First-World Problems...

Hex, Torx, Slotted, Phillips, Square, and there are others! I think I have a Tri-Wing driver from about 10 years ago when I was pretending to repair a laptop.

The number of different fasteners is bad enough, but keeping the various wrenches and drivers in some sort of order is impossible.

Gun and gun accessories might be the worst offenders. I think every scope I have uses different size Hex or Torx bolts! And the makers helpfully provide a wrench! But...throw it out, knowing that I probably have seven just like it?

No! That is wasteful. I'll put them in one of the 83 small containers I save for just this eventuality!

Now I need a label maker...

Posted by: CBD at 02:00 PM

Comments

(Jump to bottom of comments)

1 first world

Posted by: Reforger at October 19, 2025 02:00 PM (SG6eL)

2 1 again

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:01 PM (+qU29)

3 This is about us, isn't it?

Posted by: Anti-tamper fasteners at October 19, 2025 02:03 PM (SeSfo)

4 I am old enough to remember when you could not buy a torx driver.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 19, 2025 02:04 PM (ZmEVT)

5 https://tinyurl.com/9te3d3mm
First world problem
From Dailytimewaster blogspot com

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:05 PM (+qU29)

6 I called the morons.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 19, 2025 02:05 PM (ZmEVT)

7 Bondhus has really good Torx, SAE and metric Allen wrenches. GRK makes torx bits that are color coded. Spax bits are torx+ and have a colored band for sizing.
I keep my Torx tips in an old Altoids tin. My small tool bag is not well organized but everything is in there.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 02:06 PM (RBD82)

8 CBD that is my life daily, I keep a dozen screw tips in my work pouch and still often don't have on hand what I need hourly

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:06 PM (+qU29)

9 Don't forget "clutch-drive"! Many old campers use that style of fastener.

Magnet-bars and small zip-bags are your friends, CBD.

Posted by: JQ at October 19, 2025 02:06 PM (rdVOm)

10 That's the beauty of tools. In order to own them, take care of them and find them when you need to use them you need.........more tools!

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at October 19, 2025 02:06 PM (E9NNj)

11 CBD you forgot security tips

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:07 PM (+qU29)

12 Brilliant! Because getting the labels to stick can become another First Word Problem.

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at October 19, 2025 02:07 PM (NFX2v)

13 >>Gun and gun accessories might be the worst offenders.

You've been on a sailboat, right?

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2025 02:07 PM (viF8m)

14 I was in the local Bojangles a few days ago and they were completely out of sporks. What was I supposed to do, eat out of the bowl of dirty rice like a dog?

(Just FYI, yes, it's quite manageable.)

Posted by: Paco at October 19, 2025 02:07 PM (mADJX)

15 World 🫢

Posted by: L - No nic, another fine day at October 19, 2025 02:08 PM (NFX2v)

16 Now I need a label maker
Engraver.

Posted by: Eromero at October 19, 2025 02:09 PM (LHPAg)

17 I love working on my Toyota Sienna (2007). It's either a 10mm socket or a 12mm socket.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 19, 2025 02:10 PM (ZmEVT)

18 So I guess we got religion all figured out then in the under thread?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2025 02:12 PM (guGkK)

19 Just dump them in a pile in a box like a Japanese wire puzzle.

Posted by: toby928 at October 19, 2025 02:12 PM (D8Izn)

20 i find this post wrenching.

Posted by: anachronda at October 19, 2025 02:12 PM (edU/H)

21 11 CBD you forgot security tips

q tips > security tips

Posted by: anachronda at October 19, 2025 02:13 PM (edU/H)

22 I dislike square drives.

Posted by: toby928 at October 19, 2025 02:13 PM (D8Izn)

23 CBD you forgot security tips

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:07 PM (+qU29)

I needed one once for license plate screws. But that was a long time ago!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (Flying the American Flag!) at October 19, 2025 02:13 PM (8jXm0)

24 I love working on my Toyota Sienna (2007). It's either a 10mm socket or a 12mm socket.

The Japanese are a diabolically clever bunch.

Posted by: D. MacArthur at October 19, 2025 02:14 PM (8ty7h)

25 Check out that Dailytimewaster.blogspot.com

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:15 PM (+qU29)

26 20 i find this post wrenching

Are you torqued off?

Posted by: Oh, no... at October 19, 2025 02:16 PM (SeSfo)

27 I've always been curious about those one-way screws that they use to assemble bathroom stall panels. Is bathroom panel theft really that much of a problem??

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2025 02:17 PM (8ty7h)

28 I bought a watchband for my gorgeous Citizen eco-drive watch, and it came with a little tool for manipulating the little spindle with its telescoping end pins.

Well, the band won't fit, but I at least have the tool!

At about the same time, this all just about three weeks ago, I bought a replacement battery for my MSI Lenovo gaming laptop, after watching YouTube guys (all looked Chinese) readily pop off the back, disconnect the old and install the new.

The battery came with all possible tools, four different bit tips, and a thing that looks like a guitar pic that is the seam popper. I tried and was certain I was gonna wreck the back, so I took it to Best Buy Geek Desk where a Chinese girl did it in a couple minutes.

I asked what made her want to go Geek, she said it was better than waiting tables. She graduated college last spring with a degree in computer science.

