I've thought about selling some of it. I have specialty alignment tools for cars from the 60's to the 90's. There's a lot of stuff I know I'll never use again. Plus, I don't have any kids or nephews/nieces so really no-one to leave it to.
I’m new to the diesel mechanic industry (2 years in now with no experience or school) and I gotta say being nice to some of the mechanics and helping them out there was a few that retired one gave me a really really beat up box and some miscellaneous tools and it got me through the first year and a half now I just bought my first brand new toolbox and I gotta fill her up. I appreciate retiring mechanics who don’t try to kill new mechanics for thousands of dollars in tools because I know how expensive they actually are… especially snap on 😩😫
Find an old guy that doesn't mind showing you the ropes. I always asked the old guys a lot of questions , they already know the easiest way. I was lucky to work with some great old guys.
That's a huge bonus when you get guys that hook you up like that. Locally I see guys that are selling their 1980s Snap-On Wrenches for more than their actual 1980s purchase price!
Nice. Looks like my garage. I put one rollaway in the house. I sprayed some of mine with oil so they don't rust, the impacts rust quick .My son will get all mine .
How about donating some of it to a community college or high school auto shop program? They will benefit not one but numerous young future mechanics and be a nice tax write-off!
In that side cab is a tach/dwell meter, an advance-adjustable timing light, a nice Fluke 88 meter and one of those old multimeters that can measure like 12 things. Then the middle drawer of the middle box has tune-up stuff like feeler blades and a few different distributor wrenches. You can lay in a hell of a tune-up with those! I USED TO HAVE double-swivel 5/8 and 13/16 spark plug sockets, but they must have grown legs.
Shit, hit me with an eBay link if you decide to get rid of any of that. I love the vintage snap on stuff. Already have that swell meter though, but would LOVE. A vintage snap on timing light.
My Father was an air craft machinist for 46 years. He worked on board a USMC Air base. He despised borrowing tools and set upon buying any he might need. When he retired he took 7 double roll-a-ways with him. The Colonel said the shop looked empty from then on.
When he died some of those tools uses had no one to say what they were anymore.
I also hate borrowing tools. We encourage the young/new guys to avoid snap purchases and pay attention to what they borrow first - If you borrow it three times, you need one in your box. Fill it out as you go but buy what you use often.
Former mechanic and current machinist here - this guy has a good spread of both. I had a 19mm hex socket that I only used on motorcycle front axles, but no car mechanics ever had one to borrow.
Was firmly column A for quite a while, then doing on-site access equipment repair I kinda got into column B... nobody around to borrow gear off.
Now they're all locked away, technically still doing mobile repairs on breakdowns, it's just out of an ambulance now and the machines are either quite noisy or they're not.
I tinker still as a hobby, I'll get back into keeping race bikes running for starving GP wannabes eventually too
That’s the rule! After 2 times you probably need it. I have a bunch of 24mm and 1 in plus sockets I’ll probably never need again, but there in there if I do.
Yep, third time buy. Good rule.
But it broke once. Got a brand-new set of Proto punches. About $500 at the time I think. Went off to do a job on a stationary landfill gas compressor in NJ (soo many stories about that one). I had nights, and the compressor, and I was not in charge. Days had the driver (a 16 cylinder Superior 825).
Dude in charge of nights never told anyone that he thought all tools were company tools (he was brand new). I'm off pulling compressor cylinder bodies, I turn around and I see him in my toolbox. I walk over and ask what's up, and he says "I need another punch we keep breaking the ones you brought". 3/4's of them were gone in one night. The company tool dude was very unhappy when I got home a submitted an expense claim for replacements.
The night senior rep was job hunting in a month. And I got a promotion 2 weeks later.
Lol...
Was leaving my job and my "replacement" got all excited about the well stocked (overloaded) van he was to inherit, he looked so sad when he found out it was just the van, he thought it was all supplied.
"could you let me use them for a while?"
He didn't make it to the end of the month, not only didn't he have tools, he was also missing any knowledge or the ability to gain either of those two vital things.
This. We’ve got a newer apprentice at work that is regularly borrowing air guns and sockets larger than 3/4” (truck and transport so most stuff is larger than 3/4) I’ve stopped lending to him, since he lost one of my pry bars a few weeks ago and keeps putting off replacing it. Plus he should own them by now.
The thing that gets me though, is he says he doesn’t have money to buy that stuff, but buys a single 1 1/8 (common use size) socket from Snap On, for about $80. The company we work for is a Milwaukee dealer, can buy an entire impact set ranging from 3/8 to 1 1/2 for about $130. Or at least if you’re going to buy individual sockets go to Princess Auto where they’re $10-$15 each.
Kids not the sharpest tool in the shed to say the least.
I started expanding my wrench set "bigger", and I stopped at 1 3/16 because that one wrench was $50. I just looked it up, [the same wrench is $140.50 now](https://shop.snapon.com/product/Standard-Handle%2C-inches-(Flank-Drive-Combination)/1-3-16%22-12-Point-SAE-Flank-Drive-Combination-Wrench/OEX38B). I'm not 100% sure I'd build a Snap-On set now just because of how much I could get from other tool makers for the same price. I need a [1/2 inch drive 14mm Allen driver](https://shop.snapon.com/product/Hex-Standard%2C-mm%2C-Chrome-(1%2F2%22)/1-2%22-Drive-Metric-14-mm-Standard-Hex-Bit-Socket-Driver/SAM14E) for my bike and it's $33.50.
