I'm a 40 yr mechanic/diag tech, who also likes sewing machines. the stitch picker or seam ripper is a great tool. I always make sure the ball tip goes on the inside to prevent pricking the loom....good that someone has brought this to to the world Cheers mate...
Right with you been using one or them for years I'm 62 grew up in my dad's Standard Oil service station he he was there 52+yrs I built my own shop still helped him never forgot where I came from. All in all after he got rid of Standard Oil American Oil of Indiana he went independent for awhile then with Union 76 about 6 more years he was the last man standing here as full service station till the town rooted him out stole his property that was his retirement go up fill the pop machines pump a little bit of gas see his farmer buddies his customers were more than customers they were his friends needless to say he had a nervous breakdown to old to farm new technologies the station was his everything
@@ronaldcallaway3139 So Sorry to hear that, Ron, i Pray that your Dad is recovering,it is an all too Familiar scenario, when the Big Money machine steam rollers into every area,it destroys everything that other Hardworking people have toiled away all their lives for, only to be crushed and with just fading memories left behind, something seriously needs to be addressed here, Peoples rights should always prevail over profit or so called 'modernization' you take care my friend, and may you all be Blessed 😇😇,,,🙂
Thanks! I,m retired now bu the sewing stitch cutter was great. The rest I knew. I wired street rods on the side for other shops. until my back & neck said no more. I still get a call once in a while & it's been 15 years ago that I quit.
I like the stitch ripper on wiring looms, I do a lot of loom repair and modification, this could speed up the process over a razor that I normally use. Maybe blunt the ripper tip on a stone so it isn't as sharp. I like the socket idea for tape, I use pencils, pens or other small objects but I can pop a 1/4 drive socket on my screw gun and power wind the tape on fast! NICE.
Great tips! Thanks! When you are looking for vacuum leaks sometimes it is easier to turn off the lights and use a laser or flashlight to search for the smoke. If there is too much light (overall) it tends to make the smoke harder to see.
I wrap tape or ptfe around the stubs of pencils. You can get into some very tight slots without needing your fingers to get fully behind or underneath. Rolls of Hep2o come with a tape slicer, basically a scalpel blade with a small section of the cutting edge open, but a plastic leading edge. Some silicon lubricant stops most adhesion to tape.
Hey Darren, I've used the tape roll method for years, but a little different - not around a socket, use around a foot or so of tape and roll it back into a tiny roll inside out so the adhesive is on the outside and then the tape rolls onto the wire as you wrap it. It's now a tiny roll and easily goes through a small gap if your taping an individual wire. I'm so buying some thread unpickers soon though and using the temp gun laser with the smoke - good tips👍
I'm gonna try the inside out tape deal, actually right now. Yeah shrink tubing nice, but when you slipped and sliced off some insulation off the wire!? Think it's just the thing, I use 3m tape, it's stretchy, sticks, good. Always have trouble with the ending. That's where it first starts coming apart later.
Hey so I took one of those old stitch remover tools from my mom's sewing set, I also took a file to that point and turned it into more of a beveled nub, it works sooo good! You're a genius man.
I purchased a bunch of these seam rippers. While working at Raytheon aerospace. I was a prediction controller. We were climbing into the jet aircraft for the air national guard. Redoing the wiring. Safest way possible.
The laser doesn't show up well in this video because the lighting for the video is bright, but it really does work. Especially in dark spots, like above a fuel tank or in a wheel well around a filler neck. The beam shows up bright and obvious. I keep a laser pointer with all the smoke machine adapters.
Some very useful tips for non-tradespeople. Electricians can use side cutters and the Stanley knife with no issue. Very good point about looped wiring in the harness. As usual a down to earth and well-presented video.
I’ve been using hook utility blades for years but it’s not ideal because the end is sharp and you can still cut into wires if you’re not careful. This ideal is brilliant! I’ll have to try it.
