Using automotive knowledge/tools elsewhere?

[sciphi]

The title length limited the question length. The title should properly read:

When have you used your automotive knowledge and/or tools elsewhere? You know, for something totally unrelated to cars or car repair.

Mine: I used my cordless drill and HF 1/4" composite ratchet last night to hang a planter hook on the front porch. Both were originally broken in repairing the Buick in my signature. I also used Fluid Film to lubricate a sticky air mattress O-ring to get the mattress to seal up. That was originally purchased as a rust-proofing for both our Buick and our Honda.

Let the stories begin!

 

[Quattro Pete]

Last year, the filter on my central air humidifier (attached to the central heater) calcified so the water flowing through it wasn't running down correctly. Instead, the water was spilling all over the heater closet, but mainly into the metal tray underneath the central heater. There is no way to remove this tray to empty out the water from it. The tray is very wide and flat. There must have been over a gallon of water there. So I used my MityVac to suck that water out.

 

[HTSS_TR]

Use ATF to lubricate door hinges.

 

[nthach]

I do it on bikes and plumbing all the time. I wrench on my bike with mostly a few Craftsman hex bits and my Snap-On ratchet - I only use special tools when need be, I use anti-seize on critical junctions like the bottom bracket. I use open-end wrenches to do small plumbing tasks. Also, when I painted a shower insert, I let my auto paint training guide me.

 

[eljefino]

When I do sheetrock and joint compound, especially the sanding, I think, this is a lot like Bondo.

 

[TooManyWheels]

I have used my 4.5 and 9" grinders to level the rough edges of stucco on my house, and to grind it deeper when repair is needed.

 

[The_Eric]

Nothing like a 9" grinder for moving some material....

I'm an opportunist... My auto related tools get used for anything and everything, just as the welder was used for a pipe support bracket in the house.

 

[Kestas]

I brought my engine hoist into the basement to move a heavy cement utility tub the contractors wanted to destroy and replace with a cheapy plastic tub. They were replacing the house drain at the time because of roots. The engine hoist paid for itself plus some with this task, and I got to keep my nice cement tub.

 

[widman]

You can use my process for restoring stainless trim to restore all the spoons and knives that go down the dishwasher. I did a dozen pieces for my daughter last year.

Just use a small file or grinding stone for the first steps if you want to do it while watching TV or something.

Process is in my Corvair site or here: Link to restoring stainless

 

[otis24]

Used my ball peen hammer to open my window once (LOL)>

 

[Rix]

AALLLLLLLL the time around the house.
Best one (I think) was using the air hammer and chisel tip to remove the fascia off the brick fireplace.

 

[morris]

TO:sciphi thats a fantasic idea for subject. i spent years tuning street cars. mostly recalabrating carb jets. i learned to tell lean from rich, by ear. this skill carrys over to radio control cars/trucks, my semi-new hobby.