Posted by: M. Gaga at October 19, 2025 02:18 PM (zeLd4)

29 Why is it that my collections of Allen wrenches have every size made, except the one I need right now?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 19, 2025 02:19 PM (GjEvj)

30 Why is it that my collections of Allen wrenches have every size made, except the one I need right now?

There is but one size of Allen wrenches. The rest are filthy imposters.

Posted by: Ikea at October 19, 2025 02:21 PM (8ty7h)

31 Slotted screws are the devil. Square drives are the retarded spawn of satan.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 02:21 PM (RBD82)

32 >>Just dump them in a pile in a box like a Japanese wire puzzle.
------

You just described the mess I'd find, every Monday morning, after the weekend crew had worked on The Machine. A nest of mixed metric & SAE allen wrenches (most without size markings, because replacement items from company toolcrib) and small fasteners. Again, mix of metric & SAE.

Sort it all *again*, JQ!

Posted by: JQ at October 19, 2025 02:21 PM (rdVOm)

33 Why have Star Trek transporters not been invented yet?

Posted by: nurse ratched at October 19, 2025 02:21 PM (1WXEb)

34 Long ago I bought the MAC 128 1/4" bit kit. Have two inch lb torque whenches for them too. With what I do today a metric Allen and a Torx set get me by.
I'm among a small minority who thing Torx is the shit. Not a fan of Allen or slotted. Phillips is pretty good as long as you use the right size. Slotted can fuck right off.
I one purchased 3, 1/8" kits looking for a non-existant triangle pattern bit that turned out to be a molded part made to look like a screw.

Posted by: Reforger at October 19, 2025 02:21 PM (SG6eL)

35 17 I love working on my Toyota Sienna (2007). It's either a 10mm socket or a 12mm socket.

changed the battery in mrs. chronda's kia soul a couple of months back. it took *three* different sockets and a really long extension.

had to have someone change the driver's side headlight on it. passenger's side is easy; reach in and change the bulb. on the driver's side, the fusebox is in the way. i gather that the official procedure involves removing the front bumper. wasn't willing to try it myself, because the most important thing i learned from taking auto mechanics in high school was that i should not be allowed anywhere near a vehicle with a tool in my hand.

Posted by: anachronda at October 19, 2025 02:22 PM (edU/H)

36 Why is it that my collections of Allen wrenches have every size made, except the one I need right now?

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 19, 2025 02:19 PM (GjEvj)

But...you have several that *almost* fit, but will strip the bolt if you use them!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (Flying the American Flag!) at October 19, 2025 02:22 PM (8jXm0)

37 Why have Star Trek transporters not been invented yet?
Posted by: nurse ratched at October 19, 2025 02:21 PM (1WXEb)

There are still a few kinks that need to be worked out. Did you ever see The Prestige?

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2025 02:22 PM (8ty7h)

38 I've always been curious about those one-way screws that they use to assemble bathroom stall panels. Is bathroom panel theft really that much of a problem??

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2025 02:17 PM (8ty7h)

Theft, no. Idiots breaking things just because they can, yes.

Also check the bar that goes across the stall doorway. See how it is a sharp V-shape on top? That is to keep folks from using them as chin-up bars.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 19, 2025 02:22 PM (GjEvj)

39 Sometimes FWP requires Moron World Decisions.

Should I take the whole porch gazebo down or just the fabric roof this year leaving the frame freezing.

Posted by: DaveA at October 19, 2025 02:23 PM (FhXTo)

40 30 Why is it that my collections of Allen wrenches have every size made, except the one I need right now?

There is but one size of Allen wrenches. The rest are filthy imposters.

allen wrenches are entangled. observing the fastener you want to remove causes them to collapse into the size you don't need.

Posted by: anachronda at October 19, 2025 02:24 PM (edU/H)

41 Should I take the whole porch gazebo down or just the fabric roof this year leaving the frame freezing.

Posted by: DaveA at October 19, 2025 02:23 PM (FhXTo)

Use fire!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (Flying the American Flag!) at October 19, 2025 02:25 PM (8jXm0)

42 37 Why have Star Trek transporters not been invented yet?
Posted by: nurse ratched at October 19, 2025 02:21 PM (1WXEb)

There are still a few kinks that need to be worked out. Did you ever see The Prestige?

no, but i *have* seen the fly.

Posted by: anachronda at October 19, 2025 02:25 PM (edU/H)

43 McMaster Carr has every bit.
I love Torx.
GRK are red #15 except for their finish screws which are gold#10.
Their framing R4’s are the same 20’s as Spax. 20 is the most common framing screw size.
The key is to use one brand all the time, same as battery tools.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 02:26 PM (RBD82)

44 28 I bought a watchband for my gorgeous Citizen eco-drive watch, and it came with a little tool for manipulating the little spindle with its telescoping end pins.

i was under the impression that that was why god gave us fingernails.

Posted by: anachronda at October 19, 2025 02:26 PM (edU/H)

45 I have many times now had a stripped screw head and cut with a angle grinder or Dremel tool a straight slot then use a straight screwdriver to get it out. Will work if a screw head breaks off.

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:27 PM (+qU29)

46 I thought that we were supposed to meet the Eromeros at Waffle House at 9:30 am, but maybe I misunderstood? We finished eating around 10:15, so we left after that....

