Shop Idioms, Sayings & Mechanic Wisdom

tech_0fc71a80

Every shop has those sayings that get passed down from one technician to the next.

Some are useful. Some are ridiculous. Some are somehow both.

One of my favorites: “If a bigger hammer can’t fix it, then you have an electrical problem.”

What’s yours?

Share your favorite:

Shop idioms
Old timer wisdom
One liners
Technician jokes
Rules of thumb
Brand specific sayings
Clever phrases you’ve picked up over the years

Whether it actually teaches something or just makes the bay next to you laugh, we want to hear it.
(bonus points if there’s a story behind it)

tech_76e3bbf0

My favorite is "don't ever let the car win" or "make it your bitch" whichever you prefer

tech_4575539e

Something my foreman said to me once that stuck was, "jerk and it shall come". I was struggling getting a rear bumper cover off then he came over and did it like nothing. Those are the words of wisdom he spoke to me.

tech_56b936d2

I am quite fond of the 7 P's
"Proper prior planning prevents piss poor performance"
so read and understand the procedures, verify all parts are there, then start the work to set yourself up the best for success.

tech_ed6a5bed

A service writer (who had tech background) once told me this one...
"the faster you get the car in the faster the job get done"
when ever there is a repair you dont want to do or not fond of, it will be harder to complete the job.

i think of this quote whenever im about to work on a job im not too fond of doing lol..

tech_ed6a5bed

"it builds character"

your about to work on a BS job

tech_0df80ea2

at the private shop it was drilled into my head to "licky licky before you sticky sticky". in reference to applying oil/grease to seals and whatnot. at the MB dealer we always said, "you buy the star, you pay for the star"

tech_56b936d2

tech_ed6a5bed "can you help me out on this one real quick"

means you're gonna do some BS work in way too short of time because we are in a bind or the service advisor forgot about a waiter