Excellent tips. I've actually used the socket method for some time but the others are going in my toolbox as well. Weird thing happened while watching the section using the smoke machine. I actually started smelling a smoke machine odor here siting at home. LoL
Never thought of the sewing stitch picker. I'm more apt to risk it with a knife tip and have gotten bit in more ways than one... Guess I need to get one! 👍
Thanks for the Tips! I actually have a snap-on seam ripper for my tape cutting needs, very handy indeed, but beware if you get too rammy with it, you can definitely skin wires with it!
Excellent tips especially for tractors where manufacturers often chuck the wiring looms in without adequate protection and the cables become brittle with age which can then be further compounded when the rats decide to have a nibble. These days with all the fiddley little wires often interwoven through all the other pipe work running to all the multitude of sensors it can be very tricky to get your fingers in . I would recommend some spring hooks by Precise Hand tools LTD on E-Bay possibly available elsewhere. There are two versions a SS21 and a SS22 apparently made in Japan. These little hooks are useful for separating electric wires and much better than other cheapo versions I have used.
A MENDA 35250 Threader, Wire, for Harness tool is useful. Designed to slip in to a loom but the channel can also be used to run your blade along to cut the tape while protecting the wires.
Just found your site, and subscribed immediately. I'm in South Africa and am busy with a Ford Bantam 1.6i, can't get anything that helps with wiring repairs. Had to replace wiper switch cluster as someone broke the stalk off, only Mazda Drifter spare which does not correspond to old one. Lots of sweat and leg cramps in such a confined space trying to rewire. Will definitely be looking into Alldata, although s a State pensioner I could not afford the subs. A small tip for what it's worth, when using the stitch ripper, I always slide the cap on the back of it, gives much better control.
I used my smoke machine on my Skoda 1.9 TDI about 3 months ago and found a leak from my injector wiring loom. Bit of gasket seal sorted it out ha ha. I love my smoke machine such a fantastic tool.
These are great hacks, all of them! (Even if you didn’t come up with them yourself) Always great for all of us to share ideas and everyone can benefit!
also, while we are here, the wrapping paper rippee/cutter works well too. it has a larger handle and is a bit bulkier but easier to grab, ans the head/cutting area is larger; however, it does a decent job of slicing thin materials like paper, tubing, tape, etc.
1. Yes, seam rippers are handy! 2. Nah. Unclip the connector and then you'll have room for the tape roll. I got a roll of tape with a plastic holder 40+ years ago. It had a pair of U shaped extensions on one side and a triangular cutter farther around. It was used to hold the tape to the cable bunch while wrapping, then cut the end when you got through. I found a replacement for it a couple years ago and the concept still works like a charm. 3. Who has smoke generators lying around? LOL Good one, sir.
If you have to reach into a tough spot to put a nut/bolt in place and want it to fall out of the socket before it gets there. Take the right socket for the job put a paper towel between the nut/bolt and the socket press it in the tension created holds the nut/bolt so you can work it in when you remove the socket the paper just falls away.
Yes, use a pencil. You can sometimes get these very short pencils like they use on golf courses or at IKEA. Or use a long pencil depending on your situation. A metal socket? Not a chance. Because if you drop it, you may have a problem you didn’t anticipate. Like falling into a manifold. Much harder to lose a bright yellow number two pencil.
So we call those seam rippers in the former colonies. Also we don't use open flames for light. Torches went out of style hundreds of years ago. We use flashlights.
@@MechanicMindset i bet they watched your video, and promptly got it manufactured, these 'sneaky' money grabbers then got them poor underpaid Chinese workers to work their Buts off, and then almost give their stocks away at pennies, to the already Fatcat stooges in Kenosha, so we can all proudly display their Hierarchical 'Badge' of Merit 🤔😑
Where did the idea of wires looped in a harness to reduce interference come from? All that I have ever learnt about cables and interference says that a loop could only make it worse.
It’s the length of the cable that’s significant. Changing the length then tunes it to another less problematic frequency. Like when you see the army jeeps with big long antennas, that’s for lower frequencies. Mobile phones have very short antennas for high frequencies. There’s a bit more to it than that for which I didn’t get too invested 😆
That little tool is called a seam ripper and is most commonly found in your wife's sewing basket. Lol, but don't forget to return it clean and undamaged.
