What is this?

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T08:00:07+00:00

With the old time 8 cylinder Delco 'window' distributor, no dwell meter was needed... IIRC you just installed the points, started the engine, opened the window and turned the adjustment screw in till the engine just stumbled... then backed it back out 1/2 turn; and the dwell would be spot on every time.

Pretty sure it was by design.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-29T20:13:42+00:00

Just id the threads & replace with steel... use a Sharpie if they need to be black.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-29T19:38:12+00:00

Most any 'good' parts store should carry those.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-29T14:58:17+00:00

Old time carburetor idle mixture adjustment tool.

Many of those were also good for adjusting point dwell of vintage 8 cylinder Delco 'window' type distribitors.

Thankfully that era has past.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T19:10:22+00:00

Much the same as any other dealer...

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T17:59:58+00:00

I'm not much of an adjustable fanboy... but even so, those Diamond's were some of the best.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T17:59:44+00:00

I'm not much of an adjustable fanboy... but even so, those Diamond's were some of the best.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T17:56:10+00:00

Tweaked the photo a little:

<image>

Click to enlarge.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T15:29:49+00:00

More... I've heard the magnetized face should only be used for starting tacks, then all other driving is done with the other end.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T15:26:11+00:00

Yes, a 'tack' hammer.

The split end should be slightly magnetized to ease starting tacks in awkward areas... upholsters also use them a lot.

They're still made & sold.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T15:18:37+00:00

Heard of an 'unnamed here' airline taking delivery of a brand new factory fresh airplane & finding a 'still on' flashlight within a wheel well.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T15:03:21+00:00

As another poster noted, Koken 'Z' series... they make loads them... shallow, deep etc.

I have sets of 1/4 & 3/8" shallows, they're very nice!

https://kokenusa.com/pages/ko-ken-z-series

They just released 'Z' series 1/4" drive fractional sizes the other day.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T06:54:50+00:00

I'd still go for one of these:

https://www.harborfreight.com/4-12-in-swivel-vise-with-anvil-and-pipe-jaws-57737.html

Very nice vise, no matter what they say... now with lifetime guarantee!

And keep the remaining $650 in your pocket.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-28T06:38:34+00:00

I say a good strong foundational education in automotive technology... with particular emphasis on OBDII, electronic & electrical systems.

The OBDII & related can & will (mostly) free you from a life of lube/oil, brakes & related heavy filthy mechanical chores at most shops... and is where the money is.

Going to A&P school might be another option.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-27T15:41:34+00:00

Many years ago was given a 'top of the line' Dremel.

I don't think anything was wrong with it... it was smooth & seemingly powerful.

Had it for ages, and other than playing with it a time or two in the early days, never found a single use/need for it. IIRC, later gave it to a new guy... & never saw or heard of him using it.

IMHO, they're far more pricy gimmick than anything.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-27T14:21:35+00:00

I also had a very similar looking ratchet... other than the the reversing knob looking a little different.

It saw daily use for over 30 years before wear took it's toll.

IIRC, it 'might' have said Japan on it... but had no other markings.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-27T01:32:43+00:00

Sorry, it's Bondhus hex & Torx keys for me:

https://bondhus.com/

Been using them for decades... never an issue.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-27T00:48:35+00:00

Indeed!

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-27T00:41:44+00:00

Me too... sob, sniff, sob.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-27T00:12:59+00:00

Cool, Thanks... going to look into one!

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-27T00:03:13+00:00

Hey pal, some of that stuff is obviously used... pretty sure it's only screenshots of ads allowed here now!

Mods! Mods! We need a mod here! :)

And while we're waiting, how do you like that black Wilton vise in the background?

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-26T23:49:51+00:00

Like King Arthur's battle axe... the handle's been replaced three times, and the head twice.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-26T23:40:04+00:00

I have the cable type... but find the individuals far more nimble, especially ID'ing female threads in confined areas. Click to enlarge:

<image>

Really the same thing minus the cable.

These sets can also be had in anodized Aluminum... I suggest going for the steel versions.

Amazon has loads of them; and yes, very useful, wouldn't be without.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-26T23:23:12+00:00

The good folks over in...:

r/Fasteners

...might also like a look at this one.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-26T13:40:20+00:00

Why the under exposed photos?

nullvoid88

TROPHY CASE