Yea I admit he doesnt teach us to improvise. He goes by the saying "Use the right tool for the right job and use it correctly". He thought I was crazy for using power steering stop leak in a leaky engine hoist jack.
I get what your saying though. Key word improvise.
The real deal here is, IF YOUR GOING TO BE A MECHANIC, THINK LIKE A MECHANIC. A mechanic should have a mind of enginuity and be able to figure things out. Many times, a GOOD MECHANIC can figure out a "work around" method of getting something done much quicker than he can get in his ride and go the auto or tool store and spend money on a too.. I use channelocks and screwdriver to do drum brakes, I have a junky set of Taiwan sockets my bro was throwing away. I kept them. I use them all the time, for pounding bearing races, pushing U-joints out of driveshafts with my vise, bushing installers, and a host of other things since they come in various sizes. I use all threads for pulles, I use all thread, nuts and washers for spring compressors. I've taken a stick of flat bar before, drilled a couple holes in it, and with some nuts and bolts, make steering wheel pullers, which now I do have a harmonic balance puller that I use for a steering wheel puller. When I was building motors, working on cars, changing timing chains, I could justify the $20 for a Craftsman Harmonic Balance puller and it was usually used at least once a week, usually twice. When I had a tough, it stripped the fine threads of the tool using an impact air gun, Sears traded it out for a new one.
Just saying, not ALL special tools are needed, and your teacher if failing you students by not allowing you or making you learn to improvise with what you have. The challenge for you is going to be, learn what your teacher says to learn, and incorporate what members from forums are telling you too. Neither is likley wrong since it is good to know of the special tools out there, but if anyone is wrong, it would be your teacher. Don't get into a pissing match telling members they are wrong that your teacher said, or tell your teacher he is wrong the guys on the forum said... By doing that, you'll offend people and they will shut doors on you and then when you need that second opinion, you're going to be told to go **** off. You're best bet is to listen to everyone's idea, the right way, and the improvised way then pull the trigger on what works best for you with what you have on hand to deal with.