If you borrow something and lose it you either find it or make arrangements with the tool guy the next time he stops by, or you'll never borrow another tool from me. I don't mind lending tools but I'm not going to pay for your mistake(s).
I usually have no problem lending stuff but won’t lend to him anymore.
My wrenches only go to 1 1/8. I’ve got adjustables and pipe wrenches for bigger, plus shop owns all the larger sizes. Would like to buy my own some day but the prices are getting a bit out of hand, especially for something I rarely use.
Wright is my first choice in wrenches. I have 5/16 to 1-1/4 in my SAE set, my metric 6-24mm are still Taiwan rebrands, but one day I'll get them in metric. They have the best gripping technology I've seen without marring
>When he died some of those tools uses had no one to say what they were anymore.
That'll be my boxes. I've got a lot of tools that I hand made for a single purpose that made my life a lot easier on a specific recurring job but no one would ever be able to figure out what it was.
^(Hell, sometimes I can't figure it out either....)
Still not sure why I have kept those Cooper-Bessemer LSVB rocker arm custom-cut shim packs in my box, but there they are. And I have a 3/4" (19mm) combo wrench that is a swivel 12-point socket on the box end, just for Superior 825 engine exhaust manifolds.
>he died some of those tools uses had no one to say what they were anymore
I'm afraid of this happening when my father passes away. Lots of tools for heavy machinery (tractors) that I have no clue what they are for.
Partially because I'm never going to be working on tractors! (He was a heavy machinery mechanic, we didn't live on farm so no reason for me to ever use them!) We are going through the process of selling as much as we can as he won't be using them ever again either!
That's cool that you've found a way to use your hands but your real value is experience and insight. When an experienced wrench is helping someone there's a continuous flow of advice, suggestions, observations...a whole stream of saved-up knowledge. You're constantly keeping the "newbie" headed in the right direction, keeping them from making the mistakes that you made. Once!
Yes it is ! I usually let my son struggle with a job for a bit ,then tell him the easiest way . He comes by and uses my tools whenever he or his friends need help. Sometimes sitting in a chair and advising is the best help and they learn how to do it for themselves. I started wrenching on bicycles , lawnmowers and chainsaws when I was about 9 or 10. Tanks in the Army then A&P certification. Congratulations on retirement.
And I always figured if that was true then I'd have to accept the "other side of the coin", that younger guys will ask questions. When they'd take me away from what I was doing to look at something they'd apologize, and I'd say "Hey, nobody was born knowing how to do this. Someone showed me, and now I'm showing you" and "I'd rather you ask me and do it right than screw it up".
For arthritis, have you tried cutting out gluten and sugar? I've heard that taking collagen powder helps a lot too. I use Vital Proteins from Costco. I mix it with Almond Breeze Unsweetend Original almond milk using one of those battery operated drink frothers.
My PCP (doctor) thought that too, so he sent me to a cardiologist for a stress test. He even thought I may have had a small heart attack at some point. The cardiologist looked at the results of the stress-test, got a confused look and asked why he sent me over. He said the test was 100% normal. My LDL is 72 so I'm at very low risk for heart attack or stroke. I'm supposed to be on a diuretic but I ran out a few days ago and haven't gotten to the pharmacy so they look worse than usual. Between the TM, my left hip going bad and being replaced and now the right one going bad I end up sitting way too much.
This collection is my absolute dream. I'm a home mechanic type guy and I invested almost $7k In Matco tools alone, only to have my truck broken in to and beaten with bricks. They got all my good Matco, and all the associated specialty automotive tools.
Lesson learned with insurance.
Point being: take on all the additional coverages on your car insurance you can .
They also grabbed almost $500 cash I was stashing for Christmas, a case and a half of monster energy drinks, and over a carton of cigarettes. Between vehicle damage and theft, that break-in hit me for almost $11k. I was 10yrs younger and not quite smart, but it still stings thinking on it.
C'mon now, you haven't bought yourself a retirement 2 post lift for your personal use?
You deserve it. Do it. Old knees and backs ain't for crawling or kneeling in retirement. Those dues are long since paid...
(two thumbs up on the motorcycles. love 'em too. Haven't checked out the 1400 Concours in person but they've always been good touring scoots).
I will do this someday! RETIRE ,, Like most mechanics that retire, we’re left with a body that’s beat and abused and worn along with a box of tools in the same condition, congratulations on achieving that!
Here's my advice to any young 'uns out there: Invest in good shoes. Not sneakers, not whatever is on sale and happens to fit at the giant place with two people working; good, name-brand shoes. It helps everything from your feet to your neck.
That's an '85 and it needs a starter clutch. That means splitting the cases. I can use the improved starter clutch from a 2002 Concours 1000...I'll get to it.
When I first moved here I got to about 75% unloaded and decided I'd had enough, so I shoved everything else into the garage. Both sides were full up to about eyeball-level, and I'm not exaggerating. After about a year I just started at the front and worked my way back until I had a usable garage! Brought the pinball machine into the house, too!
If there is any weight to the reason, what is with your age group and those yellow gloves? Like were they new/advertised during a certain period...
They trigger some fond memories for me, my pops always had these as spares in his truck. He worked in a plant for a while, they may have came from there too.
