Tat Tinkerers' Top Tips

[KruJoe]

Whilst fettleing the Lada a few weeks back I had an idea to start this thread for anyone to add their ideas...

Thanks to Jake_Bullet for reminding me!

 

Pictures are always good. Kicking off:

 

 

After changing a CV boot, wipe out the grease sachet on the spline so it comes off easier next time

[cobblers]

I spent years buggering up any taper ball joint I needed to remove, by bashing the end of the thread with a hammer or using the ball joint forks. Then my mates dad showed me this tip and it changed my life.

 

 

Hit the side of the thing it goes through. No real need to use two hammers, just one will do. Hit it hard many times, and it'll pop out. I've never had one that won't separate this way, even big whacking great massive ones on the front of T25s that have been on for 30 years.

[KruJoe]

That's a good one ^ Sometimes with the car jacked up, the weight (or 'spring') of the components may be holding the taper joint together. In that case you may need to use a jack on the threaded part, protected by a nut (on the floor in the case of a lower ball joint).

And/Or you can add a scaffolding bar on the wishbone, and sit on it to hold it down as you clout the side of the hub.

[DSdriver]

Dont get carried away though

[KruJoe]

 

Need to add a fuse to a power supply?

 

 

I made this when re-installing a radio after an old boy bodge job.

1. Butcher a random connector from the 'scrap wiring' box to find two spade connectors

2. Connect them to a blade type fuse

3. Cut off the wires short, and screw them into adjacent channels of a terminal block

4. Screw in your +12v wires, a bit of tape around the 'spades' keeps the smoke in

Bob's your uncle!

 

(PS the ScotchBlocks are dead on the floor. Avoid at all cost. SkchBlks R 4 LUZRZ)

[cobblers]

You don't even need some terminals if you use a bit of fuse wire from the drawer in the kitchen!

 

Inline fuse holders are only about £1.50!

[DSdriver]

You don't even need some terminals if you use a bit of fuse wire from the drawer in the kitchen!

Yep, good so far...

 

Inline fuse holders are only about £1.50!

Ah, that's not in the Autoshite ethos though, you have to make do with what you can find in your "box of bits"

[AeroNautiCal]

Mainly for motorcyclists, if you have a clutch cable or drum brake cable break off at the nipple end, a 13 amp, 3 pin plug's brass cable grip can provide a temporary solderless nipple repair.

 

As can a connection block cable grip (though it's obviously easier to have a spare cable or a proper solderless nipple).

 

 

It works on cable operated throttle and choke cables on most vehicle, and would probably work on clutch cables too.

[jonny69]

No pictures, but a family size tin of rice pudding cut down its length and a pair of jubilee clips makes quite a good in-line exhaust repair. I would expect one of those massive dog food tins would make an even bigger repair if you needed.

 

Also, if you work in a washing machine factory, you'll probably find if you steal a pair of brushes out one of the motors they will fit in your failed dynamo