Weird things I Use to Fix Cars

[e-mail]

[@snapmac5547]

I use a golf tee to plug vacuum lines instead of line clamps.

[@flatratemaster]

Old school right there!

[@goldmember320]

BushWOOD!!!

[@FishFind3000]

Nice tip

[@matthewslauenwhite7277]

When ever you get air valves for large truck they always come with some stuck in the vent

[@NodnarbRS]

Me too.

[@thatmechanicguy8773]

Muffin trays...label each small muffin compartment with a tiny piece of masking tape. Helps keep bolts sorted when you’re doing major engine work. Since I work at a dealer, I have about 8 different labeled trays for different jobs I do repeatedly. Like the 2AZ piston replacements, or Tundra cam housing jobs.

[@keithpepper340]

That’s old school for sure but it works well

[@donaldpainter628]

I use this for valve springs and retainers or any other parts

[@mikemcdonald7652]

I like to use KY jelly when I'm doing coolant hoses and o rings as a lubricant because it's water based. I keep a tube. And I keep patreoleum for engine work with oil based seals.

[@Hipsters_N_Hippies]

🤦🏼‍♂️

[@brianburns7211]

That must get odd looks from your coworkers!

[@thelostdogboy]

Silicone grease /dielectric grease... Brake pins.... Rubber o-rings...

[@stephenshaw9131]

Use valve grinding compound on the tip of your phillips screwdriver to remove worn screws. Increases the grip substantially.

[@bigpicturethinking5620]

Yes indeed this is an oldie but a goodie.

[@adameal1]

I like to use bungee cords to pull aside hoses without disconnecting and intake plentums for tune ups. Have it pulled aside with most connections.

[@IMFDB]

i use a dealership grade parts catalog diagram to figure out how a job goes back together after a technician get's fired. very helpful for wiring harness routing orientation inside of a dash.

[@petemiller5813]

I use a 1 gallon paint can top remover from Home Depot to remove seals, cam, crank, etc.

[@THX-bh7dn]

Pete Miller clever!

[@r.a.p.k.models4160]

Pete Miller I know what you mean uhmmm

[@kristopherhill2740]

love your videos as always. one other thing I will recommend is aluminum foil. in the rust belt the blue wrench is used a lot. and the aluminum foil will help keep the heat from burning rubber bits covered with the foil.

[@flatratemaster]

Nice tip!

[@blkthunderbolt]

I use a spatula for the same reason.

[@stefanczechorskidds8435]

Thank you FRM, very helpful to the DIY'er and the Pro. Also, your professional approach (ie. no foul language) sets a great example for your upcoming colleagues. I can assure you it does not go un-noticed. Automobiles are getting very expensive and sophisticated, you can not be to professional.

[@flatratemaster]

Thank you glad you enjoy the content!

[@sherischneider2672]

I like the idea of using the highlighters on the wiring diagrams, but I often have better luck using colored pencils on particularly tight diagrams. The pencils won't dry out, are easier to use with a ruler, and are somewhat erasable. PS; Thanks for a very well done video and interesting topic.

[@ricmcusa]

I use an air wedge to hold up windows. Works great.

[@christiankeeto3563]

Binder clips for timing belts.

[@Byrdlipz]

I use a cut/custom shaped metal hanger to get leaves out of blower motors when the blow gun doesn't work.

[@mikecheney968]

i use a timing belt tensioner pin bent 90° at the tip for those stupid vw lug caps

[@88FCRX7]

Lol I bought a cheap set of harbor freight small needle noise pliers bent the tips out a little and use them to pull the caps off V-dub lug studs they get right into the little torx hole spread em open and pull

[@goldmember320]

ooo i could piddle the day away watching this channel, so long life! Been busy saving the little plastic airbags (that have replaced styrofoam) used in shipping packages. I snip off the tops in one swipe while they are still pereforated together. that keeps them compact, then have'm OnDemand for jobs that need lots of little same size baggies. worked perfect when needed 16 baggies each with a shot of motor oil to store and soak them cleaned up roller lifters. tied a knot at the top, putem in the line up. prolly saved a quart of motor oil too

[@flatratemaster]

Nice tip!

