lenticular

This weekend, I did the kinematic lever update and noticed that I have made some progress (as a mechanic) with each DIY I do. But it seems like I have had to spend a lot of time overcoming clumsiness in technique or methodology. I'm looking for pointers to something on the Web or in a book that deals with general mechanical skills and techniques.

For instance, I now work with two plastic bins around me, one for tools that I'm not currently using and one for parts that I have removed. I put smaller parts in plastic bags with a scrap of paper telling me what they are. In the early days, I just tossed everything everywhere and had a hard time getting it back together.

Today, I went inside to see what the dogs were barking at, and realized that I had carried a fastener with me instead of putting it in a bin. Having walked off with too many parts in the past and forgotten where I put them, I was very careful to keep holding on to the fastener until I was back at the car.

Or tools. I started out by buying a pretty set of Sears nutdrivers, and have never used them. On the other hand, I really like jointed wrenches with sockets, and own three different sizes.

And the "duh" things, like when you are working on a part that is hard to reach, you may need to keep changing tools, arm and hand positions, or grimace to find the combo that works. I only realized this two years ago, although it is blindingly obvious.

Does anyone know of a website or book with these kinds of pointers? I know that smarter folks than I have been doing this kind of thing forever and would like to learn what I can from them. Of course, experience remains the best teacher.

Thanks,
John

Edward

Hi John,

Nothing like breaking a few things to learn how they work ...just kidding, but only kind of.

As you have already stated, experience is the best teacher. While I know of no particular aid to what you are looking for, the best way to learn general principles is to read first, think carefully about "what" you are about to do, then proceed in an orderly manner, taking mental notes of each step as you go. If very complex, then take physical notes and pics.

FWIW, I rebuilt my first engine and tranny at 17 years old with nothing more than a cheesy Clymer manual and Craftsman tools. Ended up great, and so I got hooked. Take your time, ask others questions, and you'll build knowledge and confidence.

Edward

Marc Shaw

I tend to take a large number of digital pictures as I go - it helps to remember how things go back together (and pictures can be posted here to ask questions or help others).

Marc

epj993

Ditto on what has already been said and practice, practice, practice.

User 4221

I heard it said best "Learning is in the doing".

Get the shop manuals, read the procedure several times before beginning. The procedures never make sense until you have the part in your hand.

Clumsiness will be overcome by confidence. Most people don't like working on car interiors because they snap together in many places. With the proper amount of "careful force", pieces come off easily. How does one know how much force to exert? Practice.

Not a lot of help, but build your confidence and things will become easier.

HTH,
Scott

Leland Pate

Easy.. not being able to afford having someone do it for you.

zwoobah

Lefty loosey, righty tighty

I read the shop manual at least twice, search for tips on the forums, and make a list of tools before I get anywhere near the garage. Then I pile all the tools within arm's reach, use a small plastic box for small fasteners, and place things on the floor in the order they came off the car (or the order they were disassembled). I also keep my magnet-on-a-stick close by for those fasteners that try to escape. For that matter, I'm always careful to cover or plug any open hoses, tubes, or compartments with shop rags or paper towels. And I make sure to put something over the drain in my garage floor.

Experience is the best teacher, but thinking through what could go wrong can help you take lots of preventative steps. Have fun!

JasonAndreas

As soon as I have removed a part all the fasteners go right back where they came from (with the part removed). That way when I go to put the part (or a new one) back on I can't, there will be no question which stud a nut goes on or which bolt goes to which hole, etc. and nothing gets left on the floor or lost.

solsrch

And to take care of the fasteners and misc. pieces for those things that don't come off, ZipLoc baggies and a marker are my favorites. What seems obvious today, is murky tomorrow, and forgotten next week when it comes to these little pieces. Of course, maybe its just me.

Monique

Brilliant. I will remember this tip!!!

Caveman

The magnet on a stick sounds like a great idea. There is nothing worse than that tinkling noise as some hard won nut or screw drops down the side of the engine to who know where... Fortunately, this has only happened on my wifes car as I'm too scared to tackle much more than silencer removal or ISV clean up on my car.

I always place items in the same relational position that they were in on the car, I'll not colours of wires that I've disconnected and if I need to I'll tag wires with masking tape and a label to ensure that they get put back the same way (useful if you are wiring lights in the house as well!).

Cheers,

David