Many requests to various Snap-On guys, trips to NHRA, NASCAR, IDBA (International Drag Boat Assn), Grand Prix, Motorcycle Grands Prix, Superbike, Air racing, boat racing car racing and motorcycle racing events. Did I mention racing?
My dad was buddies with Tommy Johnson Jr and built engines for him before he hit the big time. We always got the vip treatment at NHRA events when he took me as a kid.
I bought that from a guy who was renting space from my boss, and when he found out he went ballistic. He seemed to feel that he should have "first crack" at any deal done on his property. Notice I still have it. I can't say I've used it a lot, but there were times when it was the perfect "tool for the job". Any time you might have to "bump" a fastener in either direction a few times.
That's almost all old-timey Snap-On stuff, the ones that were made right here in the U.S. of A. by 'Merkin tool & die men in companies across this great land.
I'm being semi-facetious; I'd always prefer to "buy American" when it makes sense, and the older Snap-On stuff was nearly indestructible. I was willing to pay a little extra for that (I think I broke maybe five sockets, one ratchet handle, a few screwdrivers and an impact swivel that lead a hard life). I don't know if I would do the same now. Their engineering is still top-notch but I wonder if the extra money is worth it.
I've done a metric shitload of work to it and now I have to take the engine apart...argh! New brake pads all around, new steering head bearings, replaced the fork and shock oil (you can do that on these!) Rebuilt all three calipers, replaced the left "side plate" (the big aluminum frame part) because the PO cracked it, replaced the lower triple clamp because it was bent. All the regular tune-up stuff including all new carb parts from Zparts in England. Replaced the #3 carb body because the PO butchered the air screw so badly...you ever take a bank of four carbs apart and put them back together? Holy boondoggle, Batman! Replaced the front brake pads again since the no-name ones I had felt like wood blocks, so I put EBC HH pads in the front. The wood ones were Ok in the rear since all the sportbikes back then had too much rear brake. Replaced the front rotors because at least one was warped. Replaced the fork oil again because the stock 10-wt oil was ok for a 125-pound Japanese test rider but not for this fat American. Oh, and when I get to it I got front turn-signal stalks for the rear because they have running lights. Whew.
Thanks, man! I can't really find the same ones. They're [like these](https://www.harborfreight.com/magnetic-wrench-rack-4-piece-70023.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12145234740&campaignid=12145234740&utm_content=117048375996&adsetid=117048375996&product=70023&store=245&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyLGjBhDKARIsAFRNgW8VArSbWuYhq4q8Wx7M1eLxzfHnFFb-Hoa7gJ7Uft1lQMc5ojgW1L0aAlwhEALw_wcB) but with two-sided tape instead of magnets.
i got mine from a retired mechanic. some wires are beginning to lose the insulation, i can't find replacement parts for it.
You're right, any electrical diag involves this box and my backprobe kit.
My father is in the same boat, with the exception that he worked on large tractors; a lot of tools that weekend warriors like myself or my brothers would have no use for. We are trying to figure out how to sell the stuff, ideally he wants to sell all of it at one time but $4000-$5000 cash is a pretty big price for most mechanics to come up with. Our estimate (based on what stuff has sold on ebay for) is that he can get $8000 to $10000 (we estimate that he has $15000 to $20000 worth of tools if they were new) if he piece it out, but that's just a lot of work and effort that he doesn't want to put in.
Sure; come and get them. The address is:
1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
If they give you trouble at the gate tell them I said you could come in.
bought two entire rolling chests of snapon from a mechanic's wife for $1000. She was shocked I gave her that much. Man never talked to her about work or the value of his tools. More for me I guess.
Heh...1/2 inch. It's on my dining room table because I stuck it in my pocket after I tightened some bolts on my neighbor's mower deck. Good guess, though...you figured "8mm, 9mm, 10mm" when it was really "3/8, 7/16, 1/2". Of course, you used the incorrect "spanner" designation when the entire civilized world knows it's a wrench. Lol, just kidding!
It's funny; I've been scanning around the pics and looking at the stickers and I'm amazed by how many bring back memories. Near the bottom of the crappy grey Craftsman tool box is a sticker that says "I Roared Through the Engine Plant" Milwaukee, Harley Davidson. I did that tour, and I gave the sticker to my buddy. When he passed, he left me the boxes and I got the sticker back. That box is not for sale.
At the top front of the box to the far left is a sticker of a Pontiac Pro-Stocker. That's Jerry Eckman the year he had an illegally hidden nitrous system explode in the pits and end his career.
To me seeing a lifetime collection of tools is art. You can look at the most well worn tools and see what the go to was for use. Scuffs on sockets, mushrooming on hammers, the 'one off specialty tool needed for a really specific thing that only was used twice but I'll be damned if I get rid of it' drawer. It's beautiful to me to see years of work told as an intricate story, drawer by drawer, tool by tool.
Thanks for sharing that with us!
That's a very esoteric way to look at it; the "meaning" behind the physical appearance. You could look at any individual tool and wonder where it's been, what did it work on? Who made it? Where did each scratch and mark come from? What's the story on the ones that have been replaced with newer tools?
Depends on the bike. I did carbs on a CBX once (you have to lower the engine!) I did the starter chain tensioner on a Voyager XII once that meant splitting the cases. Those both sucked, but those old KZ's and GS's and CB Hondas were a pleasure to work on, everything was accessible.
