Simple tricks or tools for working in the garage

docrodg · 07-03-2009, 06:50 AM

Figured I would try and get some tips and tricks started on here for all to share. It is amazing what we all come up with in times of need.

For screws that are stuck/slightly stripped: A small container of comet scouring powder. Spit on screwdriver, dip in comet, use. (learned in Army working on helicopters)

Must have for fishing out parts/tools: Long handled surgical hemostats, straight and curved. (Army... from med co. experience, great on diesels with busted glow-plugs)

Easy way to highlight the timing marks without having to clean them off later: Break open a chem-light and dab a line on the pulley mark.

Cleaning for parts: Rifle bore brushes and bore mops. Even better for final cleaning are the newer versions of the mops... a long lint-free woven tube that has a long cord attached, fish thru the passage needing cleaned and pull. Tube is about 2 feet long and cleans great.

Quick vacuum source: a T fitting with internal gate (like a small sink plumbing t) and your air compressor. Air supply to top of T on gate side, vacuum on the stem.

nineball · 07:03 AM

when polishing metal with something like Flitz, once you have the Flitz worked in and everything looks black you can use flour (like gold medal) to clean it off. no kidding. just take a cotton rag (or bulk cotton), tap it into the flour so it is coated and then wipe off the metal. it's easy and amazing. i used this trick when polishing up the wheels and other brightwork on my motorcycle.

Permatex Gasket Remover will strip off powder coating in about 10-15 mins. it comes in an aerosol can, so just spray it liberally on the pc you want to remove, wait 10-15 mins and it will start to bubble and peel. wipe with a clean soft cloth and repeat as necessary.

OldTee · 07-03-2009, 10:08 AM

Use baby powder on fuel lines and fittings to locate a fuel leak.

Chalk on wheel stud ends to aid putting wheels on in a dark garage.

GothingNC · 07-03-2009, 10:30 AM

Electric/battery powered toothbrush for cleaning the engine.

mlfox · 07-03-2009, 10:32 AM

... small piece of masking tape on a nut to hold it snug so that it will not fall out of the socket.

docrodg · 07-03-2009, 10:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GothingNC

Electric/battery powered toothbrush for cleaning the engine.

Whose toothbrush? Getting revenge?

I find an old coffee pot can be great for heating some of the cleaners(especially carb rebuilding cleaner), just label it appropriately.

GothingNC · 07-03-2009, 10:37 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by docrodg

Whose toothbrush? Getting revenge?

.

Use WD-40 to clean toothbrush...

RWebb · RWebb's Garage

turkey baster to pull brake fluid out of reservoir

BTW - you might search up the many other threads and link to them here.

Tim K · 07-03-2009, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GothingNC

Use WD-40 to clean toothbrush...

Use Brake Parts Cleaner to remove WD-40

Oh and it will remove oil and grease from fabrics quite nicely.

docrodg · 07-03-2009, 11:13 AM

Aurel just had a post with a nice little trick.

Link: Free brake fluid pressure bleeder

GothingNC · 07-03-2009, 11:26 AM

Keep an "open" First Aid kit at an easy to reach location in the garage.

Wifey is not too happy after cleaning red stains off the doorknob, carpet, counter top, kitchen cabinets, dog...

Scotch-tape to hold the fan washers together during alternator belt adjustment/replacement

vash · vash's Garage

[QUOTE=RWebb;4758212]turkey baster to pull brake fluid out of reservoir

QUOTE]

i think this works OK. the hole in a standard baster is too large to hold the fluid in the tool. you suck it up, and after that it becomes pretty much a "funnel" to direct the brake fluid all over the place. you need to be ready with a gloved finger to plug the opening.

i use a 6 foot section of clear hose. i suck it out like i am siphoning my fish tank. the long hose has enough capacity to drain my reservior before anything reaches my mouth.

nineball · 07-03-2009, 01:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GothingNC

Keep an "open" First Aid kit at an easy to reach location in the garage.

i do this one. the electrical tape and paper towel roll are always readily available in my garage.

Johnb911 · 07-03-2009, 01:24 PM

A magnet with a whole in it and attached to a good piece of fishing line to throw in places you can't see but have dropped something.

Like inside a cylinder.

scottb · 07-03-2009, 02:01 PM

One of my new favorite toys in the garage is a flashlight that has a telescoping magnet arm (with a flexible head) built in. It's great for peering into little nooks and crannies and retrieving dropped items.

http://tinyurl.com/kp754y

repp · 07-03-2009, 02:12 PM

disposable income.

JohnJL · 07-03-2009, 02:59 PM

19mm spark plug socket turned on the lathe down to minimum diameter possible. Makes getting the plugs on with CHT sensors much easier. Clears the lower head studs much easier.

JohnJL · 07-03-2009, 03:01 PM

Metal tube and section of wife's broom handle for "injecting" wrist pin circlips into pistons.

vash · vash's Garage

a 10 mm allen socket, and 10mm ratcheting box wrench makes removing the starter less of a cussing contest. cheap drum brake spring tool, is the perfect lever for installing the pedal cluster clutch spring.

bonus: a floor jack and a 2x12 plank of wood can pop out a moderately stubborn tree rootball with half the digging required.

Newsboy · Newsboy's Garage

If you have an Allen fitting that has some wear. Try putting a little grease on the Allen wrench, then dipping in some fine sand. This will take up the slack.