[@BeerStud]

Thanks for the video, some helpful information. I used heavy duty rubber bungee cords to hold the brake calipers instead of them hanging in the air by the brake hose.

[@flatratemaster]

Leaving them hanging is a big pet peeve of mine!

[@unencumbered]

love the seam splitter...going to get a couple this weekend. Unfortunately coming up blank, this time of the morning, on what I 'misuse' at work. Great vid and book those hours!

[@flatratemaster]

Thanks you too!

[@Drift_nut]

Speaker magnets for lug nut holders on your rack patten pending

[@greasee.monkey7224]

A few key points: first, answering your question, I use ice cube trays at work for valvetrain jobs to keep lifters and rockers separated & organized. Also, I am currently super glued, so I'm definitely on board there. And as a tech who does a ton of timing work, I have a rainbow of paint markers, 100% agree with that. Lastly, I will be picking up a few seam splitters tonight. Thanks for a great vid.

[@peterbondarchuk2785]

use a turkey baster for removing fluids.

[@flatratemaster]

Just don't tell the wife:)

[@goldmember320]

that's not all you use it for

[@r.a.p.k.models4160]

Peter Bondarchuk yeah or a battery fluid suction hand tete

[@goldmember320]

just the tip! keep two little glass spice jars stored upright in the electrical repair zone. one jar has a couple tbs of salt dissolved in white vinegar. the other has baking soda disolved in h20. get your grundgy copper wire stripped and dip jar 1, stir the soup, plunge into jar 2 for neutralization....viola, shiny as a new 1943 penny. I absorbed that one off the internet, titled something like "old radio network maintenance repair trick". Too cumbersome for some I'm sure but I likey......only if my spice lids are plastic though the metal lids get shmegmad out real quick........oh yea and if you spill jar #1 you smell like feet all day

[@flatratemaster]

LOL,cool tip !

[@nonolabs]

Dollar store pack of paint brushes. Used to apply epoxies and jbweld. Gets in the corners. I also use the baking powder and super glue trick to fix paneling.

[@kevinavery2518]

note on the super glue, I had an e.r. tech tell me when I went in too get stitched up, they glued me instead, but the only difference between that tube you got and what they use in the e.r. is the addition of food coloring to make it fda approved for use in the medical feild

[@daveoneal5544]

toothbrush, Vaseline, ky jelly, contractors bags, wire coat hangers, guitar strings, binder clips, plastic spoons, nail files, matches, a roll of gasket paper, Ziploc bags, and a bottle of mineral spirits.

[@flatratemaster]

Very interesting list:)

[@JanoyCresva]

Sounds like what me and my mistress use on our getaways.

[@RIDEONDIRT14]

Lighters, nail polish has been common in my box, house scissors, sharpies, circle templates and other various craft things from hobby lobby for patern layouts.

[@HardKnocksForge]

I use super glue for the same thing. I've got a couple of scars that cost me $3 from Walmart vs $800 from the hospital/doctors office. I started using glue for cuts when I took my kid to the ER and that's what they used. It was right above her eye and they used it because it wouldn't leave as bad of a scar as the stitches would leave.

[@flatratemaster]

Been using it for years!

[@loganbullee6957]

That's what super glue was originally made for

[@donaldpainter628]

Yes I use it to and the burn will wake you up lol

[@snap-off5383]

I've filleted myself a few times and layed it back together with superglue, you still have to remember to take it easy on that area, it works so good you forget its not structurally intact anymore.

[@davidkanengieter]

I know it's an old video, but I enjoy them so much, I'm watching all the older ones. Something I use is cheap plastic squeeze clamps. Wally world has a 20 piece bag of various sizes in the hardware area for about 12 bucks. They are great for holding up door windows for regulator or latch work. Also use them as an extra set of fingers to hold panels and small brackets so you can use both hands to start fasteners and not fight the holes shifting. .

[@mechanicandskills7215]

Old seat belt buzzer as a wiggle wire tester...

[@flatratemaster]

Nice!