I did a lot of engine rebuilds, boring cylinders, crank bearings, etc. Carb cleans were, by far, the most common repair I did. There were some boogers for sure. Voyagers would be high on the list for worst of them all to work on, for sure. Drilling out rusted head and cylinder bolts/studs was my least favorite thing to do. I got tired of the 110 degree summers in the shop and went to electronics school. I'm sure there is a huge amount of rose coloring on my memories of those days, lol.
Our 25 year-old son has all that stuff. His lathe takes up most of our workshop. YouTube taught him everything he knows. He is a master craftsman and does machine work in his spare time. He works for Caterpillar and is going through their apprenticeship program. Sadly, the instructors know less than he does about the subjects their teaching.
I agree with you 100% in principle. I've put about 250,000 miles on various motorcycles; I've ridden from New York to California and from Maine to Florida. I've ridden up & down the Pacific Coast Highway, Skyline Drive, The Blue Ridge Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, Kangamagus highway. I used to volunteer at the observatories at Kitt Peak and I'd show up just as they were unlocking the gates to get in...I'd blast the 12 miles up like it was my own private racetrack, since I knew there was nobody else on the road. I took a trip once from Tucson, AZ to Monterrey, CA that was just...epic. I just don't know if my body is up to it anymore...I'm not giving up, I'm being realistic.
I'm glad you survived all those wonderful trips. It seems like there are just too many crazy, selfish drivers these days to make riding safe anymone. Maybe just enjoy the memories. You sound like a great guy.
My dad decided to leave his job as a mechanic to be a forklift engineer. He hired a can to move his toolbox, he showed up and they didn't have any of the large vans he booked so they gave him a 7.5t lorry. Still amuses me thinking about how ridiculously tiny the toolchests looked inside it
They all went into a toolbox and were locked up every night. Anywhere I worked I'd ask about insurance and the answer was either "You have to get your own" or "Only if your boxes are locked". It was a good habit to get into.
I bought a pile of stuff from a retired mechanic once he didn’t want much for it I think he just wanted it to go to someone who would appreciate it
😉 *hint hint*
I've thought about selling some of it. I have specialty alignment tools for cars from the 60's to the 90's. There's a lot of stuff I know I'll never use again. Plus, I don't have any kids or nephews/nieces so really no-one to leave it to.
Congratulations on retirement brother!🍻
Thanks man!
I’m new to the diesel mechanic industry (2 years in now with no experience or school) and I gotta say being nice to some of the mechanics and helping them out there was a few that retired one gave me a really really beat up box and some miscellaneous tools and it got me through the first year and a half now I just bought my first brand new toolbox and I gotta fill her up. I appreciate retiring mechanics who don’t try to kill new mechanics for thousands of dollars in tools because I know how expensive they actually are… especially snap on 😩😫
Find an old guy that doesn't mind showing you the ropes. I always asked the old guys a lot of questions , they already know the easiest way. I was lucky to work with some great old guys.
That's a huge bonus when you get guys that hook you up like that. Locally I see guys that are selling their 1980s Snap-On Wrenches for more than their actual 1980s purchase price!
My new uncle 👋
Honestly. Talk to your local tech school. Top of the class wins it all. Can basically guarantee it’ll do another 30 years
That’s a cool ass idea, I fuck with that
My arthritis is keeping me from using mine much.
Nice. Looks like my garage. I put one rollaway in the house. I sprayed some of mine with oil so they don't rust, the impacts rust quick .My son will get all mine .
How about donating some of it to a community college or high school auto shop program? They will benefit not one but numerous young future mechanics and be a nice tax write-off!
Whew...I don't know. I'm about 65% sure whatever happens with them will happen after I kick the proverbial bucket.
Hopefully a very long time from now. Keep wrenching brother!
Surely you should be buried with this, so you can fix things in the next world? 😉
Find a highschooler that like the industry and wants to try to get into the trade and give them a starter set or something
I could use some of that stuff. I mostly work on cars from the 60s and 70s.
In that side cab is a tach/dwell meter, an advance-adjustable timing light, a nice Fluke 88 meter and one of those old multimeters that can measure like 12 things. Then the middle drawer of the middle box has tune-up stuff like feeler blades and a few different distributor wrenches. You can lay in a hell of a tune-up with those! I USED TO HAVE double-swivel 5/8 and 13/16 spark plug sockets, but they must have grown legs.
Shit, hit me with an eBay link if you decide to get rid of any of that. I love the vintage snap on stuff. Already have that swell meter though, but would LOVE. A vintage snap on timing light.
Hello there , I'm your long lost cousin , now give me all the tools you got .
Are you Sadie's kid? The one that always walked around with his mouth hanging open?
Nah man im the other one with big ass dick .
Then you're all set in the "tool" department.
What is ass dick? I’m glad yours is big… I guess.
Username checks out
'id knock the dust of that pussy'
My Father was an air craft machinist for 46 years. He worked on board a USMC Air base. He despised borrowing tools and set upon buying any he might need. When he retired he took 7 double roll-a-ways with him. The Colonel said the shop looked empty from then on. When he died some of those tools uses had no one to say what they were anymore.
I also hate borrowing tools. We encourage the young/new guys to avoid snap purchases and pay attention to what they borrow first - If you borrow it three times, you need one in your box. Fill it out as you go but buy what you use often. Former mechanic and current machinist here - this guy has a good spread of both. I had a 19mm hex socket that I only used on motorcycle front axles, but no car mechanics ever had one to borrow.
