GenVibe - Community for Pontiac Vibe Enthusiasts

Surely I'm not the only person that has left tools in the engine bay after doing work. So has anyone caused any damage? Found that missing socket or rachet? What's your story?Lifted the hood Sunday for something and found two sockets sitting around the air box. Found my ratchet a previous time. When I had my Grand Prix, I couldn't find my electrical tape for the life of me. I ended up finding it where the fender meets the hood. Turns out it was right in line with the hood shock and bent it bad.

I'm always using the same socket set to do my work on the cars, and I always make sure that everything is back in place in the box before closing the hood I've done a few mistakes also with my Grand Prix Learned my lesson by losing tools on the road!

Rule of thumb for me, only bring one tool into the bay at a time. Take it out and get the next tool you need. Otherwise leaving them can cause issues.

I'm starting to see a bad trend that I'm more absent minded than most. Lord, I'm only 28. I hate to see what it's going to be like when i get older

The only thing I've done is try to shut the hood with a tool sitting in the channel that the hood support lives in. Luckily I noticed it right after the first attempted slam, and only scratched up a bit of paint.

Lol.....Back when I had my 82 Regal, I left a flashlight under the hood, fell on top of the exhaust manifold and melted it. Was wondering why i smelled burning plastic!!!

Quote, originally posted by Whelan »Rule of thumb for me, only bring one tool into the bay at a time. Take it out and get the next tool you need. Otherwise leaving them can cause issues.My dad taught me this rule when I was barely old enough to swing a wrench, it has served me well and I have taught my kids the same.Billions of dollars are wasted every year in industry due to FM (foreign material) left inside machinery. Learn good habits when your young and they will help you when your old and forgetfull.Now what was I talkin about? Oh well it will come back to this 50 year old fart.

didnt we already have a thread like this or was that for what the mechanic or dealer left in your engine rather than what you yourself left.