[@spelunkerd]

As a Canadian hockey player, I buy bundled rolls of sock tape at Costco to hold socks in place about $10 for 10 rolls. It is about 1/4 the price of duct tape. I discovered this tape is excellent for holding hoses out of the way. What is really good is the way it has no residue, and it comes off easily. It is more durable and way less expensive than painters' tape.

[@stevenmccorvey7891]

hay bailing wire for either holding items out of the way or for back probing connectors once you cut the end at an angle to give it a sharp point, twine string for pulling wires or wiring harnesses through tight spots ( it is a time saver ).

[@flatratemaster]

Nice tips!

[@travis103192]

Chain saw round file, silicone spatula, oyster shucker, hockey puck, and a few other odds and ends I didn’t see mentioned. All have seen a variety of use but are definitely used more than one would think.

[@ClaytonBridges]

theres a rubber pad thats used for traction for removing lids, I use it for more traction on a multitude of things

[@thatcrazywolf]

I saw a photo in the KIA service manual of a tech using a clamp to hold the window up. I started doing that after I saw that and it works really well.

[@rosscampbell6644]

teflon tape for cuts ..clings to it self ..release the tension when it starts to throb

[@flatratemaster]

I do keep med tape in my box as well

[@EduardoGonzalez-hh1jm]

I use a vacuum to empty the coolant system, way faster, easier and cleaner than using the drain plug. When I’m ready to remove the water pump for example, I don’t worry about having coolant leaking everywhere.

[@r.a.p.k.models4160]

Eduardo Gonzalez primera ves que lo oigo,donde lo chupas por el radiador?

[@Yotataco04]

I use bungee cords to hold calipers, coolant hoses out of the way, intakes up, keeping tension on serpentine belt so It stays on all pulleys except the one I'm working on. The best bungee cords are the black ones that have holes all along it so you can move the hooks.

[@sherischneider2672]

Use various colors of paint markers to make a stripe across electrical and other connections before they are removed and then just match them up for easy reassembly.

[@goldmember320]

I wrap a mini bungee cords around every spray can I open, to keep the little straw with its mother, so it stays put even if constantly tossed around. mini and midi bungees for holding up wirelooms utta the way, errbddy an their Grama already knows that though

[@flatratemaster]

nice!

[@gregoryfairchild2460]

I use the long lighters like for bbq s...all the stuff you said, super glue gel, , paperclips for shorting things like relay sockets, kids bubbles for finding leaks cheap, zip ties, wD40 as wasp killer works excellent and non poisonous, old sweeper cord made 16ft jumper wires just add alligator clips, old license plate torch barrier, ground down a Taiwan extension made a drift.

[@RingZero]

Kerosene as parts washer, I add little diesel in it if I have it, Turkey baster for fluids, paint thinner to clean oil residue, magnets to hold stuff.... used kitchen pots and broken pans to hold fasteners, bunjie cords, pant belts to hold window panes...

[@goldmember320]

grapes, baby carrots, snacks of similar size stored in a shallow tupperware (emphasis on the shallow), so for whence famished it can be opened, even with dirty gloves, and vaccumed out by mouth in sufficient quantities to be stored in the cheeks and slowly nursed upon while you GET BACK TO WORK

[@flatratemaster]

Gotta keep working even when hungry:)

[@OgrePantaloons]

This was a beautiful post.

[@sockpuppets7256]

i use chopsticks for my snacks while im working with gloves

[@superfliping]

Wifes uv finger nail paints to rebuild plastic connectors and parts. A fence Stretcher and tie down strapsand car hauling straps to pull off drive shaft and CV axles. Rebar tywire to hold Springs to replace control arms. Compress Spring with Jack 3 wraps around spring with wire and use new wire.

[@DOYLECLEVERLOBE1]

Great tips! Never used anything but a lighter for heat shrink.

[@flatratemaster]

It is my go to everytime:)

[@hoaxs1939]

I have a steel Chevy antenna with a ball tip that has a 90° bend at the tip that use for installing belts, getting into locked cars and as a back scratcher. Have a non bent one that I use to run wires thru grommets. Also a bag of assorted rubber bands.

