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Re: Body Tools (sorta long)

To: triumphs@Autox.Team.Net
Subject: Re: Body Tools (sorta long)
From: Sholtes IV <joeiv@concentric.net>
Date: Sat, 12 Apr 1997 21:05:23 -0400
References: <199704120835.CAA00684@triumph.cs.utah.edu>
Chuck Lattimer wrote:

> Greetings,
>     I am planning to buy a set of basic body tools and was wondering
> if it's really worth paying $30 for a dolly from Eastwood when you
> can buy a complete set from JC Whitney for less than $20.  I know
> that you usually get what you pay for, but is a machined chunk of
> steel really worth $30?
> 

Chuck,

   I am a bodyman (boy what is this, bodyman's anonymous?).  When I was
going to school, the teacher taught us to only buy quality tools-espec-
ially when your job depends on it.  I purchased all Fairmont brand body
tools, and never had a problem in 15 years.  To round out my set (you
can never have too many tools, right?) I purchased a set of cheapo dol-
lies & hammers.  I will admit, your logic is valid- for dollies only.
Cheapo dollies are softer metal,  will deform slightly with use, are
usually smaller, and are shaped differently- which may be a good thing.
I know I have taken advantage of that fact anyway.  But that was the
best of the worst.
  The real disadvantage to cheapo body tools is the hammers.  They are
usually smaller (both head and handle) and actually heaver, and not bal-
anced as well.  But the main problem with them is that the heads work 
loose, eventually falling off.  I personally feel insecure swinging a
hammer with a loosely fitting head, and can't concentrate on what I'm
doing.  The Fairmont heads never have gotten loose.
  Having said all this, the decision is this- if the price is important,
if you won't get any unless you are getting cheapo's, if you are only 
going to repair one or two dented up cars (how CAN one realy guage the
amount of use?) then not mind if the hammers give out, or if you really
don't mind using inferior tools, go for the cheapo's. 
  Just so you know where I stand, I will tell you that I never buy Sears
Craftsman ratchets or sockets because they don't meet my criteria for
durability.  I usually go with S-K, both brands are replacable, but when
a socket rounds out or a ratchet starts skipping at 4:00 P.M. on Sunday,
and I need a car running for work the next day, quality is more import-
ant than replacability.
  But I say that in all honesty, you should problably do all right with
cheapo's- for dollies only.

  Good luck,

                              JOE IV
                              TR 250
                        WALLINGFORD, CT. USA

P.S. Body hammers & dollies are also handy for MANY other projects also.



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