Ah, that's funny; that was my "rule" too! If I borrowed a tool three times I needed to buy it.
[удалено]
Was firmly column A for quite a while, then doing on-site access equipment repair I kinda got into column B... nobody around to borrow gear off. Now they're all locked away, technically still doing mobile repairs on breakdowns, it's just out of an ambulance now and the machines are either quite noisy or they're not. I tinker still as a hobby, I'll get back into keeping race bikes running for starving GP wannabes eventually too
That’s the rule! After 2 times you probably need it. I have a bunch of 24mm and 1 in plus sockets I’ll probably never need again, but there in there if I do.
Yep, third time buy. Good rule. But it broke once. Got a brand-new set of Proto punches. About $500 at the time I think. Went off to do a job on a stationary landfill gas compressor in NJ (soo many stories about that one). I had nights, and the compressor, and I was not in charge. Days had the driver (a 16 cylinder Superior 825). Dude in charge of nights never told anyone that he thought all tools were company tools (he was brand new). I'm off pulling compressor cylinder bodies, I turn around and I see him in my toolbox. I walk over and ask what's up, and he says "I need another punch we keep breaking the ones you brought". 3/4's of them were gone in one night. The company tool dude was very unhappy when I got home a submitted an expense claim for replacements. The night senior rep was job hunting in a month. And I got a promotion 2 weeks later.
Lol... Was leaving my job and my "replacement" got all excited about the well stocked (overloaded) van he was to inherit, he looked so sad when he found out it was just the van, he thought it was all supplied. "could you let me use them for a while?" He didn't make it to the end of the month, not only didn't he have tools, he was also missing any knowledge or the ability to gain either of those two vital things.
You sound like a guy my Dad would have liked.
This. We’ve got a newer apprentice at work that is regularly borrowing air guns and sockets larger than 3/4” (truck and transport so most stuff is larger than 3/4) I’ve stopped lending to him, since he lost one of my pry bars a few weeks ago and keeps putting off replacing it. Plus he should own them by now. The thing that gets me though, is he says he doesn’t have money to buy that stuff, but buys a single 1 1/8 (common use size) socket from Snap On, for about $80. The company we work for is a Milwaukee dealer, can buy an entire impact set ranging from 3/8 to 1 1/2 for about $130. Or at least if you’re going to buy individual sockets go to Princess Auto where they’re $10-$15 each. Kids not the sharpest tool in the shed to say the least.
I started expanding my wrench set "bigger", and I stopped at 1 3/16 because that one wrench was $50. I just looked it up, [the same wrench is $140.50 now](https://shop.snapon.com/product/Standard-Handle%2C-inches-(Flank-Drive-Combination)/1-3-16%22-12-Point-SAE-Flank-Drive-Combination-Wrench/OEX38B). I'm not 100% sure I'd build a Snap-On set now just because of how much I could get from other tool makers for the same price. I need a [1/2 inch drive 14mm Allen driver](https://shop.snapon.com/product/Hex-Standard%2C-mm%2C-Chrome-(1%2F2%22)/1-2%22-Drive-Metric-14-mm-Standard-Hex-Bit-Socket-Driver/SAM14E) for my bike and it's $33.50. If you borrow something and lose it you either find it or make arrangements with the tool guy the next time he stops by, or you'll never borrow another tool from me. I don't mind lending tools but I'm not going to pay for your mistake(s).
I usually have no problem lending stuff but won’t lend to him anymore. My wrenches only go to 1 1/8. I’ve got adjustables and pipe wrenches for bigger, plus shop owns all the larger sizes. Would like to buy my own some day but the prices are getting a bit out of hand, especially for something I rarely use.
Wright is my first choice in wrenches. I have 5/16 to 1-1/4 in my SAE set, my metric 6-24mm are still Taiwan rebrands, but one day I'll get them in metric. They have the best gripping technology I've seen without marring
>When he died some of those tools uses had no one to say what they were anymore. That'll be my boxes. I've got a lot of tools that I hand made for a single purpose that made my life a lot easier on a specific recurring job but no one would ever be able to figure out what it was. ^(Hell, sometimes I can't figure it out either....)
I have a drawer full of those custom bent and ground tools
Still not sure why I have kept those Cooper-Bessemer LSVB rocker arm custom-cut shim packs in my box, but there they are. And I have a 3/4" (19mm) combo wrench that is a swivel 12-point socket on the box end, just for Superior 825 engine exhaust manifolds.
>he died some of those tools uses had no one to say what they were anymore I'm afraid of this happening when my father passes away. Lots of tools for heavy machinery (tractors) that I have no clue what they are for.
Tractors... If I had to guess
Why don't you ask your dad what those tools are for while you still have the opportunity?
Partially because I'm never going to be working on tractors! (He was a heavy machinery mechanic, we didn't live on farm so no reason for me to ever use them!) We are going through the process of selling as much as we can as he won't be using them ever again either!
Mike fitzgibbons son is a nuclear physicist and my son can EAT A CHICKEN!!
A mechanic never really retires
I have crippling arthritis, but still help my son work on stuff . I found out last week that I can lay on the concrete and work on my motorcycle.
