70solo2convert
Member
Flashback: Its the summer of 1980, and my 73 Mercury Capri with 2.0 4 cyl has rounded off a cam lobe. The cam installs into the head from the back, so that means taking off the head. After taking off the valve cover I discover that the head bolts are 12-point socket-head type, requiring a 12-point driver to remove. I run into town to get one (half hour one way), and discover that the import parts store has two sizes--10MM and 12MM. Not knowing which I need I buy both, use the 12MM to do the job, and toss both in my tool box.
Through almost 30 years and several working-service-manager gigs, I never again had a use for a 12 point driver, and now I'm 18 years removed from my last auto service position. A few weeks ago, I'm doing struts on my 01 VW GTI, and the Chilton manual says that the right half-shaft has to be detached from the drive flange on the transaxle. I'm all set to break out the 7MM hex driver like every previous VW half-shaft that I've seen, when what do I see but 6 12-point socket-head bolts. Yup, the 10MM driver that sat in my box for 30 years finally got used. When I went into the house that evening, SWMBO asked what the s****y grin on my face was for. When I told her, she just rolled her eyes, then said that doesn't mean that I can buy all manner of tools that I have no immediate use for on the off chance that I might need them in 30 years. What a spoil-sport.
Through almost 30 years and several working-service-manager gigs, I never again had a use for a 12 point driver, and now I'm 18 years removed from my last auto service position. A few weeks ago, I'm doing struts on my 01 VW GTI, and the Chilton manual says that the right half-shaft has to be detached from the drive flange on the transaxle. I'm all set to break out the 7MM hex driver like every previous VW half-shaft that I've seen, when what do I see but 6 12-point socket-head bolts. Yup, the 10MM driver that sat in my box for 30 years finally got used. When I went into the house that evening, SWMBO asked what the s****y grin on my face was for. When I told her, she just rolled her eyes, then said that doesn't mean that I can buy all manner of tools that I have no immediate use for on the off chance that I might need them in 30 years. What a spoil-sport.
