When the Instructions Say DO NOT USE A HAMMER...

[Donn]

Don't use a hammer.

Oh, OK - how about, beat on it with a heavy wrench? I can't recall that it ever worked when I've tried it, but you know what they say, if at first you fail, then you flail.

[Three Valves]

How do you fix stupid?

[pwhitaker]

A fine example of cut and paste.

[Tubaryan12]

Over the years, I've screwed up less-and-less often when repairing people's instruments.

Maybe (??), I've gotten better at this stuff, but (more likely) I suspect that I've become better-and-better at telling people, "No thanks. I don't care to attempt to repair that."

I do the same thing when working on relatives cars. I have one simple rule: If the tools I have at my disposal cannot extract the part, you have to take it to a professional.

[alfredr]

And when the instructions say to replace the plastic connectors on the fuel lines every time you unhook them, do it. They may not hold a second time, and when they don't, your car will pump half a tank of gas out on the ground before you can say, "do I smell gas?" and you still have to get back into it and change them.

Sometimes they know what they are talking about.

[iiipopes]

Most of the posts above have been by those of the TNFJ who also are versed, trained, and experienced in handling tools in general.

By contrast, most of these home DIY kits, whether by IKEA, Sullivan, WalMart, et al, are sold to people who don't have a clue as to which end of a hand tool to pick up.

For example: the above posts on hammers: we all know to use a soft mallet and choke up on the handle to ease a piece into position rather than bash away with a framing hammer.

Second example: we all know how to lower the torque and use an electric screwdriver gently to save the time (and our wrists), instead of putting a bit in a power drill and chewing the stuffing out of the screw and the part.

Third, and most important: The main reason for these directions is for the company to be able to dishonor a warranty from improper assembly techniques so the company doesn't have to spend any money on returns.

And most of all, which we all follow, Harry Calahan's advice: "A man's got to know his limitations."

[roweenie]

https://youtu.be/IcvxBDiC8QQ" target="_blank

[Three Valves]

Your problem isn't that you used a hammer.

Your problem is that the hammer you used wasn't big enough!!

[Three Valves]

Anesthetic!! Anesthetic!!

[MaryAnn]

Your problem isn't that you used a hammer.

Your problem is that the hammer you used wasn't big enough!!

Yeah, I thought the rule was "if a little hammer doesn't work, use a bigger hammer!"

[Three Valves]

Here, hold my beer.

And hand me that "BFH!!"

[Donn]

Your problem isn't that you used a hammer.

Your problem is that the hammer you used wasn't big enough!!

Yeah, I thought the rule was "if a little hammer doesn't work, use a bigger hammer!"

And "if it sticks, force it - if it breaks, was going to need fixing anyway." Hammer's good for that.

[edsel585960]

Percussive maintenence is the only way to get it done sometimes. (that and bailing wire/duct tape)

[sushi20j]

Here, hold my beer.

And hand me that "BFH!!"

Hammer size is generally relative to the number of beers consumed before that statement is made.

[windshieldbug]

That’s what they make “C”-clamps for...