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies Brigade, plucky comic relief at October 19, 2025 02:27 PM (SRRAx)

47 Relevant because the gazebo is allen key but the porch screws are phillips.

Posted by: DaveA at October 19, 2025 02:27 PM (FhXTo)

48 >>I've always been curious about those one-way screws that they use to assemble bathroom stall panels. Is bathroom panel theft really that much of a problem??

Years ago I worked in an office, shudder, and the place was full of cubes with offices along the walls. The office walls were made of sheetrock with metal channels in H and U shapes to connect them. And door unit because what good is an office without a door?

There was one manager who everyone liked, just a really good guy. Funny as hell too. He went on vacation for a week so welcomed him back by removing the door section and replacing it with another section of sheetrock.

We all came in early the Monday of his return and hid. He looked like one of those monkeys touching the orb in 2001. I hurt myself laughing so hard.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2025 02:28 PM (viF8m)

49 Fire would solve the how to clean the 2nd story vinyl siding problem.

Posted by: DaveA at October 19, 2025 02:29 PM (FhXTo)

50 I only had an email addy, no phone # 🙄🙄🙄

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies Brigade, plucky comic relief at October 19, 2025 02:29 PM (SRRAx)

51 But...you have several that *almost* fit, but will strip the bolt if you use them!
Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo
======
Typical of bits and wrenches made under Chinesium specs.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 02:30 PM (WDjG6)

52 Should I take the whole porch gazebo down or just the fabric roof this year leaving the frame freezing.
Posted by: DaveA
-------

I take just the fabric off each fall, reinstall late in spring. Have had the cheapo gazebo ("Arrow" gazebo from HDepot) up on the deck since 2012. Now on the 4th replacement canopy.

Frame is probably rusted so solid now, may need a torch to finally disassemble it.

Posted by: JQ at October 19, 2025 02:31 PM (rdVOm)

53 We all came in early the Monday of his return and hid. He looked like one of those monkeys touching the orb in 2001. I hurt myself laughing so hard.

That's funny.

Just goes to show that the best practical jokes involve drywall installation.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2025 02:31 PM (8ty7h)

54 You know it's not like someone who was just a little bit passionate about threaded fasteners would ever reflect that passion in their choice of nics, would they?

Posted by: Quarter Twenty at October 19, 2025 02:31 PM (SeSfo)

55 It's getting really breezy out there. NoVa is under the gun for a big front tonight. Oh, and yeah, wrenches suck.

Posted by: Archimedes at October 19, 2025 02:32 PM (Riz8t)

56 You know, safety fastener tools ARE collectible.

Posted by: Weasel at October 19, 2025 02:32 PM (hR6jM)

57 56 You know, safety fastener tools ARE collectible.

I own an original Ikea Model 1a.

Posted by: Archimedes at October 19, 2025 02:34 PM (Riz8t)

58 45 I have many times now had a stripped screw head and cut with a angle grinder or Dremel tool a straight slot then use a straight screwdriver to get it out. Will work if a screw head breaks off.
Posted by: Skip
------
A specific flat file with a side cutting edge is useful for that if you have to do delicate work like gunsmithing or small screws in sometimes used in carburetors for lawn equipment. A relatively cheap industrial diamond crusted file set for precision work does a pretty fast job for well under 20 bucks does pretty well.

Angle grinders or even Dremel tools are blunt instruments by comparison. Best have steady hands if using on a small screw.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 02:35 PM (WDjG6)

59 I'm just delighted that Theresa from Ft Worth has fought off cancer. It is a good day.

Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov, now, where does a war hero get some lubrication around here? at October 19, 2025 02:36 PM (wBaIH)

60 Another joke could be just wall his space to make it smaller by inches

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:36 PM (+qU29)

61 43 McMaster Carr has every bit.
I love Torx.
GRK are red #15 except for their finish screws which are gold#10.
Their framing R4’s are the same 20’s as Spax. 20 is the most common framing screw size.
The key is to use one brand all the time, same as battery tools.
Posted by: Accomack
=======
I like torx for construction work better than Phillips 1 or 2 heads.

Some of the newer torx screw packages come with a specific compatible bit included with the screws.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 02:37 PM (WDjG6)

62 Gun and gun accessories might be the worst offenders. I think every scope I have uses different size Hex or Torx bolts! And the makers helpfully provide a wrench!

You *really* want a decent torque wrench to mount optics.

Trust me on this. You *don't* need to wait around on Weasel to tell you this. His plate is full just trying to get you to focus on fundamentals, and buying ammo.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 19, 2025 02:37 PM (0sNs1)

63 i find this post wrenching.
Posted by: anachronda
-----------
It'll be turning heads all afternoon.

Posted by: scampydog at October 19, 2025 02:37 PM (PiuaF)

64 I recently found out that Phillips-head screws on Japanese automobiles aren't. They use a slightly different standard, JIS, which means you'll immediately bugger up the screwheads on your new car if you use your trusty Craftsman screwdriver.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 19, 2025 02:38 PM (GjEvj)

65 No love for me?

Posted by: Robertson at October 19, 2025 02:38 PM (0sNs1)

66 63 i find this post wrenching.
Posted by: anachronda

Face it. You're screwed.