[@flatratemaster]

Rubber bands are a Ford required tool to do heads on a 4.0 engine:) Good tip on the Antenna!

[@harveysmith100]

I watched this about a year ago and forgot I did. I did however buy a seam cutting tool. Great great tip. Highly recommend it.

[@asianrice02]

I live off zip ties to button up plastic panels and such underneath the car. made a lug cap removal tool for audi and vw using wire coat hanger from work's dry cleaner.

[@flatratemaster]

gotta have zip ties! I use my internal snap ring pliers for those damn caps

[@NEXbyFORTIS]

File clips to hold timing belts to cam pulley, bungee cords to hold up wire harness while pulling heads, manifolds etc etc

[@genxmurse7019]

The blue painter's tape is actually best for working on window regulators.

[@larrywebb8309]

The Amazing goop glue , can be used for so many things that it would blow your mind , one example would be to make homemade grommets, withstands extreme heat and extreme cold. The chrome looking HVAC tape has a lot of uses too , very sticky,

[@jordanhankins8644]

I'd love to hear your input on service advisors rushing techs but they lose their minds when a tech rushes them a bit. I've been a tech for Honda for 3 years and that's the one thing that gets under my skin

[@brotherbrian1]

Old spark plugs to stop up fluid hoses when loose, and turkey baster with a small hose on the end for emptying out fluid reservoirs.

[@brotherbrian1]

We also use paint pens when we disconnect struts from the knuckle to make sure they go back in the same place.

[@brendanmahrt2387]

Lighter is good for pushing in stubborn Christmas tree clips . Heat them enough just to get them soft then they go in like butter

[@sammbarnes7960]

Panty hose. Always keep a few packages in the side locker for when I'm working up against a firewall or, I'm using the heat gloves, so my arms don't get filled up with fiberglass.

[@narcissistinjurygiver2932]

pressure washer and leaf blower makes the jobs much cleaner and cooler. so much nicer working on a clean engine or clean brakes.

[@TheBudgetTechnician]

When stripping any larger gauge wire, I use a pipe cutter. Put the wire through to where it needs to be stripped to, twist the knob to set the blade about 1/3 of the way through the jacket, spin the unit until it spins easy, adjust blade depth, and repeat until it's through the jacket, then I use it to pull the cut jacket off. I also use a square glass halogen headlamp when searching for shorts. Solder a wire with a small space to the ground part of the lamp, repeat for the positive, and plug into a slot. As long as there is a short the headlamp illuminates, when you find the short it turns off.

[@johngibson3594]

Little black binder clips, magnets little neodymium ones they sell at harbor freight paper lips and bread ties are handy to have as well as the plastic ones that can be removed. I have seen some techs use the little rubber thimble you put on end of finger also an eraser pencil can be used to clean electronic contact points oh don't forget the ladies nail file those used to be good for points I know showing my age but files are good for other stuff too. Instead of the lighter I like the long ones used for you grill keeps you from burning your fingers on the lighter sparkler that gets real hot sometimes. Great video oh the t pins you can solder a wire to the t end then cover with liquid electric tape the wire can be bare or have a gator clip on opposite end.

[@flatratemaster]

Forgot about binder clips, I keep 2 on my cart for timing belts. I have made several back probes with t pins, I use shrink tubing, instead of tape:)

[@devoncoolman88]

Flatrate Master use binder clips all the time for timing belts. Have a bunch of different sizes.

[@blkthunderbolt]

What do u use the neodymium magnets for?

[@jameslittle7482]

Seam ripper is the best thing ever☺. Shock no other KZbin's said that in their videos.Lighters to works great working next to a smoker has one every time i need one aka not a smoker my self. Great videos keep them coming thank you for your time to all the younger guys like my self. Do u have a video on dealer flat rate vs aftermarket flat rate? Think it would be a good video.

[@flatratemaster]

Humble Mechanic did a video like this a while ago and i recommended the seam ripper to him, he now loves it too;) I honestly found out about it here on youtube, on a connector tool video.