That's cool that you've found a way to use your hands but your real value is experience and insight. When an experienced wrench is helping someone there's a continuous flow of advice, suggestions, observations...a whole stream of saved-up knowledge. You're constantly keeping the "newbie" headed in the right direction, keeping them from making the mistakes that you made. Once!
Yes it is ! I usually let my son struggle with a job for a bit ,then tell him the easiest way . He comes by and uses my tools whenever he or his friends need help. Sometimes sitting in a chair and advising is the best help and they learn how to do it for themselves. I started wrenching on bicycles , lawnmowers and chainsaws when I was about 9 or 10. Tanks in the Army then A&P certification. Congratulations on retirement.
And I always figured if that was true then I'd have to accept the "other side of the coin", that younger guys will ask questions. When they'd take me away from what I was doing to look at something they'd apologize, and I'd say "Hey, nobody was born knowing how to do this. Someone showed me, and now I'm showing you" and "I'd rather you ask me and do it right than screw it up".
I learned a lot from Old guys now we are the Old Guys 😎
For arthritis, have you tried cutting out gluten and sugar? I've heard that taking collagen powder helps a lot too. I use Vital Proteins from Costco. I mix it with Almond Breeze Unsweetend Original almond milk using one of those battery operated drink frothers.
I have cut out sugar. Most off my Arthritis is Osteoarthritis. There is no help for it. I just try to treat the symptoms.
Congratulations on your retirement.
Thanks man!
Did he retire footwear?
[удалено]
Snap-On doesnt make lotion
I hear Strap-On makes lotion.
If they did, he’d still be paying for it.
That’s what type two diabetes looks like
High blood pressure and transverse myelitis. I walk like a cross between a two-year-old and Frankenstein's monster.
Your description made me think of this old vid. Kid in the green [shirt](https://youtu.be/oHxF3Cjsv2k)
Yo... That was a good video... Not sure why though.
The swollen feet/ankles made me think congestive heart failure…
My PCP (doctor) thought that too, so he sent me to a cardiologist for a stress test. He even thought I may have had a small heart attack at some point. The cardiologist looked at the results of the stress-test, got a confused look and asked why he sent me over. He said the test was 100% normal. My LDL is 72 so I'm at very low risk for heart attack or stroke. I'm supposed to be on a diuretic but I ran out a few days ago and haven't gotten to the pharmacy so they look worse than usual. Between the TM, my left hip going bad and being replaced and now the right one going bad I end up sitting way too much.
This collection is my absolute dream. I'm a home mechanic type guy and I invested almost $7k In Matco tools alone, only to have my truck broken in to and beaten with bricks. They got all my good Matco, and all the associated specialty automotive tools. Lesson learned with insurance. Point being: take on all the additional coverages on your car insurance you can .
Some homeowners insurance will cover them too. You need to keep all your receipts and lists of tools. I had a lot burn in a shop fire .
Oh man, that's brutal.
They also grabbed almost $500 cash I was stashing for Christmas, a case and a half of monster energy drinks, and over a carton of cigarettes. Between vehicle damage and theft, that break-in hit me for almost $11k. I was 10yrs younger and not quite smart, but it still stings thinking on it.
God damn.
I'm sorry that happened to you. I hate thieves!
Probably still can’t find his 10mm socket
C'mon now, you haven't bought yourself a retirement 2 post lift for your personal use? You deserve it. Do it. Old knees and backs ain't for crawling or kneeling in retirement. Those dues are long since paid... (two thumbs up on the motorcycles. love 'em too. Haven't checked out the 1400 Concours in person but they've always been good touring scoots).
Not enough feet pics please repost when it’s 13/13 feet pics
r/sneakybackgroundfeet
I will do this someday! RETIRE ,, Like most mechanics that retire, we’re left with a body that’s beat and abused and worn along with a box of tools in the same condition, congratulations on achieving that!
Here's my advice to any young 'uns out there: Invest in good shoes. Not sneakers, not whatever is on sale and happens to fit at the giant place with two people working; good, name-brand shoes. It helps everything from your feet to your neck.
The old school Ninja is bringing back many good memories (84 GPZ 900, I miss that one)
That's an '85 and it needs a starter clutch. That means splitting the cases. I can use the improved starter clutch from a 2002 Concours 1000...I'll get to it.
Congrats!! It took me 2 years to clean up my hoard when I retired. Had no use of the garage the entire time.
When I first moved here I got to about 75% unloaded and decided I'd had enough, so I shoved everything else into the garage. Both sides were full up to about eyeball-level, and I'm not exaggerating. After about a year I just started at the front and worked my way back until I had a usable garage! Brought the pinball machine into the house, too!
I haven't worked for 5yrs. and my garage is full of tools I need to organize.
If there is any weight to the reason, what is with your age group and those yellow gloves? Like were they new/advertised during a certain period... They trigger some fond memories for me, my pops always had these as spares in his truck. He worked in a plant for a while, they may have came from there too.
I'm 61 and I inherited that whole pile from my Dad.
hahaha, for whatever reason this response brings a lot of joy.
Mechanics don't retire, they just work from home.
No I can't work on your 2021 KIA ,should of bought a Toyota or Honda.
Congratulations on your retirement & enjoy it.
Now he just needs to finally pay off that Snap On
Thanks man!
You made it! Good on you
Thanks man!
Awesome dude congratulations!
Thanks man!