Posted by: Past tense: scrod at October 19, 2025 02:39 PM (SeSfo)

67 Fuck Allen and his stupid wrenches. I'm glad Ingvar Kamprad stole his stṏṏpid IDEA.

Posted by: weft cut-loop at October 19, 2025 02:39 PM (mlg/3)

68 Before the thread ends, cheap bit sets can often be altered by grinding, filing, etc. to make a precise fit if needed. Harbor Freight is one such source where the relatively soft metal is an advantage if filing, grinding, etc.

Good bits are often designed to break rather than damage a screw when exceeding a torque spec.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 02:39 PM (WDjG6)

69 I find the HD screw extractor kits work. If not, drill it out.
Very breezy and sunny on the island. Probably the last pleasant open windows day until March. I have had my a/c off since mid August after Erin went by. I am holding off turning on the heat until 11/1.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 02:39 PM (28cZF)

70 Can we truly have a discussion on screws, and particularly the driving thereof, without Ace?

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 19, 2025 02:40 PM (0sNs1)

71 >>but keeping the various wrenches and drivers in some sort of order is impossible

You need a Bacon Wrench.

Posted by: m at October 19, 2025 02:40 PM (RuTUS)

72 What to use when things go south depends on its scale.

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:40 PM (+qU29)

73 McMaster Carr has every bit.

as well as every other thing.

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 19, 2025 02:42 PM (kHop/)

74 10 That's the beauty of tools. In order to own them, take care of them and find them when you need to use them you need.........more tools!
Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly
--------

And containers large and small from socket strips to big rolling tool chests.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 02:42 PM (OfsDL)

75 14 I was in the local Bojangles a few days ago and they were completely out of sporks. What was I supposed to do, eat out of the bowl of dirty rice like a dog?

(Just FYI, yes, it's quite manageable.)

Posted by: Paco at October 19, 2025 02:07 PM (mADJX)

Just commandeer a staffer's comb.

Posted by: Senator Amy Klobuchar (D - Nice) at October 19, 2025 02:43 PM (PiwSw)

76 FWP, woken from sleep on airplane four times today. Hand on my thigh (not the amorous type - the skakey-wakey type). Apparently snoring on a flight is frowned upon by scampywife.

Posted by: scampydog at October 19, 2025 02:43 PM (PiuaF)

77 It poured on the NoKs here in NWI yesterday. I may have been laughing about dirty hippies. We read their signs and think "Yea I voted for exactly that". The guys in My Little Pony inflatables getting drenched is a bonus.

Posted by: DaveA at October 19, 2025 02:43 PM (FhXTo)

78 Flat blade screwdriver with a 2' shaft. Put that in your tool box.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 02:44 PM (OfsDL)

79 Flat blade screwdriver with a 2' shaft. Put that in your tool box.

*awaits inevitable Paolo jokes*

Posted by: Archimedes at October 19, 2025 02:45 PM (Riz8t)

80 Allen wrenches are fine, just does their need to be about 347 sizes?

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 02:46 PM (+qU29)

81 The Paolo, he, how you say... never mind...

Posted by: The Paolo at October 19, 2025 02:46 PM (SeSfo)

82 I needed a metric allen wrench. All I had were standard?

I went to Ace hardware and bought just the one I needed.

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 19, 2025 02:47 PM (ZmEVT)

83 You *really* want a decent torque wrench to mount optics.

Posted by: Duncanthrax at October 19, 2025 02:37 PM (0sNs1)

Oh, I have a good torque wrench, but I am a pack-rat when it comes to tools, so I have a collection of random wrenches!

Posted by: CharlieBrown'sDildo (Flying the American Flag!) at October 19, 2025 02:49 PM (8jXm0)

84 Who the heck is Allen?

Posted by: javems at October 19, 2025 02:51 PM (8I4hW)

85 82 I needed a metric allen wrench. All I had were standard?

I went to Ace hardware and bought just the one I needed.
Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 19, 2025 02:47 PM (ZmEVT)

ACE! hardware.

Posted by: m at October 19, 2025 02:52 PM (RuTUS)

86 For the first line I have always favored the Eklind style of folding bit sets, with standard and long-arm L shapes, and really long T-handle ones as reserves for tight spots requiring specials.

Hey, how 'bout them Bristol splines, huh?

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 19, 2025 02:52 PM (kHop/)

87 I read that as “a collection of wenches.”

Made me snicker.

Posted by: nurse ratched at October 19, 2025 02:53 PM (1WXEb)

88 Most Ace Hardware stores that I have visited have an old man or two back in the tool section that have knowledge to walk you through a problem.

Neighborhood independent prospered against all competition because the proprietor could walk anyone through his problem.
City highway construction managed to do what no one else could.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 02:53 PM (OfsDL)

89 84 Who the heck is Allen?
Posted by: javems at October 19, 2025 02:51 PM (8I4hW)

Allen wrench (also allen wrench)
noun trademark US English
an L-shaped metal bar with a hexagonal head at each end, used to turn bolts and screws having hexagonal sockets. British term Allen key
ORIGIN
early 20th century: from the name of the manufacturer, the Allen Manufacturing Company, of Hartford, Connecticut.

Posted by: m at October 19, 2025 02:53 PM (RuTUS)

90 74, truth!

not even gonna try to count how many ...