[@EXOVCDS]

Must... remember... to... get... a... seam... splitter!! =) 2k subs already... good stuff buddy!

[@flatratemaster]

Thanks Thomas!

[@brandong1990]

Had a customer throw away a set of golf clubs I kept one the retrieve things that roll under work benches tire racks and stuff

[@StealthShadow5]

I use a ratchet strap or sling (I don’t really know the name) for rear strut on Mitsubishi lancer and outlander and for alternator on Nissan Murano among other cars

[@goldmember320]

q-tip stash stored in a giant tic-tac container. not the ghetto mart q-tips though, the nice tight ones that don't shed in my valve bore

[@flatratemaster]

Always Handy!

[@markteaney4973]

Dish soap you can mix it with water and spray to find air leaks also hot soapy water to clean piston rings Landings off

[@BigDog50001]

Great video! I used to use tape on windows when doing regulators until the tape pulled the paint off the window frame of a vehicle, I went back to the Lisle suction cups after that.

[@flatratemaster]

I use High quality Masking tape, and have never had an issue with paint

[@Yotataco04]

Big Dog50001 Automotive If masking tape pulled the paint off then they need a new body guy that doesn't use water colors.

[@Toolaholic7]

Coat hangers,made a tool to check fluid level in differantials out of one.Bungee cords,great for holding up GM rack and pinions when the engine cradle is removed for transaxle replacement.Don't do this,the steering coupler comes apart.Dental style picks,they make great picks for some applications.

[@flatratemaster]

Yep I forgot bungee cords:(

[@Toolaholic7]

I did buy 3 of them seam rippers you suggested and I know one application for this.One is for ABS wiring harness replacement in GMs going to the front wheelbearing.

[@flatratemaster]

You will use them all them time, you need to pull apart a harness, but that is a common repair:)

[@jrneff9773]

card board when pulling a transmission draw a circle punch holes in the circle for each bolt no wondering were did the longer bolt go or who took my starter bolts write on the board hey this bolt had a ground wire here. makes it ez for me when I am 2days out for parts or etc .

[@ericverster4069]

Stole from one of the techs that taught me. Food bag clamps to hold on serpentine belts if you're just pulling a quickie on one of the accessories.

[@chuckpyle1624]

I kind of washer bottle open and use it for like a funnel for listening for noises for pulleys

[@davidcraven277]

instead of buying a a spark liter for torches use a igniter from a gas grill just pit a metal fitting on it for a ground and some heat shrink it works every time and beats 35.00 for a real one

[@snap-off5383]

What do you use to clip your fingernails when you chip one in two? Fingernail clippers are a nice thing to have around. They can trim stuff SUPER flush.

[@matth9359]

I saw you mention binder clips in another video for timing belts. What do you do with those? Thanks!

[@flatratemaster]

Use them to hold the Belt on the Cam Sprockets, so they do not come off while you are getting the belt on the rest of the pulleys and crank.

[@matth9359]

Flat Rate Master ah, ok. I appreciate your videos. I'm making a career change at 36 from a desk job and feel like I'm sort of learning the ropes binging on your channel.

[@normansmith7806]

I have used Super Glue to patch many many cut fingers . But as u said not recommending it :)

[@flatratemaster]

LOL, quicker and easier than a band aid:)

[@memopat1]

Bag of rubber bands in my tool box at all times

[@flatratemaster]

+memopat1 lol, Ford special tool too😉

[@ben10mama]

Coat hangers, sometimes if you need something to hold up a caliper or hold a thing out of the way, while they aren't the strongest they aren't bad and pretty easy to cut off when you don't need them. Our work we get uniforms and they come with the cheap coat hangers so I have a near unlimited supply

[@shawnz241]

Thanks for the ripper idea!

[@flatratemaster]

It is awesome!

[@danbritto4964]

Great video frm, also now days your cell phone camera can be super helpful 👍 nice , hyundai tech

[@evanmcmaster3900]

I use a nail remover with a screwdriver handle to pop off crush washers.