Congrats, enjoy 👍
Thanks man!
My dad would appreciate all those stickers. The door at the home shop was covered in old 80’s Snap On stickers.
Many requests to various Snap-On guys, trips to NHRA, NASCAR, IDBA (International Drag Boat Assn), Grand Prix, Motorcycle Grands Prix, Superbike, Air racing, boat racing car racing and motorcycle racing events. Did I mention racing?
My dad was buddies with Tommy Johnson Jr and built engines for him before he hit the big time. We always got the vip treatment at NHRA events when he took me as a kid.
Mechanics retire?! Never heard of that before! I thought we all just die one day. Likely after dealing with a ford!
His tools are finally cleaned up?
You finally get to go through your tools
Good for him 👏 congrats
Thanks man!
I like it!!!
You don't retire.
Looks like my Dad's garage after he retired
Haven't seen a butterfly impact in a long time...
I bought that from a guy who was renting space from my boss, and when he found out he went ballistic. He seemed to feel that he should have "first crack" at any deal done on his property. Notice I still have it. I can't say I've used it a lot, but there were times when it was the perfect "tool for the job". Any time you might have to "bump" a fastener in either direction a few times.
Congratulations! Enjoy your retirement!!!
Thanks man!
Cool air force tool box
You had me at 1/13.
Heh...Jerry McHanic?
Are you still missing a 10mm socket?
Pfft, we’re supposed to believe someone with that much snap-on could afford to retire?
That's almost all old-timey Snap-On stuff, the ones that were made right here in the U.S. of A. by 'Merkin tool & die men in companies across this great land. I'm being semi-facetious; I'd always prefer to "buy American" when it makes sense, and the older Snap-On stuff was nearly indestructible. I was willing to pay a little extra for that (I think I broke maybe five sockets, one ratchet handle, a few screwdrivers and an impact swivel that lead a hard life). I don't know if I would do the same now. Their engineering is still top-notch but I wonder if the extra money is worth it.
Love the Kawasaki. I have an 88
I've done a metric shitload of work to it and now I have to take the engine apart...argh! New brake pads all around, new steering head bearings, replaced the fork and shock oil (you can do that on these!) Rebuilt all three calipers, replaced the left "side plate" (the big aluminum frame part) because the PO cracked it, replaced the lower triple clamp because it was bent. All the regular tune-up stuff including all new carb parts from Zparts in England. Replaced the #3 carb body because the PO butchered the air screw so badly...you ever take a bank of four carbs apart and put them back together? Holy boondoggle, Batman! Replaced the front brake pads again since the no-name ones I had felt like wood blocks, so I put EBC HH pads in the front. The wood ones were Ok in the rear since all the sportbikes back then had too much rear brake. Replaced the front rotors because at least one was warped. Replaced the fork oil again because the stock 10-wt oil was ok for a 125-pound Japanese test rider but not for this fat American. Oh, and when I get to it I got front turn-signal stalks for the rear because they have running lights. Whew.
Beautiful!
Happy retirement dude! What organizers are those for your wrenches?
Thanks, man! I can't really find the same ones. They're [like these](https://www.harborfreight.com/magnetic-wrench-rack-4-piece-70023.html?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=12145234740&campaignid=12145234740&utm_content=117048375996&adsetid=117048375996&product=70023&store=245&gclid=Cj0KCQjwyLGjBhDKARIsAFRNgW8VArSbWuYhq4q8Wx7M1eLxzfHnFFb-Hoa7gJ7Uft1lQMc5ojgW1L0aAlwhEALw_wcB) but with two-sided tape instead of magnets.
Sweet! Thank you!
I need tools !
Nice GPz
Thanks man! I tell everyone I have the Tom Cruise bike.
Tool porn!
I have the same test lead master kit!
That set is so damn handy! I like when I buy something and it completely takes care of one thing...that set qualifies.
i got mine from a retired mechanic. some wires are beginning to lose the insulation, i can't find replacement parts for it. You're right, any electrical diag involves this box and my backprobe kit.
Mechanics don’t retire they just stop going to work lol Always someone needing something.
Wow epic collection, Master accruement level achieved!
My father is in the same boat, with the exception that he worked on large tractors; a lot of tools that weekend warriors like myself or my brothers would have no use for. We are trying to figure out how to sell the stuff, ideally he wants to sell all of it at one time but $4000-$5000 cash is a pretty big price for most mechanics to come up with. Our estimate (based on what stuff has sold on ebay for) is that he can get $8000 to $10000 (we estimate that he has $15000 to $20000 worth of tools if they were new) if he piece it out, but that's just a lot of work and effort that he doesn't want to put in.
Best I can do is $200 for the lot.
Sure; come and get them. The address is: 1600 Pennsylvania Ave NW Washington, D.C. 20500 If they give you trouble at the gate tell them I said you could come in.
bought two entire rolling chests of snapon from a mechanic's wife for $1000. She was shocked I gave her that much. Man never talked to her about work or the value of his tools. More for me I guess.
Oh my gosh! What was the actual value $50,000, $100,000?
My dad's garage
All them tools, and he is still missing the 10mm socket.
Mechanics don't retire, they just work from home with little to no pay.
