My son

[Brian_B]

He is 17 years old, and loves working on the Bronco II, which we let him drive. I am not a good mechanic, I am not the best role model for learning anything to do with mechanical stuff, but I can usually stumble around and figure stuff out - I'm a decent "handyman".

He's been working on replacing some of the front suspension bushings, which are wore out. He comes in just a few minutes ago -

"Dad, I think I broke your 1/2 breaker bar"

How on earth did you do that?

"I have no idea, it just twisted. I think it must have been bad when you bought it (aside: it's a 20 year old Craftsman...). I was using the cheater bar like you showed me and everything."

Well... I guess I can't really yell at him for that.

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[MadMan4BamaNATL]

That’s just awesome! Bet you two will be telling this story and laughing about it for the next 30-40 years.

Don’t have to be a good mechanic; most of us aren’t, but you guys working things out will be great bonding.

Tell him, remember, go gentle until you can’t.

 

[Lowcountry Bronco]

The Christmas after my 16th birthday, Dad got me a set of Craftsman tools since I had an old beater Mustang. Although he'd worked various forms of construction most of my learning came from trial and error along with a few friends that were "mechanics". Kudos to your son, today there's not many kids that are inclined to learn how to fix things but those that are have it allot easier with forums like this and videos that break down the process.

 

[bkirchhoff]

This brings back some great memories. My first car was an '84 Bronco II. While I fixed some things on it back at 16, our family also developed a close, personal relationship with our neighborhood mechanic. He once joked that my Bronco paid for his new fishing boat. At least...I think that was a joke? I sure do miss that little truck.

 

[KABQ]

Coming from a mechanic, he did everything right.

"Don't force it, get a bigger hammer or a longer lever."

 

[dgorsett]

The Christmas after my 16th birthday, Dad got me a set of Craftsman tools since I had an old beater Mustang. Although he'd worked various forms of construction most of my learning came from trial and error along with a few friends that were "mechanics". Kudos to your son, today there's not many kids that are inclined to learn how to fix things but those that are have it allot easier with forums like this and videos that break down the process.

My folks got me a set of Power Craft tools. Montgomery Wards lifetime guarantee tools. I don't think I ever broke one, good thing since I can't find a Wards store. I still have them.

 

[Lowcountry Bronco]

My folks got me a set of Power Craft tools. Montgomery Wards lifetime guarantee tools. I don't think I ever broke one, good thing since I can't find a Wards store. I still have them.

I had to look up Montgomery Wards, been a long time since I heard their name. Looks like their name got sold off in 2004 and are online only under that new ownership but they don't cover any previous MW warranties.

Sears sold off the Craftsman name awhile back and they're all made overseas now but never broke an original one either and have most the original mixed in with all my other tools.

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