Originally Posted by dhjenkins

Good for you. However, that's your experience - and I'm willing to bet that the vast majority of people on here are not mechanics.

I've only worked on cars for 15 years, so I guess you've got me beat, and the only "strawmen" I know of got tossed out at halloween.

Of course, I've been burned, cut, scraped and pretty well banged up in those 15 years. You must be some sort of miracle man if you've never had a mishap - especially with your attitude on safety.

I'm glad you're not intimidated - after 40 years without a scratch, you shouldn't be; but do you really think it's a good idea to treat everyone else on here like they also have 40+ years experience, when most of them have probably done little else than fill their gas tank or check their oil?

Have I cranked over a starter by touching the contacts with my screwdriver? Yes. Would I recommend that practice to someone who's never even seen their starter before? No.

You have faith in your abilities and equipment - that's super. Most people here have neither, and yet you'd still try to instill the same faith in them.

Safety comes first. Always.