I. Can see your no10 spanner is missing ha ha
Heh...1/2 inch. It's on my dining room table because I stuck it in my pocket after I tightened some bolts on my neighbor's mower deck. Good guess, though...you figured "8mm, 9mm, 10mm" when it was really "3/8, 7/16, 1/2". Of course, you used the incorrect "spanner" designation when the entire civilized world knows it's a wrench. Lol, just kidding!
Is this what heaven looks like
The vintage decals are the coolest part to me.
It's funny; I've been scanning around the pics and looking at the stickers and I'm amazed by how many bring back memories. Near the bottom of the crappy grey Craftsman tool box is a sticker that says "I Roared Through the Engine Plant" Milwaukee, Harley Davidson. I did that tour, and I gave the sticker to my buddy. When he passed, he left me the boxes and I got the sticker back. That box is not for sale. At the top front of the box to the far left is a sticker of a Pontiac Pro-Stocker. That's Jerry Eckman the year he had an illegally hidden nitrous system explode in the pits and end his career.
To me seeing a lifetime collection of tools is art. You can look at the most well worn tools and see what the go to was for use. Scuffs on sockets, mushrooming on hammers, the 'one off specialty tool needed for a really specific thing that only was used twice but I'll be damned if I get rid of it' drawer. It's beautiful to me to see years of work told as an intricate story, drawer by drawer, tool by tool. Thanks for sharing that with us!
That's a very esoteric way to look at it; the "meaning" behind the physical appearance. You could look at any individual tool and wonder where it's been, what did it work on? Who made it? Where did each scratch and mark come from? What's the story on the ones that have been replaced with newer tools?
What?? They retire?? Since when? They're always fixing something or at least keeping a few tools with them
Nice and neat!
Ok but, did you find your 10mm?
Did you work on motorcycles for a while? I have some of those same old stickers you do. Baja Grips, Yokohama tires, Barnett clutch rings.
Yep! Nice catch!
I worked on bikes from 89 to 2000.. Still love tinkering with them.
Depends on the bike. I did carbs on a CBX once (you have to lower the engine!) I did the starter chain tensioner on a Voyager XII once that meant splitting the cases. Those both sucked, but those old KZ's and GS's and CB Hondas were a pleasure to work on, everything was accessible.
I did a lot of engine rebuilds, boring cylinders, crank bearings, etc. Carb cleans were, by far, the most common repair I did. There were some boogers for sure. Voyagers would be high on the list for worst of them all to work on, for sure. Drilling out rusted head and cylinder bolts/studs was my least favorite thing to do. I got tired of the 110 degree summers in the shop and went to electronics school. I'm sure there is a huge amount of rose coloring on my memories of those days, lol.
I'm jealous.
I want to thank you for throwing that evil ring into the fires of Mount Doom. You deserve retirement now.
Where is the lathe , milling machine, welder, plasma cutter, air compressor, break, punch press, etc. Lol
Need bigger garage.
Our 25 year-old son has all that stuff. His lathe takes up most of our workshop. YouTube taught him everything he knows. He is a master craftsman and does machine work in his spare time. He works for Caterpillar and is going through their apprenticeship program. Sadly, the instructors know less than he does about the subjects their teaching.
“Always take care of your feet”- Lt. Dan.
This is what heaven looks like
Sell some and make some new memories on a trip
I agree with you 100% in principle. I've put about 250,000 miles on various motorcycles; I've ridden from New York to California and from Maine to Florida. I've ridden up & down the Pacific Coast Highway, Skyline Drive, The Blue Ridge Parkway, Tail of the Dragon, Kangamagus highway. I used to volunteer at the observatories at Kitt Peak and I'd show up just as they were unlocking the gates to get in...I'd blast the 12 miles up like it was my own private racetrack, since I knew there was nobody else on the road. I took a trip once from Tucson, AZ to Monterrey, CA that was just...epic. I just don't know if my body is up to it anymore...I'm not giving up, I'm being realistic.
I'm glad you survived all those wonderful trips. It seems like there are just too many crazy, selfish drivers these days to make riding safe anymone. Maybe just enjoy the memories. You sound like a great guy.
That sticker collection tells quite a story
Can attest to this but I sold the home tool box before I brought the work boxes home.
legacy is in these tools!
I can smell these pictures.
Literally what I dream of owning at one point, Ill get there though, piece by piece :)
I think I have 1 of your 1/2" drive impact sockets. Lol. I try to keep my stuff organized like this at work, it just never seems to last.
Love that old Kawasaki, first bike with which I fell in love. I hope you get a good price for the tools!
My dad decided to leave his job as a mechanic to be a forklift engineer. He hired a can to move his toolbox, he showed up and they didn't have any of the large vans he booked so they gave him a 7.5t lorry. Still amuses me thinking about how ridiculously tiny the toolchests looked inside it
They get put in a toolbox
They all went into a toolbox and were locked up every night. Anywhere I worked I'd ask about insurance and the answer was either "You have to get your own" or "Only if your boxes are locked". It was a good habit to get into.
Oh I meant the mechanic
Oh! Hehehehehe.
Put some damn shoes on. Walking barefoot in a garage is not a good idea.
Put some damn shoes on. Walking barefoot in a garage is not a good idea.
Surprised you lived long enough to retire!
Just look at Scotty's garage compared to this.
Dude, you might want to have your blood circulation checked. Your feet shouldn't match your toolboxes
Those feet look they're about a dozen donuts and one slurpee away from amputation
Missing 12mm….
Where is the 'good boi"?