DIY - Tool Definitions, sadly all true
Hammer
Originally employed as a weapon of war, the hammer nowadays is used as a
kind of divining rod to locate expensive parts not far from the object we
are trying to hit.
Mechanics knife
Used to slice through the contents of cardboard cartons; works
particularly well on boxes containing newly trimmed seats and other
expensive soft furnishings.
Electric drill
Normally used for spinning pop rivets in their holes until you die of old
age, but works better when drilling holes in floor pans, particularly
above fuel tanks.
Hacksaw
One of a family of tools built on the Ouija board principle. It transforms
human energy into a crooked unpredictable motion, and the more you attempt
to influence its course the more dismal your future becomes.
Pliers
Used to round off bolt heads and when nothing else is available, excellent
for transferring intense welding heat to the palm of your hand
Oxyacetylene Torch
Used almost entirely for setting fire to various flammable objects in the
garage or vehicle no matter how much care you took to remove everything
beforehand.
Drill press
A tall upright machine useful for suddenly snatching flat metal bar out of
your hands so that it smacks you in the chest and flings your drink across
the garage, splattering it all over that freshly painted part.
Rotary Wire wheel
Cleans rust off old bolts then throws them somewhere under the bench at
the speed of light. Also removes flesh in about the time it takes to
shout, "Ouc...."
Bolt & Stud extractor
A tool that snaps off in engine blocks and is ten times harder than any
known drill bit.
Body filler spatula
Theoretically a useful kitchen tool for spreading mayonnaise in sandwiches
which seems to end up spreading filler, but mainly useful for scraping
doggy poo off your boots.
Timing light
A stroboscopic instrument excellent for illuminating oil and grease build
up.
Hydraulic Engine hoist
A handy tool for testing the tensile strength of earth straps, wiring and
throttle linkages.
12" Long Screwdriver
A large prying tool that inexplicably has an accurately machined
screwdriver tip on the end without the handle.
Battery Electrolyte Tester
A handy tool for transferring sulphuric acid from the battery across the
bodywork into the toolbox after determining that your battery is dead as a
doornail, just as you thought.
Inspection Light
The mechanics own tanning booth, it is a good source of Vitamin D, the
sunshine vitamin not otherwise found when working under Jaguars. Its main
purpose is to consume 40-watt light bulbs at the same rate as 105mm
howitzer shells in the Battle of the Bulge. More often dark than light,
its name is somewhat misleading.
Phillips Screwdriver
Normally used to stab lids of old oil cans and splash oil all over your
shirt, but also to round off Phillips screw heads.