scratches, bruses, etc... from changing out my rear main seal a couple of weeks ago do the techs have any thoughts/suggestions on either how to prevent them or eliminate them completely when working on an automobile? I know there there are certain techniques that you can (which I do) and I have seen different types of gloves but is there any one good answer? The heat shields caused me the most grief while under there.
thanks
Jim
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

My only advice is to be more careful.

Vin

Jim,

Have you considered gloves and a old long sleeve shirt?

I use "Mechanix" gloves to work under the hood. They cost about $30 come is different colors and can be machine washed, they are made of Leather and spandex and will save your hands many times! You can even handle hot parts as the surface is fairly thick.

You do give up some sensitivity in handling items but I feel the trade off is well worth it. No more scrapped knuckles or cuts!

I tried the Mechanix brand gloves this weekend when I replaced the calipers on the 240d. They really do protect your hands from minor scrapes & cuts. I got mine from Advance Auto for $18.00.

__________________
1980 Mercedes 240D
1982 Mercedes 300SD
1985 Mercedes 300D
1993 Dodge Cummins Turbo Diesel

I will take a look at Advance next time I am there.

Jim
'95 E320
'97 Honda CRV

I've never had any luck with gloves. I just got used to having my hands beat up all the time. My wife will ask "what happened to your hand?" I almost always have to answer "I don't know".

I have a neighbor that can do more delicate work with gloves on than anyone I've ever seen. I'll bet he could overhaul a watch with them on. I've seen him pick up a 1/4" nut and thread it with just plain old work gloves on.

I don't think I could thread a 3/4" nut with a pair of surgeons gloves on.

There is one tip I can offer. Don't push on a wrench or ratchet with your hand wrapped completely around it. Try to get in position to pull. If you can't pull and must push, try to use the palm of your hand. If you push with wrapped hand and it slips, it's knuckle trash time.

Good luck,

I've had similar experiences as Larry except my wife doesn't ask anymore. I prefer to feel the nuts and bolts with my fingers, I just haven't worn gloves enough to get used to them.

After repeatedly scraping my wrist (against a shield) while getting the drain plug out on my E320, I took an extra 5 minutes to remove the shield. This was the best 5 minutes I spent.

If there is an obstruction in the way any can be removed easily, I find that the job goes faster (with less scrapes and cuts) by removing the obstruction.

__________________
Ray
1998 Mercedes E320, 200K Miles
2001 Acura 3.2TL, 178K Miles
1992 Chevy Astro, 205K Miles

The bumps, bruises and cuts just seem to come with the job. After years of playing around the sharp edges, I (and my wife) have gotten used to it. In fact, it's almost a little like "Tim the toolman". I have to admit though, that the front sub-frame mount job was one of the few larger jobs I've done with out getting a single bump, bruise or scratch. The only thing I can attribute it to is I proceeded very slowly. I usually try to knock out a job quickly and I think that the 'speed' may be at least partly responsible.

While **it happens from time to time, I'm going to try this slower approach on my next repair I kinda like not having to heal .

__________________
Mike Tangas
'73 280SEL 4.5 (9/72)- RIP
Only 8,173 units built from 5/71 thru 11/72

'02 CLK320 Cabriolet - wifey's mid-life crisis

2012 VW Jetta Sportwagon TDI...at least its a diesel

Non illegitemae carborundum.

I've come to the conclusion that the DIY gods demand a blood sacrifice to ensure long-lasting results