Always inventory your tools...
Intermediate
Joined: Aug 2015
Posts: 49
Likes: 0
From: Virginia
Tech at the shop left a 10mm socket on the engine of his truck. Drove to the first intersection and stopped. The socket rolled off the engine hit the fan and the fan launched it into the back of the radiator. $$$ the end.
Another one: Tech goes off accusing other techs of stealing his watch. Normally cool guy damn near looses friends over it and everyone thinks its possible someone stole it but who? Fast forward 8 months...tech pulls car in and racks it pulls front lower splash shield off to start work and his own watch falls out and lands at his feet on the floor. He was the last one to work on this car and the watch had been riding around for thousands of miles laying on top of the splash shield.
Another one: Tech goes off accusing other techs of stealing his watch. Normally cool guy damn near looses friends over it and everyone thinks its possible someone stole it but who? Fast forward 8 months...tech pulls car in and racks it pulls front lower splash shield off to start work and his own watch falls out and lands at his feet on the floor. He was the last one to work on this car and the watch had been riding around for thousands of miles laying on top of the splash shield.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 243
From: NC
Always inventory your tools...
I found a couple of wrenches stuck in my truck after I bought. I have added quite a few tools to my toolbox from road finds. I've added a few to someone else's road finds as well.
I left my 3 cell maglite laying on the top of my rear tire after installing my sissy bar, I only noticed because I went to check how the turn signals were routed. So lucky I didn't ride off with it there. I now always do a thorough check of every inch of my bike to make sure I didn't leave any loose screws, tools, etc.
Seasoned HDF Member
Joined: May 2012
Posts: 32,934
Likes: 36,032
From: Carlsbad, CA
It's interesting when stopped at a busy traffic light to see what's in the gutter. I've seen all assortments of wrenches, screwdrivers, spark plugs, etc. I know I've donated some sockets to the road Gods over the years.
Advanced
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 96
Likes: 5
From: Lubbock, Tx
Everything has a place in my tool box, at work and at home. After each job I put my tools up and make sure everything is in its place. Quality tools cost too much to replace. I still loose one from time to time though, nature of the beast.
A good habit is to try not to leave tools resting on the bike anywhere either. there's little folding tables you can get and just sit it right near you, screws, sockets, tools, parts, they can all sit on that table, and the only things that touch the bike are when you need them. I keep plastic screw containers to hold small parts on the floor as well.
Another thing I've started doing is when I work on the bike, I bring pen and paper and write down everything I've worked on. Then when I think I'm done, I look at the list and double check all those areas.
Another thing I've started doing is when I work on the bike, I bring pen and paper and write down everything I've worked on. Then when I think I'm done, I look at the list and double check all those areas.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Sep 2006
Posts: 7,101
Likes: 1,013
When I was turning in my company car, I decided I'd better take the trailer hitch
off it, since we were not supposed to be using the cars for towing.
Found my lost adjustable under there, it was stuck on the hitch bolt for 2 years!
A little rusty, but worked just fine.
off it, since we were not supposed to be using the cars for towing.
Found my lost adjustable under there, it was stuck on the hitch bolt for 2 years!
A little rusty, but worked just fine.
Stellar HDF Member
Joined: Jul 2014
Posts: 2,721
Likes: 243
From: NC
Aren't those the passenger floor boards?