Auto Parts Store to the Rescue!

This Bud's for you, Mister Auto Parts Store Guy!
Brake piston tool kit in orange case.

Recently I was assisting a friend do some work on his car, and sure enough, we got stuck. Not stuck in the car, or stuck with super-glue, but stuck doing the work because we didn't have the right tool. In this case, we couldn't get a rear wheel brake piston to retract so that we could put the caliper back on. So, we headed over to our local auto parts store to rent a tool. 

This is the main point here, that when YOU get stuck, you can drop by and rent/borrow a tool from the auto parts folks! Sure, we had to put down a credit card deposit equal to the value of the tool, but once we finished using it and returned it, BAM! Instant refund, with no charge, no muss, and no fuss. Along with rentals and selling you stuff, you can always count on your local store pros to provide a free trouble code reading, and to help with simple stuff like replacing your windshield wipers or the car battery when you're stuck. Like the time my battery died in Milwaukee, and once I bought a new battery at a store they loaned me a wrench for free and we got on the road in no time. Some of them also recycle motor oil, just ask!

To tell the truth I was kind of focusing on the other part of the story, that it was irritating that I couldn't do this repair easily, so maybe just not having the right tool makes me feel a little bit better, but not much. Dang there's a lot of stuff to know about working on cars, much less all the different manufacturers that have different ways of doing things!

One other thing I've learned to appreciate about auto parts stores, is that for their industry customers (like dealerships, independent repair shops, and even our school shop) they do a great job of having what you need in stock AND delivering it to you quickly. 

On the other hand, it's always fun to get a new tool, even if you just rent it!