition yet, and are, displayed in museums.

and if you don't have the right tool, make it!

yep, I would be lost without my 'custom' tools...the only reason for the existance of elcheapo chinese spanners, sockets...try turning down a good brand socket or spanner, or bend them...the cheap stuff can grind/ cut with a hacksaw.

[yellow69RS]

Originally Posted by sleepsinshed

The closest tool is always the right tool.

X2!
I was replacing the belt on my daughter's van the othere day and I didn't have the proper tool to release the tension. I just hooked 15 and 16 MM combination wrenchs together to get the job done.

Jeff

[67sc]

In a home shop, where quality is important, finding, or making the right tool, or explosive, may be important, but a production shop needs to produce. That means get the turd out the door.

My experience is that, whether its a car, a fridge, or A/C unit, means finish the job, regardless of how well, badly, or sloppily, they want to get paid, and go home.

Oddly, when I do work, I try to maximize quality, and minimize cost. I therefore hope for more work. Of course, since the work was better and took more time I don't get the new work.

Do the math...

[jr68]

Huh ?

[68rs406]

I'm adamant about using the right tool, it's a matter of craftsmanship to me. If I tear up a part with the wrong tool it will be the first thing I look at every time I open the hood (or whatever).
If you don't have the right tool make it or buy it, sometimes home made are the best tools.

[kt]

The right tool...always

[ss27]

Absolutely the right tool for the job everytime, or one that i have made or modified to do a specific job. In 40 + yrs i have made many tools that are custom welded or heated and bent at a certain angle.This includes sockets that have been grinded or turned down on a lathe welded lengthened custom notched out etc. Some of my favorites are my 2ft flat angle fan blade removing box end wrench . My 6 piece custom made header wrenches and my 9inch hollow tube half inch half inch drive heavyduty socket to adjust the front emergency brake cable with an air ratchet . Works like a charm not to mention my vast selection of both American and Metric worn out sockets for those rusted out jobs where the sizes are no longer true and fall somewhere in between sizes. Alex

[Steptoe]

worn out sockets for those rusted out jobs where the sizes are no longer true and fall somewhere in between sizes

Rusted out or because incorrect tools have been used on them in the past?
How many ppl have an adjustable spanner in the tool box...
Then there is not only the 'right tool' it is using that tool correctly.
using an open ender to un torque or torque up, rather than a ring spanner...even worse, most think the offset of the open end is for tight places...no .. it us like that to make use of the stress torques in the spanner...wrong way the jaws open and skin knuckles round heads....right way the jaws close up like a monkey wrench.