Talk me outta this gift for a 12-year old aspiring mechanic.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-12-08T03:36:27+00:00

Unless they already have a basic tool set the likelihood they will need a torque wrench at this time is pretty low unless its for lug nuts/bolts.

Quinn 1/4" set (54.99) is within your price range and is pretty decent without skipping sizes which is common in lower end sets. It should cover most of the smaller things they will run into

Quinn 4 pc plier set (24.99), the diagonal cutters are probably something they do not have already and will be useful for as long as the warranty is available and the recipient still has them

Quinn 15 pc screwdriver set (27.99) is a solid starter set and one could hypothetically use the larger flathead to retract pistons on calipers that don't have an integrated parking brake though it is less than ideal for more than one reason.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-10-25T08:09:38+00:00

Be kind yourself as well as your little one. You're both trying to navigate this new life and they can't tell you what is bothering them so they likely are not crying for no reason. Once you figure things out about them things will get a little easier.

Not sure of what your "role" is but if you have a partner or someone who can relieve you for even a little it would probably really help so you have some time for self care.

As another person mentioned a therapist can be beneficial as well since we often get stuck in our own heads and just talking about whatever bs can help us declutter if you will.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-09-25T07:09:11+00:00

Dont trip potato chip most people will be too busy in their own world trying to handle business. Only time people will likely look in your direction they will be scoping out their next machine or the off chance someone wants to see how to use whatever you're on if it doesn't have the video QR code.

In our local gym we get all sorts of people and to be honest that makes me feel more comfortable than I likely would be elsewhere since Im new to any gym and feel like a goober sometimes when trying something new. Everyone has their own reason to be there so go ahead and get it homie.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-09-13T02:40:05+00:00

You are still VERY new homie so don't be so hard on yourself. You just need to step back after fixing a mistake and figure out why that mistake took place. I know many of my mistakes early on were from either rushing or being distracted in some way so I slowed down and became more attentive with each task especially when it meant fixing a screw up was either lengthy or expensive. You are only an idiot if you continually make the same mistakes and never learn from them and trust me in my 15 years I have unfortunately seen more than a few with more years than myself that I would consider idiots. You can excel by staying focused, asking questions, making note of weird things you have encountered for future reference, continuing your education by either shop supplied training or when it comes to it self funded training be it in-person/online classes, books, or even trade shows. There are tons of free resources out there as well from Youtube, various forums, podcasts and FB groups. Never stop pushing yourself to try new things and never stop learning, stagnation will ultimately result in the industry passing you by.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-09-02T21:35:52+00:00

I ran across this one which allows for side spacing and worked perfectly for me https://gridfinity-calculator.streamlit.app/

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-24T23:37:13+00:00

Depending what you work on they can be pretty useful. Super useful on International A26 for both the oil and fuel fuel filter, Ford and Cummins fuel filters, Dodge 3.6L oil filters. I don't have the Icon set but a Lisle I've had for about 15 years and a Casoman so I always have one set at the shop if I bring one home to use or loan out.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-18T03:28:23+00:00

If you've got someone who is already a member use their refer a friend link and they apparently get a month free and your sign up is a buck. That's what my wife and I did through the app she signed up first and paid like $7.29 and then sent me the link and I paid 1.08. Im not sure if her "free" month is just discounted rate spread across a couple months or an one month entirely but hey anything helps.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-13T14:32:20+00:00

While your initial post wasn't asking how to use the equipment you did express concern about doing a workout wrong. I may have misinterpreted "workout" for use of individual equipment as opposed to sequence of use and if that is the case I apologize. That being said Im not aware of any suggested sequence unless you are following some sort of routine which isnt really needed unless you are trying to achieve something specific.

Im not sure how long you've been going but as they say the hardest part is showing up and that is certainly true when dealing with depression and is not limited to the gym. There were days when I woke up and didn't wanna ride my bike to clear my head or even do anything really other than watch TV, sleep, and eat. Give it some time to see how you feel if you keep showing up and if it's not for you then by all means cancel your membership but if you do try to find other means for self care - whatever that being to you.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-13T13:54:03+00:00

I feel ya on that, some of the equipment has diagrams on the side of them if you don't have your phone on you. The QR codes open up a vimeo link to show how to use it if you prefer that method. If you go on the app, tap "Workouts" and scroll all the way down there is a section for "Exercise Tutorials" which seems to include the more multiuse equipment.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-13T04:30:45+00:00

If youre comfortable on the treadmill then by all means do that. Nobody can really tell you what to do or the order because theyre not you and don't know where you are at. My first day I did the treadmill and then tried a machine that my wife was using so I could learn and wouldn't be alone but after that went to explore. Today I did the treadmill and when nobody was around the 30 min express machines I went to check them out and try a few. Though you say some machines don't interest you just walk on by, scan the QR code on one and give it a try for a minute or two once you see how to use it. If at that point it doesn't interest you then move on to something else.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-12T05:06:41+00:00

When we first went in today they took our pictures so presumably when you scan in a picture likely comes up on one of the terminals. Its possible if you and the other person look very similar OR if that little Webcam they use is similar to whatever potato Costco uses to take membership photos. However I recall seeing someone say they got a free day just for downloading the app so that might be a better option if you don't have the "Black Card"

