Tools that younger people would not recognize.

dwco5051

Commander
Joined
Sep 14, 2008
Messages
2,556
Twice in the last few weeks I have seen posts on different sites where someone found or inheirited a speed wrench and did not know what is was for. I wondered how dumb people could be that don't know what that simple item is as I probably have at least four in different sizes in my tool boxes. Then as I am not that often prone to due I got thinking about when the last time I actually used one and could not remember when. First pneumatic and later battery powered tools have taken over its primary use.

Then I remember my oldest stepson looking for something in a tool box back in the spring and held up a pair of brake spring pliers and wanted to know what they are for. Had to explain and also show a brake adjustment spoon and the tool to remove the clips over the springs so the pins would hold the shoes against the backing plates. Now I am wondering what other tools youngsters would not recognize are in my shop. Dwell meters, distributor wrenchs, timing lights, and the short piece of speedo cable I brazed a piece of Allan wrench onto and fitted the other end with a wooden dowel handle to set points.

What other tools do you have still have that young people would not know their use.
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FLATHEAD

Rear Admiral
Joined
Dec 29, 2002
Messages
4,029
Push drill. We used these back in the day to drill pilot holes. Same premise as yankee screwdriver but with drill bits.

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Pmt133

Lieutenant Commander
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Jan 6, 2022
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1,678
I still have a few spouts laying around for oil cans. Those are from way before my time though.
 

MikeSchinlaub

Master Chief Petty Officer
Joined
Jan 14, 2025
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853
Ha I wonder if its a coincidence that shortly after we started seeing battery powered wrenches we also saw a proliferation of thread repair kits advertised 😁
I doubt it. The risk with power tools is more creating heat and seizing the not to the bolt. I remember doing some fake logs from the log ride at Indiana Beach. For some reason, the bolts for the wheel brackets just kept seizing. I think I even seized one without even using a power tool.

This was like 12 years ago, so I'm willing to believe it was somehow my dumbass teenage self's fault. :)
 

Scott Danforth

Grumpy Vintage Moderator still playing with boats
Staff member
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Jul 23, 2011
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52,727
Gave Dads speed wrench to my brother.

Cabinet maker friend has a whole arsenal of push drills and push screw drivers
 

dingbat

Supreme Mariner
Joined
Nov 20, 2001
Messages
17,223
I doubt it. The risk with power tools is more creating heat and seizing the not to the bolt. I remember doing some fake logs from the log ride at Indiana Beach. For some reason, the bolts for the wheel brackets just kept seizing. I think I even seized one without even using a power tool.
The odds of seizing stainless hardware is 98% no matter what methodology of loosing or tightening is used.
 
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