I chop the end of a pencil and wrap tape around it to help wrap anything in a tight space. PTFE tape can be wrapped the same way to get to those pesky fittings close to the wall or under the sink! Happy to be retired in Cyprus! 🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🍺
I would add more tape to the socket than needed so it can be held and the tape cut with scissors so there's less risk of dropping the socket into the engine area.
Vacuum leaks are a pest, hoses gaskets etc. run engine and spray brake cleaner or ( Tractor Smack as I call it! Ether ) When the revs pick up that’s your leak area because the engine draws in the combustible component through the leak . Also guys, look at your engine at night and trace possible plug wire jump or spark scattering. Regards: Ken
@@MechanicMindset i always had a problem trying to find that whips of smoke and this will help me diagnose sooo much better. I tried the dye method it never really worked for me.
I'm a 40 yr mechanic/diag tech, who also likes sewing machines. the stitch picker or seam ripper is a great tool. I always make sure the ball tip goes on the inside to prevent pricking the loom....good that someone has brought this to to the world Cheers mate...
Good job
Right with you been using one or them for years I'm 62 grew up in my dad's Standard Oil service station he he was there 52+yrs I built my own shop still helped him never forgot where I came from. All in all after he got rid of Standard Oil American Oil of Indiana he went independent for awhile then with Union 76 about 6 more years he was the last man standing here as full service station till the town rooted him out stole his property that was his retirement go up fill the pop machines pump a little bit of gas see his farmer buddies his customers were more than customers they were his friends needless to say he had a nervous breakdown to old to farm new technologies the station was his everything
My mother called the tool a thread ripper.
@@ronaldcallaway3139 So Sorry to hear that, Ron, i Pray that your Dad is recovering,it is an all too Familiar scenario, when the Big Money machine steam rollers into every area,it destroys everything that other Hardworking people have toiled away all their lives for, only to be crushed and with just fading memories left behind, something seriously needs to be addressed here, Peoples rights should always prevail over profit or so called 'modernization' you take care my friend, and may you all be Blessed 😇😇,,,🙂
RUclips is slipping,. I needed this video last summer
Thanks! I,m retired now bu the sewing stitch cutter was great. The rest I knew. I wired street rods on the side for other shops. until my back & neck said no more. I still get a call once in a while & it's been 15 years ago that I quit.
1st tool is called a seam ripper here in the US.
I like the stitch ripper on wiring looms, I do a lot of loom repair and modification, this could speed up the process over a razor that I normally use. Maybe blunt the ripper tip on a stone so it isn't as sharp. I like the socket idea for tape, I use pencils, pens or other small objects but I can pop a 1/4 drive socket on my screw gun and power wind the tape on fast! NICE.
Just use the side that has the little ball tip
What a great idea. I've spent too much time removing tape from harnesses, This will definitely speed up the removal. 👍
Great tips! Thanks! When you are looking for vacuum leaks sometimes it is easier to turn off the lights and use a laser or flashlight to search for the smoke. If there is too much light (overall) it tends to make the smoke harder to see.
I wrap tape or ptfe around the stubs of pencils. You can get into some very tight slots without needing your fingers to get fully behind or underneath. Rolls of Hep2o come with a tape slicer, basically a scalpel blade with a small section of the cutting edge open, but a plastic leading edge. Some silicon lubricant stops most adhesion to tape.
Hey Darren, I've used the tape roll method for years, but a little different - not around a socket, use around a foot or so of tape and roll it back into a tiny roll inside out so the adhesive is on the outside and then the tape rolls onto the wire as you wrap it. It's now a tiny roll and easily goes through a small gap if your taping an individual wire.
I'm so buying some thread unpickers soon though and using the temp gun laser with the smoke - good tips👍
I like that idea to make your own roll of tape 👍 cheers!
I'm gonna try the inside out tape deal, actually right now. Yeah shrink tubing nice, but when you slipped and sliced off some insulation off the wire!? Think it's just the thing, I use 3m tape, it's stretchy, sticks, good. Always have trouble with the ending. That's where it first starts coming apart later.
