Originally Posted by
Retro Grouch
Well, that's certainly one way of looking at the situation. Here's another:
When I started working on bikes I didn't have $25.00 to $40.00 to spend on bottom bracket tools so I learned to use what I had available. I still identify with people who have very limited resources struggling to keep an old bike operational.
IAWTC -Considering that for tools that might not be used again in a long time it
can be done without them -AND OLSO be a learning experience at the same time.
The right tools make the job easier, that much is for sure. If someone learns how to do it the hard way just imagine how much better of a mechanic they become! All too often modern wrenches are only parts-replacer monkeys and have no clue how to actually FIX things without the fancy tools and all new parts. With all the latest whiz-bang tools and all new parts an actual monkey from the zoo could be trained to fix anything. They wouldn't know exactly what they were doing as the tool would be doing all the work -they'd just be pushing a button or pulling a lever.