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 19, 2025 02:53 PM (kHop/)

91 71 You need a Bacon Wrench.

bacon wench > bacon wrench

Posted by: anachronda at October 19, 2025 02:55 PM (edU/H)

92 Trump posted an AI video where he's flying a plane and drops poop bombs on Democrats. You already know how everyone's reacting, especially the media. LOL.

Posted by: Ian S. at October 19, 2025 02:56 PM (QZThv)

93 here's a new headline up, over at Daily Mail:

"Secret Service uncovers suspicious hunting stand nested in tree within direct line of sight to Trump's Air Force One "

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 19, 2025 02:56 PM (kHop/)

94 93 here's a new headline up, over at Daily Mail:

"Secret Service uncovers suspicious hunting stand nested in tree within direct line of sight to Trump's Air Force One "
Posted by: sock_rat_eez

Nice. Blow it up.

Posted by: nurse ratched at October 19, 2025 02:58 PM (KGOzv)

95 86 For the first line I have always favored the Eklind style of folding bit sets, with standard and long-arm L shapes, and really long T-handle ones as reserves for tight spots requiring specials.

Hey, how 'bout them Bristol splines, huh?
Posted by: sock_rat_eez
--------
Agreed. Fold out kits are the quick and dirty use, individual wrenches when you need just a bit more torque, and the t handles when you need the most.

Have a FAT torque wrench if I need specific torque settings in inch pounds for gunsmithing or scope mounting (also regular torque wrenches if I need more leverage which is rare for inch pound fasteners).

Fixit sticks are too rich for my needs.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 02:58 PM (WDjG6)

96 Since my wife passed, I was promised golddiggers?

Where are my golddiggers?

(Just kidding. I love the loneliness of being free.)

Posted by: no one of any consequence at October 19, 2025 02:58 PM (ZmEVT)

97 I recently found out that Phillips-head screws on Japanese automobiles aren't.

Regional screws are a weird but real thing. The Canadians pushed Robertson (square-hole) screws for a while.

Posted by: Ian S. at October 19, 2025 02:59 PM (QZThv)

98 One year we had a corporate Christmas gift exchange and I got a Kobalt mini tool kit. It has about 80 different tips of more shapes than I even knew existed. Pretty handy.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 19, 2025 03:00 PM (0U5gm)

99 Existing in harley land demands i have every tool for fasteners known to mankind in socket form, or with handles. Allen's, ball Allen's, torx, short, long, different drives, etc. I have one good set of regular allen wrenches in standard and metric. All extra loosies that I acquire go in a flat tray to become tool experiments

Posted by: Berserker-Dragonheads Division at October 19, 2025 03:00 PM (T5OyJ)

100 100

Posted by: m at October 19, 2025 03:00 PM (RuTUS)

101 My 1WP is I need some other divce besides my tablet which I barely can use these days

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 03:01 PM (+qU29)

102 59 I'm just delighted that Theresa from Ft Worth has fought off cancer. It is a good day.
Posted by: Field Marshal Zhukov, now, where does a war hero get some lubrication around here? at October 19, 2025 02:36 PM (wBaIH)

Targeted therapy FTW!!!! Honestly, I think the fact that mine is such a rare cancer, plus the fact that this is such a new therapy (

I have been on it since February/March (8-9 months); most patients who have responded to this medication have made it at least that long without progression 😊 - so far, all of my tumors are still shrinking 🥳🥳🥳

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies Brigade, plucky comic relief at October 19, 2025 03:01 PM (SRRAx)

103 Hey, anyone wanna buy a nice tiara?

Posted by: A Skeevy-Looking Guy in a Beret at October 19, 2025 03:01 PM (8ty7h)

104 Who the heck is Allen?
Posted by: javems at October 19, 2025 02:51 PM

There are some who call me Tim.

Posted by: The Enchanter, host of Magical Tool Time at October 19, 2025 03:01 PM (0sNs1)

105 I went into my local hardware/lumber yard a ways back. I was looking for some heavy duty galvanized angle for a dock ladder.
Old guy says “over round the corner”.
I asked about stainless and he says “even stainless rots down here. It’s the salt”.
I looked into it and yes, the chloride ions pit even basic 304 stainless steel.
You need stainless steel with molybdenum, 314, to prevent that. Amazon sells 314 screws.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:02 PM (Udy3r)

106 88 Most Ace Hardware stores that I have visited have an old man or two back in the tool section that have knowledge to walk you through a problem.

Neighborhood independent prospered against all competition because the proprietor could walk anyone through his problem.
City highway construction managed to do what no one else could.
Posted by: Braenyard
======
Hardware is a tough business as WalMart, Lowes, Home Depot, even Amazon, etc. skim the cream off the top leaving the slower moving and less profitable items to Ace, Quality Hardware, and the few regional chains left.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 03:02 PM (WDjG6)

107 The Canadians pushed Robertson (square-hole) screws for a while.
Posted by: Ian S. at October 19, 2025 02:59 PM

See #65.

Posted by: Robertson at October 19, 2025 03:03 PM (0sNs1)

108 >>Flat blade screwdriver with a 2' shaft

Condolences.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2025 03:03 PM (viF8m)

109 >>>ACE! hardware.
Posted by: m
-------------

youtube.com/watch?v=fc_Apf-Q3c4

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 03:03 PM (OfsDL)

110 Klein Tools set #32717. Comes in a self-locking clear-top clamshell.

Posted by: CaptainNed at October 19, 2025 03:04 PM (nADdg)

111 A FWP, although not my problem, personally: cocaine eels.

Apparently there's so much cocaine in the Thames it's hurting the native eels.

Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 19, 2025 03:05 PM (kpS4V)

112 Maybe the Japs used Pozi drives.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:06 PM (Udy3r)

113 Apparently there's so much cocaine in the Thames it's hurting the native eels.
Posted by: All Hail Eris,, coming to you live from the Roller Disco of Discord! at October 19, 2025 03:05 PM (kpS4V)

On the bright side, experts say hovercraft capacity is at record levels.

Posted by: Cicero (@cicero43) at October 19, 2025 03:07 PM (8ty7h)

114 CPVC plumbing will be the biggest thing to hit plumbing since oakum was replaced with neoprene gaskets.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:07 PM (Udy3r)

115 Whoops, lost some of my comment....

Anyway, the pharmaceutical company is picking up the cost of this medication so far - probably a combination of it being such a new medication (it's only been on the market for 4 years), combined with it only being approved for this type of cancer and the fact that so far it only works on about 40 patients/year. They are currently running trials with it on several other different types of cancers.

Posted by: Teresa in Fort Worth, Texas - Ace of Spades Ladies Brigade, plucky comic relief at October 19, 2025 03:09 PM (SRRAx)

116 Regional screws are a weird but real thing. The Canadians pushed Robertson (square-hole) screws for a while.
Posted by: Ian S.
======
Variants of those are still around for items like concrete board screws. Don't care much for them but you can get more torque than the phillips alternatives on the head using power tools.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 03:10 PM (WDjG6)

117 114, LOL!

when I was just a little sock, cast-in-place lead over oakum was required by code for drain pipes. quite a production to watch!

(& fun to pick up lead splashes off the floor afterwards!)

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 19, 2025 03:13 PM (kHop/)

118 114 CPVC plumbing will be the biggest thing to hit plumbing since oakum was replaced with neoprene gaskets.
Posted by: Accomack
--------------------

It's almost past tense. It'll be in revival when all that PEX starts cracking.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 03:15 PM (OfsDL)

119 109 >>>ACE! hardware.
Posted by: m
-------------

youtube.com/watch?v=fc_Apf-Q3c4

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 03:03 PM (OfsDL)

haha!

Posted by: m at October 19, 2025 03:15 PM (RuTUS)

120 Even in commercial construction Pex is gaining ground

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 03:16 PM (+qU29)

121 >>Now I need a label maker...

You don't ... have a label maker?

Posted by: m at October 19, 2025 03:17 PM (RuTUS)

122 I don't disassemble toilet partition generally, just drill holes in them. It's our playground!

Posted by: The Great Poof! at October 19, 2025 03:17 PM (oftw2)

123 ======
Variants of those are still around for items like concrete board screws. Don't care much for them but you can get more torque than the phillips alternatives on the head using power tools.
Posted by: whig
-------------

Yes, and experience is saying that the tolerances between the screw heads from Big Box and the driver bits they sell are less than they used to be. Iffy they are.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 03:18 PM (OfsDL)

124 Phillips was the reference.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 03:18 PM (OfsDL)

125 Launch in about 5 minutes

SpaceX - Falcon 9 - Starlink 11-19
SLC-4E - Vandenberg SFB, CA - Space Affairs Live
Launch Date: October 19, 2025 (PDT)
Launch Time: 12:24 p.m. PDT 1924 UTC, 21:24 CEST

https://youtu.be/L1S56D-9srA

Posted by: Joyenz at October 19, 2025 03:19 PM (2F0/Y)

126 98 One year we had a corporate Christmas gift exchange and I got a Kobalt mini tool kit. It has about 80 different tips of more shapes than I even knew existed. Pretty handy.
Posted by: Thomas Paine

Amazon and/or Harbor Freight also sell a useful security bit set with some odd bits that fit various security (as in don't meddle with) screw heads. Useful at times for odd screws. Ditto for pin wrenches. French rifle screws used odd security bits to prevent line soldiers from monkeying with dismounting actions, etc. Pin wrenches are useful in removing those screws. Germans used a specific stock bolt reinforcing head that you sometimes see elsewhere which is a bit with the center gouged out leaving two small holes for the screw bit to engage.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 03:21 PM (WDjG6)

127 My problem is that I keep all of my 'hex' keys (metric and English) in a plastic bin. Finding the right one is always trial and error.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 19, 2025 03:22 PM (XeU6L)

128 Yes, and experience is saying that the tolerances between the screw heads from Big Box and the driver bits they sell are less than they used to be. Iffy they are.

Posted by: Braenyard
=======
I found the square screws on concrete board had to be engaged at a full 90 degrees with the bit or the screw and the bit started to round off. So it was easy to go through several bits in the course of a job. Not really an issue with hand tools but on power tools, square tip bits were more like phillips, disposed immediately for a new one when the bit started to slip.

Haven't had that problem with torx screws much as long as the right torx bit is used. Occasionally on the really big T30 plus screw heads on things like headlock (brand name replacements for lag screws), you can have that issue but usually the screw ends up breaking its shaft first.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 03:26 PM (WDjG6)

129 >>>French rifle screws used odd security bits to prevent line soldiers from monkeying with dismounting actions, etc.
-----------

Pop said the first issued Carbines in the Pacific were semi-automatic. Soldiers took a file to that.

