How Would You Have Handled This One?

Much pain snipped...

No, it would have probably taken me 2 hours and at least one beer.

Jeff sez:

"> So guys, did I miss any other ways which might have shortened the job

Naw, Jeff ! You did it about right; except you missdescribed the factory slob that caused the problem when you said he was a "sod".

OAMO,

Bob Swinney

"Jeff Wisnia" wrote: (clip) (I always buy two, 'cause with my luck if I buy one I'll fumble, drop it, and watch it break. (clip) ^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^ I always buy two kuz that's the way Kragen packages them. I always thought they did that to increase sales. I didn't realize it was anti-fumble insurance. I guess I need to take back all the bad thoughts I have had over the years. I always put the spare in the glove compartment, and then forget it's there and go buy two more the next time.

Getting to this part w/o destroying something shows you are smarter than the the average bear.

The day after I buy a new car, I take the manual for it to the local parts place and buy a selection of bulbs that fit it and keep them in the trunk. Then when I need to replace one, I'm set assuming I put the right screw drivers in the trunk with the bulbs.

I wish my car would tell me a light is out. I hate having a LEO tell me.

Other than trade in the car on a new one, I think you did real good on this.

Wes S

It is always the same:

You need one and buy one:

• the only one breaks
• you need another one, the next day
• you have overlooked that there is another $item that needs replacement

You need one and buy two:

• you never need the second one
• should you need the second one, you have lost/broken it.

You need one and buy 10

• you regularly need them and are happy to have them on stock
• you think you have the two more on stock that you need right now, but there is only one left

I tend to buy them in hundreds now ...

Nick

Jeff Wisnia wrote in news:g6CdnWqIGsFiML_YnZ2dnUVZ snipped-for-privacy@conversent.net:

You did fine, except for the lack of a nerve pill to ease the frustration.

$ wtf OAMO OAMO: nothing appropriate

Jeff,

I know how you feel.

Some decades ago my wife and I installed new kitchen counters and faucets; the sinks were OK.

The faucet box stated, in effect, 1/2 hour installation, no tools required other than adjustable wrench and tube cutter.....

Now then, I'm a pretty handy guy (if I say so myself!) and going by the package description it should have take me all of 15 minutes.

Afterwards my wife made me my favourite dinner to soothe the savage breast. I suppose my cursing and swearing were required to make the job go smoother.

Now I look at every replacement / improvement job with a jaundiced eye and allow much more time than I think is required. Ditto for car repairs since I dislike taking the sleds to the shop.

Wolfgang

Jeff Wisnia wrote:

Lucky you are, it was only a tail-light fitting. A good friend of mine had such a wrecked nut on a steering-arm end. The vehicle was brand new: the nut simply fell off as he drove, & the steering promptly collapsed, leaving the 2 front wheels splayed in opposite directions. The RAC (AAA) mechanic identified the nut (found in the road) & picked the problem. By the grace of G*d, he was doing no speed at the time, coasting up to a red light, on a quiet back street. The vehicle stopped, with no drama.

I meant what I said....And that's all I said...

But, rethinking that, you're probably correct, I'd always thought that term was just a denigrator like "SOB", but now I find:

Per Webster:

Main Entry: (3) sod Function: noun Etymology: short for sodomite chiefly British : BUGGER

Jeff

Sometimes the nut can be made to 'walk' up the damaged stud- spin the nut with an air wrench while gently prying/pulling the housing away from the sheetmetal. The nut will engage the threads again. Maybe.

-Carl

On Tue, 03 Oct 2006 14:38:35 -0400, with neither quill nor qualm, Jeff Wisnia quickly quoth:

(See previous thread on Shaving Yaks.)

You almost had it. Use a socket on an air or electric driver while pulling out. It will create a new thread then unscrew itself nicely. Use 3 washers on the stud when you put it back together...gently.

Right. Buy insurance so you won't need it, double up on plumbing and such supplies so you'll never need 'em. I call that the Murphy Warranty. If you don't buy extras, Murphy's yer uncle.

Warshers? Ya done good, dude.

Power nutdrivers are where it's at for removing those stubborn ones, Jeff. I can't tell you how many of those I removed with my butterfly

Moonshine cures all.

Several years ago second son was stopped for a burned out tail light and given a warning. Next night he was stopped again and instead of politely thanking the officer for the information, replied "I told Dad to fix that" - most expensive bulb he ever bought. Gerry :-)} London, Canada

My solution is to park facing a large window and use it as a mirror while checking out my front lights, then a 180 and check out my rear lights.

Obviously that policeman is a father. :)

Wes S

I was stopped one night by a deputy Sheriff who informed me that my driver's side tail light was out. I told the woman that i had just replaced the lamp that morning, and pointed to the package of bulbs and screwdriver in the seat. She started yelling at me, so I walked to the back of my truck to see that a light was out, on the passenger side. I pointed to it and said, Officer, that is not the driver's side, but it is out. She started yelling at me, telling me that she should arrest me, and that she didn't like my attitude because i was trying to make a fool out of her. I smiled and told her to do what she had to, but be ready for her day in court for false arrest, and incompetence. She jumped in her cruiser and peeled out. ;-)

I back up to my garage, and its obvious that the lights are working when they light up the white paint on the doors. I also carry a box of each type of bulb and a screwdriver in the toolbox. If I'm stopped, I'll limp out with my cane and tell them thanks, that it has failed since I checked them on Saturday, and change it on the spot.