If I had a hammer (OT)

Kip Crosby wrote: The whole debate on the specialty tools for the miltary was viewed as someone buying "off the rack" tools for 1000% more than the actual value. The tools usually came about as special tools, made to maintain or operate a particular item of equipment of aircraft. We had screws on the Air Launched Cruise missile that had a coin slot type head and the tool to insert and remove them was only available (through contract) by the main contractor of the missile - Boeing, for a specified period of time. The actual manufacturer of this special tool was Snap-On and was no better than any other brand. When I first started in the AF, we had toolboxes full of Craftsman, Snap-On and other high quality tools. It also made them targets for theft, either while in the tool room or before they even made it to the shop, by those left in charge of their security. All of a sudden we started seeing KAL, Ivy, and other less than desireable brands being stocked. The hitch was that they were throw aways and were stamped with GSA designators to supposedly deter theft. All you former GI's and Civil Service workers that snagged a yellow handled Ivy screwdriver should check your tool boxes. If you have a tweeker that has "Ivy-GS" on the handle you've got a marked item. It does scrape off rather nicely with a pocket knife though. I bought a handful of them at a Ft. Knox surplus sale and even though I have a receipt, I just hate seeing that "GS" staring me in the face.Well, onto talking about Classic Computers again.. -------------------------------------------------------------------- Russ Blakeman RB Custom Services / Rt. 1 Box 62E / Harned, KY USA 40144 Phone: (502) 756-1749 Data/Fax:(502) 756-6991 Email: rhblake(a)bbtel.com or rhblake(a)bigfoot.com Website: http://members.tripod.com/~RHBLAKE/ ICQ UIN #1714857 AOL Instant Messenger "RHBLAKEMAN" * Parts/Service/Upgrades and more for MOST Computers* --------------------------------------------------------------------