Posted by: Braenyard - some Absent Friends are more equal than others _ at October 19, 2025 03:26 PM (OfsDL)

130 I recently found out that Phillips-head screws on Japanese automobiles aren't. They use a slightly different standard, JIS, which means you'll immediately bugger up the screwheads on your new car if you use your trusty Craftsman screwdriver.
Posted by: Idaho Spudboy
----

I've been meaning for years to acquire a set of JIS bits. I've certainly wrecked some screw heads trying to loosen them using standard American sized bits.

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 19, 2025 03:26 PM (XeU6L)

131 127 My problem is that I keep all of my 'hex' keys (metric and English) in a plastic bin. Finding the right one is always trial and error.
Posted by: Mike Hammer
======
Folding kits are useful to reduce that problem for a quick and dirty job.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 03:28 PM (WDjG6)

132 If it's not the screws that are soft, easily stripped, it's the drill bit or screwdriver that is. Always.

Posted by: Martini Farmer at October 19, 2025 03:28 PM (Q4IgG)

133 You can't own a Jeep CJ without having every size of Torx ever made.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 19, 2025 03:29 PM (0U5gm)

134 If you bugger up the screws on that Zeiss scope mount you can always break out the torch. Use MAPP gas to save time.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at October 19, 2025 03:29 PM (gm9Sb)

135 Who the heck is Allen?
Posted by: javems
--------

If not answered already:

"William G. Allen invented the Allen wrench, which was developed in 1909 for his Allen Safety Screw. His company, the Allen Manufacturing Company, was based in Hartford, Connecticut, "

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 19, 2025 03:30 PM (XeU6L)

136 Last truck, Ford, had a odd size oil plug. I ground it to a standard size, when finally took it to dealer to get oil changed they replaced it.

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 03:30 PM (+qU29)

137 Allow me to whip this out.

Posted by: Going deep. Out. at October 19, 2025 03:31 PM (XqFM2)

138 I will say that, having replacing a couple hundred feet of cedar fencing, the star bits for putting in screws without pilot holes are far, far superior than Phillips head screws.

Posted by: Thomas Paine at October 19, 2025 03:31 PM (0U5gm)

139 PEX has been around since the 80’s. If it was failing, we’d know.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:33 PM (3U9lo)

140 Harrier aircraft initially brought over from Britain for Marine testing caused problems for the USMC ground crews. Reed and Prince screws were used instead of common US Phillips. The Corps issued bigger hammers.

Posted by: bill in arkansas, not gonna comply with nuttin, waiting for the 0300 knock on the door at October 19, 2025 03:33 PM (gm9Sb)

141 That sounds normal.

>>@rawsalerts
·
>>1h
🚨#BREAKING: At this time FBI are investigating a hunting stand with a direct line of sight to where President Donald Trump exits Air Force One at Palm Beach airport

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2025 03:34 PM (viF8m)

142 Wood screws have a type17 point. Yeah, there are different point types.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:34 PM (3U9lo)

143 Folding kits are useful to reduce that problem for a quick and dirty job.
Posted by: whig

After I became sick of using my two cigar boxes full of allen wrenches I finally broke down and bought one of those kits. Saved my sanity it did.

Posted by: Tonypete at October 19, 2025 03:34 PM (cYBz/)

144 Pop said the first issued Carbines in the Pacific were semi-automatic. Soldiers took a file to that.

Posted by: Braenyard

Yep. War Baby ( a history of the M1 Carbines) indicate this conversion was fairly common in the Pacific done by Marine armorers and undoubtedly later Army ones. You could empty a full 15 round mag in about one second after the conversion.

The M2 full select fire (aka auto) carbines did not come out until the war in the Pacific was just about over (May 1945). Those came with the fat belly stocks and official conversion kits were issued to field units at that time along with 30 round magazines I think.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 03:35 PM (WDjG6)

145 Most Ace Hardware stores that I have visited have an old man or two back in the tool section that have knowledge to walk you through a problem.

Those guys are golden and I'm afraid that they're not making any more of them.

Posted by: Oddbob at October 19, 2025 03:35 PM (FOVIk)

146 145 Most Ace Hardware stores that I have visited have an old man or two back in the tool section that have knowledge to walk you through a problem.

Those guys are golden and I'm afraid that they're not making any more of them.

i gotcha covered. just ask me!

Posted by: chatgpt at October 19, 2025 03:36 PM (edU/H)

147 Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2025 03:34 PM (viF8m

And they didn't notice this before?

Posted by: FenelonSpoke at October 19, 2025 03:36 PM (ix8EF)

148 You gotta roll with it, Baby! I think Stevie Wineoid recorded a song about it. Fasteners, patch cords, lubricants, storage media turn quaint by design.

Posted by: Hokey Pokey at October 19, 2025 03:37 PM (YlWIZ)

149 Bought this set, it has made life easier:

https://shorturl.at/HNQKR

Posted by: Mike Hammer, etc., etc. at October 19, 2025 03:37 PM (XeU6L)

150 Doggone it. Every time I hang out here I wind up spending money. Amazon has a torque-limited set of inch-pound wrenches on its way here now.