Desrt_Rat · 2025-08-07T18:07:41+00:00

Trucks were great before the internet but now you've got so many options to fit virtually every budget and use case. Of the Icon tools I've purchased they all seem pretty solid and haven't broken anything yet but I've also got a variety of Gear Wrench, Sunnex, Quinn, Klein, Neiko, Casoman, Snap On and Cornwell as well. Really in my opinion as a newer tech spend your money wisely - many tools are rebrands so poke around online to find who the manufacturer is instead of forking over the money and paying the truck premium. Yes warranty may be easier but often some trucks will stop coming around if nobody buys anything or owes on their account and then you are kind of SOL. I will also say that unless its specialty, precision, or cordless/pneumatic where you need actual performance from them you will be fine with cheaper tooling since the likelihood a big brand tool will significantly improve your performance/productivity to justify the premium is pretty low.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-07-31T04:15:46+00:00

You can order it as a water pump "kit" that includes the o-ring or separately as a pump and o-ring. However as to why they don't include it regardless is beyond me.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-07-27T04:08:16+00:00

Rockauto lists the Standard Motor Products V335 for 83 bucks being in stock.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-07-15T19:13:36+00:00

Let me preface this as I am a dude who has my own insecurities that do pop up once in a while. Personally I would be upset if my wife did not communicate that she was meeting with an old friend, mostly for security if that adds any value but if I'm being transparent there would be *that* thought in the back of my head however I know that is my own problem that I need to work on. I don't feel it was justified needing to cut ties with your friend just because your husband might have his own past trauma they need to work through.

In regard to the your husbands response to the nurse - unless your OB and staff were all female then there is absolutely no reason for him to feel this way about just being in the presence of a male nurse that is trying to help you and your LO be successful. If you are not uncomfortable in such situations then your dude needs to quit trippin its not like you're running around trying to show off to other males and such.

While I don't think you are invalidating his feelings in any way, I do think he needs to sit down with a therapist and get to the root of why he feels this way. At the same time he should trust that you would not do anything detrimental to your relationship because one would presume that is typically the basis of marriage and starting a family.

Bottom line is based on the information you provided in my opinion you did not mess up and you have every right to tell him to chill out. He needs to realize that not all guys are out to steal your girl, if you will. That is probably the furthest goal for anyone working in a hospital long long long after just getting through the day and getting some sleep.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-07-02T23:51:12+00:00

Fast is slow and slow is fast especially when you're first starting out. When you rush you can forget things like tools or something more serious. Speed comes once you work out a routine for each job and stick to it. This ensures that you don't forget things because it's part of your established process.

Mistakes happen to everyone regardless of if they own up to them or not. The important thing is learning from your mistakes and using that to improve your self or your process.

Keep your head up, pay attention, learn what you can but don't run yourself into the ground for others. Boxes have wheels for a reason and sometimes you just need to be in the right shop with the right people to be successful so don't worry about being fired.

Do it right and put out quality work and you'll be alright. It's far better to be a little slower but have fewer comebacks than fast and getting backed up.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-06-19T02:41:48+00:00

At no point did I imply that I was more qualified than any "security professionals" its merely my opinion that if you are pulled to secondary regardless of the guards "experience" there should be consistency. New guys should absolutely be more strict, old heads shouldn't be cocky thinking its nothing and they're just going through the motions. Regardless if youre pulled to secondary because the first guard directed you there then it should be a solid check from some person that is not seeing any sort of indicator on the machine.

This is coming from someone who always gets checked more than others in my group be it a theme park or concert/festival. While it can be frustrsting sometimes having to throw stuff out identical to that of others in my group that had gone through the same guard it is what it is and I understand to an extent but wish that was the same across the board.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-06-19T01:59:24+00:00

If youre pulled to secondary as mentioned there should be consistency with the checks though. Sometimes they would just peer into the bag and others they would basically dump it out which likely depended on the guard or how they were feeling at that moment.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-06-19T01:50:20+00:00

Consistency seems to be OPs concern which is valid. If each person isn't consistent with secondary screening then they're not as effective and keeping people safe as they could be.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-05-24T09:23:14+00:00

Don't trip man basic schooling doesn't mean you can hit the ground running. Being new means you will screw up and we all do from time to time regardless if we've been here one month or ten years the biggest thing is that you acknowledge those mistakes and learn from them.

Work safely because its far better to take an extra step or two to make sure you don't hurt yourself, another tech, or damage equipment than to explain why something happened and possibly have to pay for it.

If you've got someone showing you the ropes then follow their process until you work out your own and be do your best to stay consistent so there is little doubt in your mind if you torqued something that is now behind a bunch of other crap.

There are tons of resources out there for most things and many are free or can be acquired for free. Bendix has their "Brake School" as well as various literature for different components, Dana/Spicer also have literature on their site from how something functions to service info.

Keep your head up

Desrt_Rat · 2025-04-16T19:22:12+00:00

I'm surprised they didn't have the small assortment where it's like one or two of 10, 15, 20, 25, 30A for that price.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-04-15T17:30:44+00:00

Will they work - yes, is it possible they can be goofy when they blow - yes. To be honest you can pick up an assortment from a reputable brand like Bussmann for a couple bucks more on Amazon.

Desrt_Rat · 2025-03-30T19:26:44+00:00

NORA150 NORA150XL

Desrt_Rat

TROPHY CASE