I know how most of the tools in my garage work. At least, I think I do. I’m sure there are greater uses for a handful of the bits of metal and plastic floating around in this messy domain. But I also know that I have tools that I don’t know how to use. Take, for example, the new ones that just showed up at my door the other day.
In light of some fresh funkiness as it relates to the driving capability of my 1967 Ford Mustang, the car requires a proper alignment. When I first set tire to ground, I eyeballed the alignment and everything has been just fine. In fact, the car actually tracked remarkably straight. But now I need to give the car a proper alignment, and I purchased some tools to do a better job than my 46-year-old eyeballs could do alone.
I bought a camber-caster gauge and a set of toe-in plates from Summit Racing. I’ve never used either before, but I’m going to have to figure it out. The Mustang alignment has turned stupid, and I need to fix it.
I took the Mustang for a spin and discovered both front tires were slightly toed out. Thinking one of the tie-rod ends had somehow become loose, I adjusted the passenger-side end and brought the wheel back into alignment. Then I took the car for another short drive, and all seemed fine. But a few right hand turns, and the squealing front passenger side tire was back.
Apparently, the eccentric bolt at the bottom of the control arm jumped a bit, and now things are wacky. The plan is to swap those bolts for a Hotchkis kit that converts them to regular bolts. Before those go in, however, I need to get the alignment… aligned.
So that’s why I now own a new set of tools that I have no idea how to use. But I’ll learn.
What are some tools you own and have no idea how to use? Sound off in the comments.