[@ryansmith6619]

Paint markers also work well if you get pissed and scratch the hell out of a car with a socket and need to cover it up

[@robotteck]

Brake kleen will re constitute butyl on vapor barrier, use sparingly. Baking soda will cause krazy glue to dry instantly. Plastic welding rods in dremel. Forceps. BBQ temp with dual probes.

[@TheWildmanjr]

I use a suction cup shower handle when doing window regulator. Name a best way to hold Subaru window up?

[@flatratemaster]

Jam a chunk of rubber between the window and the door

[@robertcraciun9587]

Real long flat head screwdriver to listen to engine noise. Put wherever and then put you’re eat on handle and you’ll find the noise. Piece of 4x4 cause it always comes in handy. Zip ties will save you’re life a lot more than once as well.

[@matthewslauenwhite7277]

I'm disappointed metal coat hangers wasn't on the list. Use them for fishing things out holding parts up or back etc.

[@iam1smiley1]

We use surgical pliers of all sorts from an old hospital that closed.

[@welddoctordoc7990]

Toothpaste is very fine rubbing compound good for some plastics, Nail polish can be used as a thread locker on small nuts and bolts.

[@alexcorvi2254]

Snap-on makes a harness splitter that's warranted for life

[@flatratemaster]

Good to know, but on the other hand, those seam spliters are very cheap:)

[@charleslease9741]

Look at the price snap on is gonna charge you take a bank loan now and you will be paying it for life and if you lose it Snap on I’ll be right there to have you purchased another one and screw you big time

[@SiliconvalleyVC]

I once got cut really bad with a razor. It cut pretty deep and it wouldn't stop bleeding. So I poured coffee beans on it, but the cut up coffee beans. It sucked the blood pretty quick. An old trick my mom taught me. didn't no that about super glue.

[@ClaytonBridges]

I learned about that seam splitter thing from humble mechanic, oh my god is it easy

[@prevost8686]

Bungee cords are the greatest multipurpose tool I’ve ever used.

[@vintagebikewurx3730]

Super glue a cut. Takes it from blood gore and emergency room... to almost like it never happened. No doctor visit necessary.

[@vintagebikewurx3730]

Unless you really need one of course......

[@benmayne7910]

Decorating roller to re bond door membranes

[@joshualeach8642]

Small piece of paper on the nuts or head of bolts to keep them from falling out of your socket during install.

[@donaldpainter628]

Or just put a magnet on your extension that makes the socket magnetic

[@Tylerbone96]

Turkey basters for fluid extraction is amazing, just get a cheap one. Also if you need to get an emblem or sticker off a car, use braided fishing line. When I’m actually fishing I use PowerPro line but it’s expensive, so just get SpiderWire line, I’d get 50-65 pound but you can always get heavier or lighter depending on what you need. Just don’t use it for actual fishing, it’s total garbage lol

[@18436572314159265]

I use golf tee too

[@ChristopherLee08]

super glue the nut to your finger tip in those hard to reach fastener locations. ps. if it has a washer super glue that to the nut.

[@ozzstars_cars]

Anything to make life easier

[@flatratemaster]

Yep!

[@frugalprepper]

Everybody mail Eric O a seam splitter! LOL

[@flatratemaster]

+FrugalPrepper if you remember that rant, that came from Keith giving Eric hell about using a knife😉🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@JoseGonzalez-qc9zx]

I use paper in a socket when I put the bolt in it so it won’t fall out when it try to put it in a bolt hole

[@xephael3485]

Weird that this was just recommended to me by KZbin. 🤣. You look a bit younger and less stressed out 🤪

[@johnnyk617]

Always keep an emergency jazz cigarette for those stressful days

[@flatratemaster]

LOL! why do you thing techs drink so much:D

[@chrisjones6165]

Flatrate Master because of that pee test. not worth ur career to smoke weed. alcohol is the only option if u want to keep ur job. my take on it any how

[@johnnyk617]

chris jones well it depends on what state ur in

[@flatratemaster]

LOL!

[@chrisjones6165]

Jay Bisky I was in Colorado when it was legal and still had to pee for jobs

[@bryankbeane]

Comet cleaner to put on belts to shut them up....with a straw!