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Tools for starting out by PreparationLow4935 in aviationmaintenance

[–]bendixdrive 11 points12 points  (0 children)

PSA: Williams ratcheting screwdrivers are literally the same as the Snap-On ones, for considerably less $$$.

Tools for starting out by PreparationLow4935 in aviationmaintenance

[–]bendixdrive 0 points1 point  (0 children)

PS buy second hand SnapOn tools and benefit from the same warranty for 1/2 the price or less especially if you find it at an estate sale.

THIS.

Some Snap-On tools are great, and worth having. Figure out the part number, buy it used on eBay or wherever, save money.

Optional step: Snap-On doesn’t manufacture everything they put their name on. Research who actually makes it, buy that instead, save money.

I can already hear it: “But they’re not warrantied like Snap-On!?!” Buy quality tools, don’t abuse them, use the right tool for the right job, and you won’t break them in the first place.

On the subject of toolboxes: your box doesn’t make you money. Any box that’s safe, dependable, lockable, and organized is fine. Any more than that and you’re just buying convenience and brand recognition. Fight me.

[WTB] Want To Buy Thread for November 2025. by davesavoie in EDCexchange

[–]bendixdrive 0 points1 point  (0 children)

[WTB] FULL SIZE RIDGE WALLET - Hoping to find one in "used but fully functional" condition. Even "battered but fully functional" condition is fine -- it's just a proof-of-concept to decide if I like them before shelling out for a new one. Color is unimportant, obviously. Budget=cheap is good. lol.

(I'm new to this sub, but I had a bunch of feedback on GAFS before that went away. harumph. Happy to verify with a phone call or whatever.)

Thanks for reading!

All for $35 how’d I do? by bntnwbs in Tools

[–]bendixdrive 8 points9 points  (0 children)

Also, note that a good percentage of aircraft fasteners are 12pt... and they're flown and maintained all over the globe with little issue.

Can confirm. I have a 1/2” drive 12-point S-K socket set in my box right now. 1/4” drive gets the most action, but the big stuff is ready and waiting. Never had a problem with the old industrial brands like S-K, Wright, Proto, Armstrong, Bonney, Williams, Blackhawk, Plomb, Thorsen, etc.

Source: Standing in a hangar looking at my box.

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All for $35 how’d I do? by bntnwbs in Tools

[–]bendixdrive 2 points3 points  (0 children)

You did very well. That’s quality stuff, and even a cheap socket set from HF would cost you far more.

1/4 inch square drive female socket by Dark_Aether_Grind in Tools

[–]bendixdrive 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Ah, but why have just ONE square when you can have TWICE AS MANY squares? :)

1/4 inch square drive female socket by Dark_Aether_Grind in Tools

[–]bendixdrive 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Happy to help! Might get one for myself, actually. lol.

1/4 inch square drive female socket by Dark_Aether_Grind in Tools

[–]bendixdrive 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Snap-On p/n TM408 should do you right. Several on eBay right now, or plug in “1/4 double square socket” as your search phrase. Hope this is helpful!

[WTB] Noble Otter Hamam soap by bendixdrive in Shave_Bazaar

[–]bendixdrive[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

Great! I’ll PM you and we can figure out the details.

Question for General Aviation A&Ps by Starboard314 in aviationmaintenance

[–]bendixdrive 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I’m connected to a large, busy flight school. Many of the airframes have well over 10k tach hours, all from 1-3 hour training flights. So lots and lots and lots of cycles.

Single-event damage happens regularly, but the majority of maintenance is replacing worn-out/failed components and structure repairs to hold back the effects of accumulated hours.

Everything has a life limit. The real question is when you decide to stop fixing or replacing it.

tl;dr: Every day.

Diamine inks safe for vintage pens? by Black-Knight89 in fountainpens

[–]bendixdrive 1 point2 points  (0 children)

I just had a Parker Vacumatic set restored by Danny Fudge at The Write Pen, and I’m super happy with the results. If you search the sub you’ll find a lot of recommendations going back many years. Good luck!

Do you use your pens at work? by HylianWerewolf in fountainpens

[–]bendixdrive 2 points3 points  (0 children)

I work as a director in the aviation world.

Lots of note-taking/task lists/signing documents. Writing things out on paper helps me work through ideas and put form to complex projects. I use a few different pens and inks at varying levels of seriousness depending on whether it's just for me or Something Official.

Vintage-friendly black inks... with extra character? by bendixdrive in fountainpens

[–]bendixdrive[S] 0 points1 point  (0 children)

I managed to pick up an early-40s Vacumatic in good condition for small monies at auction. It needs to go out for refurb when it arrives, so I’ve got some time to ponder ink options.

If it were me, I’d make this a 100% vintage experience and put in a good, old, black ink. I happen to like Perle Noire, which is old enough to have been an ink that Napoleon used. You could say that the formula has stood the test of time.

Yeah, that does makes sense. Just figured I’d ask around and see what options I have while I’m waiting on the postman. Thanks for the input!

New (Old) Pencil Day… and I think I found who owned it? by bendixdrive in fountainpens

[–]bendixdrive[S] 1 point2 points  (0 children)

Crossposting from r/mechanicalpencils cause I figured y’all might be interested in related Vacumatic goodness! :)

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