Janky tools you made that worked

[California98Civic]

A thread for the odd-ball tools you have made that did the job correctly and permanently and also those that were for a good enough fix to get to work.

I submit this example in the category of tools that got the job done correctly without needing to redo anything. Replacing my distributor, I needed to know when the cylinder number one was in top dead center on the compression stroke. Doing the screwdriver trick only tells you when the piston is at the top. Using this tool told me when I was in the compression stroke at the top. It is made out of a zip tie, the index finger from a used disposable latex glove, and the empty sleeve from a JB Weld Steel Stick container. It did not seal perfectly on top of the spark plug hole. But it sealed well enough that the glove finger would inflate a little on the compression stroke allowing me to know when I was approaching TDC. Then I would use the screwdriver method to determine precise top dead center. Car runs great. (Keeping the "tool.)

[Gasoline Fumes]

I made a window crank clip remover out of something I found on the ground at a junkyard. Worked so well that I still have it in my tool box!

[California98Civic]

Originally Posted by Gasoline Fumes

I made a window crank clip remover out of something I found on the ground at a junkyard. Worked so well that I still have it in my tool box!

Oh yeah. I made and kept one of those, too. For my Civic. Got a photo? I can find mine and photograph it after work.

[redpoint5]

My dad needed to cut a hole in the roof to install the exhaust vent for a tankless gas water heater. The problem was there were multiple layers of "roof" and we didn't have a drill bit long enough to go through all. I suggested we get a center point for the holes by shooting a hole through the roof.

I've got a video of my dad holding a gun with a couple bubble levels on the barrel and shooting a hole through the ceiling.

[oil pan 4]

I built my own tig welder out of an old junky welder.

Yeah I have stuck a level on a rifle shot a hole through a roof to follow the hole through the ceiling and shingles before to install a vent.

[M_a_t_t]

My brothers eclipse (2.4 v6 I think) uses a special tool for the timing belt tensioner. It was just a plate with 2 pins and a square drive hole. Instead of ordering it and waiting we ran to the local metal warehouse, found some rod the correct size and I welded the pins on some plate stock and welded a bolt on as well. We just used a torque wrench (per the procedure) on the bolt and voila! Job done.

[California98Civic]

Made from a paper clip, of course.

[Daschicken]

Cam chain tensioner release/hold(?) tool for a CRF250R. Cut out of sheet metal. Looks like a miniature key without any bitting.

Originally Posted by redpoint5

My dad needed to cut a hole in the roof to install the exhaust vent for a tankless gas water heater. The problem was there were multiple layers of "roof" and we didn't have a drill bit long enough to go through all. I suggested we get a center point for the holes by shooting a hole through the roof.

I've got a video of my dad holding a gun with a couple bubble levels on the barrel and shooting a hole through the ceiling.

Sounds fun, how did you catch it at the other end? Please tell me it was caught.

[Grant-53]

Saw the same technique on "Alaskan Bush People". A block of wood on the roof might suffice to stop the bullet. Subsonic .22 LR ammo would be my preference. A store that sells equipment to electricians would likely have long drill bits.

[Xist]

When installing a whole house vacuum system, they often cut a coat hanger at an angle and use that to drill through the floor, but where is the fun in that?

Does my text look small to you?