It's easier to just remove the center cardboard and squish it through this way you have a loop to keep tension on the loom
@@mydroidid Nice idea
@@michaelvette7659 I always keep a small bottle of liquid tape in my box. Works well for those oh sheee@ situations
Love the stitch cutter idea. I’ve seen the tape roller before. Thanks!
I fixed heavy equipment for 47 years and I just learned something new.👍
as the old saying goes; 'there is always something new,and can learn from everyone' 🙂
Clever. I use the razor knife but with the cutting edge up, not down. Stitch-ripper, genius. Subscribed.
Hey so I took one of those old stitch remover tools from my mom's sewing set, I also took a file to that point and turned it into more of a beveled nub, it works sooo good! You're a genius man.
🤣 don’t get in trouble
I purchased a bunch of these seam rippers. While working at Raytheon aerospace. I was a prediction controller. We were climbing into the jet aircraft for the air national guard. Redoing the wiring. Safest way possible.
Cool! Count them out, count them in, right?
The seam ripper tool is what we used at the Mercedes plant in Alabama. I still use it today at home.
I just started using these seam rippers and it saves a lot of time.
Iv been doing auto electric work for 50 years. I am amazed! Great suggestions, just when I thought I knew it all.......
something to learn from everyone, as my Dad used to say,,,🙂👍
The laser doesn't show up well in this video because the lighting for the video is bright, but it really does work. Especially in dark spots, like above a fuel tank or in a wheel well around a filler neck. The beam shows up bright and obvious. I keep a laser pointer with all the smoke machine adapters.
Some very useful tips for non-tradespeople. Electricians can use side cutters and the Stanley knife with no issue. Very good point about looped wiring in the harness. As usual a down to earth and well-presented video.
Cheers Colin, I usually risked it with a knife or unwrapped it. This is pretty cool though 👍
Light pressure with blade wont cut throughinsulation
Nice work. A strobe light also helps see smoke movement.
Stay gold.
I’ve been using hook utility blades for years but it’s not ideal because the end is sharp and you can still cut into wires if you’re not careful. This ideal is brilliant! I’ll have to try it.
Great use for a stitch ripper! I see some previous comments that Snap-On offers something like it to the pro market.
no doubt at a 'Snap Off' price too,,i think the Pound shop has something in their store,,worth having a mooch i guess 🙂
Excellent tips. I've actually used the socket method for some time but the others are going in my toolbox as well.
Weird thing happened while watching the section using the smoke machine. I actually started smelling a smoke machine odor here siting at home. LoL
your not on 'crack' are you, dude 🤔,,Lol 😁
These are also known as "seam rippers" by people who sew. Brilliant hack, thanks!
Never thought of the sewing stitch picker. I'm more apt to risk it with a knife tip and have gotten bit in more ways than one... Guess I need to get one! 👍
Same 😆
Here in the States, Snap-On makes a beefier seam-ripper. The standard sewing seam-ripper has trouble cutting through old, dry electrical tape.
Oh, they beat this little hack then 😆
I've Had A Snap On Seam Ripper In A Terminal Tool Set For Over 15 Years!!!
Thanks for the Tips! I actually have a snap-on seam ripper for my tape cutting needs, very handy indeed, but beware if you get too rammy with it, you can definitely skin wires with it!
Who woulda thunk. Simple as it is....brilliant! Never thought of this. 👍👍👍
awesome tips... cutting the sheathing around the wires-- GREAT TIP. I like the small socket / tape idea too. Thanks for posting this vid.
Excellent tips especially for tractors where manufacturers often chuck the wiring looms in without adequate protection and the cables become brittle with age which can then be further compounded when the rats decide to have a nibble. These days with all the fiddley little wires often interwoven through all the other pipe work running to all the multitude of sensors it can be very tricky to get your fingers in .
I would recommend some spring hooks by Precise Hand tools LTD on E-Bay possibly available elsewhere. There are two versions a SS21 and a SS22 apparently made in Japan. These little hooks are useful for separating electric wires and much better than other cheapo versions I have used.
Sounds like you have fun! Cheers 👍
Snap On includes a seam ripper in a srewdriver kit and hardware stores sell safety hook razors commonly used for carpets.