Time to cue up Steely Dan and I.G.Y.

https://youtu.be/Ueivjr3f8xg

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 19, 2025 03:38 PM (GjEvj)

151 JIS works in US Philips but the reverse is not true.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:40 PM (Bbhox)

152 >>>Most Ace Hardware stores that I have visited have an old man or two back in the tool section that have knowledge to walk you through a problem.

Those guys are golden and I'm afraid that they're not making any more of them.
Posted by: Oddbob at October 19, 2025 03:35 PM (FOVIk)
***************
This^^^^. Many years ago I was renovating a house we lived in. It wasn't an ACE store, but a local family owned store. Those old guys patiently walked me through bathroom upgrades/repairs, a kitchen renovation and a number of other projects. The guy who worked in the paint dept. could match anything. They knew their trade and did it superbly. Home Depot killed the store off. They were amazing and enjoyed helping.

Posted by: Rufus T. Firefly at October 19, 2025 03:45 PM (E9NNj)

153 Afternoon, Horde...Rolled into my hometown after 10 hours of driving, almost to the minute.

My FWP is that Kaylee the Calico Kitty Cat (the cutest little cat of them all) pooped on my couch while I was gone and now I can't find her.

I know she's in hiding somewhere and she's *really* good at it.

All other kitties are present and accounted for.

Posted by: "Perfessor" Squirrel at October 19, 2025 03:46 PM (IBQGV)

154 Finding a decent set of hex drivers for a drill was not easy. The best kit I found was a 61 piece set of drivers by German tool maker Wiha. They sell them at Lowes.

Posted by: Chairman LMAO at October 19, 2025 03:46 PM (36PRH)

155 PEX has been around since the 80’s. If it was failing, we’d know.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:33 PM (3U9lo)

First generation of plastic tubing for plumbing was banned after some catastrophic failures. Turned out contractors in Albuquerque had stored a bunch of it outdoors, uncovered, for a year or so. UV rays at 5000 feet are some serious stuff.

Posted by: Idaho Spudboy at October 19, 2025 03:46 PM (GjEvj)

156 Folding kits are useful to reduce that problem for a quick and dirty job.
Posted by: whig

After I became sick of using my two cigar boxes full of allen wrenches I finally broke down and bought one of those kits. Saved my sanity it did.

Posted by: Tonypete at October 19, 2025 03:34 PM

I have a blue one (inch) and a red one (metric). Saves me a boat load of time.

Posted by: Mister Scott (Formerly GWS) at October 19, 2025 03:48 PM (0N4FZ)

157 Holy shit what a catch.

Posted by: JackStraw at October 19, 2025 03:49 PM (viF8m)

158 lol. Yeah, that wasn’t optimal. There aren’t many plastics that survive UV.

Posted by: Accomack at October 19, 2025 03:50 PM (Bbhox)

159 I have a blue one (inch) and a red one (metric). Saves me a boat load of time.
Posted by: Mister Scott
=====
Torx one is also useful. I often use them in the field as you can lose individual wrenches pretty easily if working on something in the grass, dirt, etc.

Posted by: whig at October 19, 2025 03:57 PM (WDjG6)

160 "First generation of plastic tubing ... "

Aldyl-A

"catastrophic" is not hyperbole

Posted by: sock_rat_eez at October 19, 2025 03:57 PM (kHop/)

161 Those of us who are, or have been, engaged in human or animal repair and maintenance recognize the futility of having the proper tool for each purpose, as what you require is likely to still be in the sterilizer, broke last week and a replacement has not yet been approved by finance, stolen by techs for nefarious purposes, or simply misplaced or mislabeled in a sterile pouch. From curved to straight needles, various types of suture material and of course all the various sizes/grades that not one surgeon on a staff of ten can agree is appropriate for a particular use, and various species of hemostats, retractors and scissors abound.

Posted by: epador at October 19, 2025 03:58 PM (jj9g0)

162 I'm still the undisputed champion at getting lost.

Posted by: 10mm socket at October 19, 2025 03:59 PM (0sNs1)

163 I love the King of Queens episode where Arthur decides his ticket to riches is to market a new screwdriver with an A-shaped tip. He excitedly describes to a potential buyer how you put the tip in the A hole.

Posted by: Bigsmith at October 19, 2025 03:59 PM (1Au9i)

164 get cleaned up and upstairs
FOODIE NOODIE TIME

Posted by: Skip at October 19, 2025 04:02 PM (+qU29)

165 Those guys are golden and I'm afraid that they're not making any more of them.

i gotcha covered. just ask me!
Posted by: chatgpt

I almost hate to admit to this but I've used Grok to create a couple of two hour talks using specific texts or Books of the Bible. It will give the high points, workshop questions (and answers), lecture notes, study guides, and even a slide deck. Of course one can suggest changes or modifications and Grok will incorporate them.

If you let it know what the demographic of your audience is, changes will be applied to language, tone and style to match the group.

It's pretty good.

And downright scary.

Posted by: Tonypete at October 19, 2025 04:04 PM (cYBz/)

166 You can always buy a 9mm Officer 1911, and turn them into little tools to help you remove the guide rod.

Posted by: GWB at October 19, 2025 05:48 PM (9Qc1e)

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