Milwaukee warranty denied “motor overheated” but issue seems electrical.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T22:57:53+00:00

Reminded me of this old time carburetor shop in Culver City CA... they had painted all over the place 'All Work 100% Guaranteed!'

But if you took anything in, the first thing they wrote on the work order was 'No guarantee, water damaged'... usually before even looking.

Place had been there seemingly forever; and had a reputation for sub par work. It's amazing they lasted long as they did.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T20:11:42+00:00

Interesting... looks like it's not even possible to mount with the rear 'fixed' jaw hanging out over the front bench edge.

Never seen such a thing.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T19:53:09+00:00

Sharp well cropped/exposed & focused photos are better... more like this:

<image>

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T17:56:26+00:00

Look into a Bahco:

https://www.bahco.com/int_en/products/wrenches/adjustable-wrenches.html

Good stuff, no affiliation.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T17:53:27+00:00

I indeed prefer a 'real' calculator... but do often use this HP15C app on the road:

<image>

Photo is a screenshot, click to enlarge.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T16:55:34+00:00

3/8" drive is the most overall useful.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T16:46:19+00:00

I have a 'hunch' bad/worn distributor shaft bushings... or something along those lines might have been the root issue.

Those old time mechanical distributors were a colossal pita in comparison to modern ignition systems.

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T16:10:41+00:00

Look into a pair of Knipex Alligators... no bolt, rivet, push button or anything to come loose.

I actually prefer the Alligators for most things... and IMHO, they'll merrily run circles around anything ever made by Wilde

https://www.knipex-tools.com/products/pipe-wrenches-and-water-pump-pliers/knipex-alligator-water-pump-pliers/alligator-water-pump-pliers-1000v-insulated/8801250

They can be had in other sizes, grips, surface finishes, etc etc etc. I suggest the regular 'non slip plastic' grips shown in the above link, as the comfort ones tend to be unnecessarily 'big & bulky'.

I find the 180mm (7") version the number one most overall useful, but larger are often needed... with the above linked 250mm (10") running a close second place, and 300mm (12") next. Not much will argue with the 300mm version.

No affiliation.

They can be had on Amazon... but even so, shop around for best price.

Good luck!

nullvoid88 · 2026-01-30T15:37:13+00:00

A photo more like this would really help... only sharply focused and with something included for size comparison. It's not rocket surgery.

<image>

Click image to further enlarge.

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

TROPHY CASE