That is an awesome idea.. for splitting loom wrappings...try bending the tip up just a bit!
A MENDA 35250 Threader, Wire, for Harness tool is useful. Designed to slip in to a loom but the channel can also be used to run your blade along to cut the tape while protecting the wires.
Will check it out cheers
where can i buy that from, please ?? 🤔🙂
That is a seam ripper, my mom used them too, her's didn't have the ball on it. Good tips
Thank you recording and posting this educational video.
Just found your site, and subscribed immediately. I'm in South Africa and am busy with a Ford Bantam 1.6i, can't get anything that helps with wiring repairs. Had to replace wiper switch cluster as someone broke the stalk off, only Mazda Drifter spare which does not correspond to old one. Lots of sweat and leg cramps in such a confined space trying to rewire. Will definitely be looking into Alldata, although s a State pensioner I could not afford the subs. A small tip for what it's worth, when using the stitch ripper, I always slide the cap on the back of it, gives much better control.
Cheers! Sounds like fun 👍😅
I used my smoke machine on my Skoda 1.9 TDI about 3 months ago and found a leak from my injector wiring loom. Bit of gasket seal sorted it out ha ha. I love my smoke machine such a fantastic tool.
PD then 👍 they are cool tools!
Thanks for sharing those tips! That seam ripper trick is great!
Seam splitter.. not stitch puller.. here in the states at least..
These are great hacks, all of them! (Even if you didn’t come up with them yourself) Always great for all of us to share ideas and everyone can benefit!
That’s what it’s all about 👍 What’s your favourite hack?
Great tips! Thanks for sharing Darren 👍
Excellent video , thanks for taking the time to share. Cheers
love the lazer trick...brillant my man !!
also, while we are here, the wrapping paper rippee/cutter works well too. it has a larger handle and is a bit bulkier but easier to grab, ans the head/cutting area is larger; however, it does a decent job of slicing thin materials like paper, tubing, tape, etc.
Cool will check it out
Stitch pick is a brilliant idea
1. Yes, seam rippers are handy! 2. Nah. Unclip the connector and then you'll have room for the tape roll. I got a roll of tape with a plastic holder 40+ years ago. It had a pair of U shaped extensions on one side and a triangular cutter farther around. It was used to hold the tape to the cable bunch while wrapping, then cut the end when you got through. I found a replacement for it a couple years ago and the concept still works like a charm. 3. Who has smoke generators lying around? LOL Good one, sir.
La primera herramienta es un descosedor para ropa lo usa mi esposa para arreglar prendas. Interesante propuesta
Stitch unpicker. Amazing!!!
The tape trick. Also very clever.
The later thing is not a thing I’ll be using I hope, but good nonetheless. ❤
put the red ball tip into the harness and no risk of stabbing the wires... it also opens up the tape to make room for it to cut it.
That IS an awesome idea, thanks !
the socket trick....awesome!
Thanks for the information mate. 👍
Love the laser one 👍
Seen it before?
@@MechanicMindset no not the laser one .
The best hack I have found is give the electrical work to the guy in the other bay 😂
😂😂😂
Great tip buddy Thanks!
If you have to reach into a tough spot to put a nut/bolt in place and want it to fall out of the socket before it gets there. Take the right socket for the job put a paper towel between the nut/bolt and the socket press it in the tension created holds the nut/bolt so you can work it in when you remove the socket the paper just falls away.
Love this one. Much better than grease or butyl tape. And those magnet 1 inch adapters aren’t always going to work 👍
Use you battery drill to rotate the socket, it is easy to make it neater roll.
Nice!!
I am very familiar with the stick remover and never would ahve though of this. I'm going to go sit in the corner and think about what I have done.
🤣
Anyone ever try cutting shrink wrap and heating after install...?
Not me, have you?
@@MechanicMindset No, I is an idea. I was just wondering if anyone had tried it.
Smart! Thank you.
Great tip
Yes, use a pencil. You can sometimes get these very short pencils like they use on golf courses or at IKEA. Or use a long pencil depending on your situation. A metal socket? Not a chance. Because if you drop it, you may have a problem you didn’t anticipate. Like falling into a manifold. Much harder to lose a bright yellow number two pencil.
