PSA: using a rubber mallet instead of a metal one saved me hours on panel work

Was fighting with a stubborn access panel on a 737 last month, kept denting the edges with my standard hammer. Lead mechanic walked by and just handed me this old rubber mallet he had, said "try this." One tap and it popped right in, no damage. Been using one ever since for anything that doesn't need real force. Why didnt anyone tell me this sooner? Has anyone else got a simple tool swap that made a big difference?

3 comments

3 Comments

the_cameron20d ago

You ever read that old saying about using the right tool for the job? I picked up a tip from a forum about using a piece of wood as a drift punch for alignment work and it saved me a ton of headaches. Sometimes the simplest swap makes all the difference.

jana11918d ago

A short piece of 2x4 saved me from mangling a couple of bolts just last week.

the_sandra20d ago

Oh man, using wood as a drift punch is a classic move. I've definitely used a scrap 2x4 when I couldn't find the right tool and it worked like a charm until I smashed my thumb. It's not the most elegant solution, but hey, whatever gets the job done without making a trip to the hardware store.