Enter, Magnet Finger! 😆 Cheers, a few others mentioned the pencil
Bloody brilliant, thanks heaps.😁🇦🇺
So we call those seam rippers in the former colonies. Also we don't use open flames for light. Torches went out of style hundreds of years ago. We use flashlights.
😅
just broke my jaw when it hit the floor. i cannot believe the stich unpicker is not a real automotive tool. fantastic video
Haha, it’s cool right!? Apparently Snap On have an equivalent 👍
@@MechanicMindset i bet they watched your video, and promptly got it manufactured, these 'sneaky' money grabbers then got them poor underpaid Chinese workers to work their Buts off, and then almost give their stocks away at pennies, to the already Fatcat stooges in Kenosha, so we can all proudly display their Hierarchical 'Badge' of Merit 🤔😑
Where did the idea of wires looped in a harness to reduce interference come from?
All that I have ever learnt about cables and interference says that a loop could only make it worse.
It’s the length of the cable that’s significant. Changing the length then tunes it to another less problematic frequency. Like when you see the army jeeps with big long antennas, that’s for lower frequencies. Mobile phones have very short antennas for high frequencies. There’s a bit more to it than that for which I didn’t get too invested 😆
That little tool is called a seam ripper and is most commonly found in your wife's sewing basket. Lol, but don't forget to return it clean and undamaged.
😂
Proper term is Seam Ripper.
I chop the end of a pencil and wrap tape around it to help wrap anything in a tight space. PTFE tape can be wrapped the same way to get to those pesky fittings close to the wall or under the sink! Happy to be retired in Cyprus! 🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🇨🇾🍺
The lasers good and all until you hit a real chrome piece and suddenly have a spot in the corner of your eye that wont go away for a bit:. Lol.
Yeah be careful!
In a pinch insert a thin flat piece of metal under the tape then your blade has a backing
Thanks 👍
I would add more tape to the socket than needed so it can be held and the tape cut with scissors so there's less risk of dropping the socket into the engine area.
Nice tip
The utility knife work great for me,unless you have ten thumbs and the finesse of the jolly green giant.
Thank you for the tips
great advice!
Sorry. Great tool idea, I will use that one for sure.
Good work
Vacuum leaks are a pest, hoses gaskets etc. run engine and spray brake cleaner or ( Tractor Smack as I call it! Ether )
When the revs pick up that’s your leak area because the engine draws in the combustible component through the leak .
Also guys, look at your engine at night and trace possible plug wire jump or spark scattering.
Regards: Ken
Nice, I like that!
Wow! Great! Thank you x
creative! and informative!
Tip of the Month!
😃
1. Seam ripper. 2. Roll the tape onto the socket with the sticky side out. Works easier.
Good tips. Thank you.
Your "stitch unpicker" is known as a seam ripper, in the US.
Does it matter?
Just turn the stanley knife blade upwards, then you cut the case not the individual wires.
Wow! Like i used that like 30 years ago.
Good stuff
Mind fuck! Why has nobody thought of this before? It's so obvious. Thank you 👍👍👍 the stitch ripper that is.
Nice one mate
You should round off the point on the de-sticher to keep it from poking wires.
Was thinking the same
Sewing women everywhere will be cursing you as they try to find their stitch rippers... 🙂 That was a great tip!
I use one as well but you do have to be very careful because you can easily cut a wire .
I can imagine! Sometimes they loop wires back in the loom. It’s very sharp!
Very clever 👍
Thanks man. Subbed
wow the laser is a game changer for me!
Like it? I bet it works good in small leaks. I have bigger problems 😅
@@MechanicMindset i always had a problem trying to find that whips of smoke and this will help me diagnose sooo much better. I tried the dye method it never really worked for me.
Excellent tool, greetings teacher. I'm jorge . Thank you for your teachings from chile . I am an entrepreneur, send us a greeting. Thank you.
All the best Jorge!
What's your name ? Teacher.
Brilliant!
Or just use vinyl cutting hook type blades
hello, thanks for the tips