Thread: My "Ron-like" father-in-law.....

Having read Ron's thread on his propensity to buy dodgy stuff, I thought I would give a few examples of my father in law, and his incredible abilities to turn perfectly decent stuff into smouldering, broken wrecks.

My FIL is in his mid seventies, an ex-RAF engineer. Every year he and my MIL come out to see us for Christmas (generally mid November to mid January), and we normally line up a few little jobs for him to do while he is here to avoid boredom.

However, every time he comes, there ends up being a "casualty" list of tools that don't survive his use and handling of them. Some years the list is longer than others. This year (and we are only halfway through the visit) is a long list already.

I tend to buy mid-range tools, not cheap and nasty, but generally can't justify spending on professional grade.

So far the list is:
A pull down mitre saw. Came to me and told me and told me it wasn't cutting very well. Went and had a look, to find him pulling the saw down onto 75mm square hardwood before it had spun up to full speed! No wonder it was struggling!
Next was an orbital sander. He had "adjusted" it as it was juddering, so he said. On second use after being "adjusted", the bottom plate detached itself, and launched itself, with abrasive pad attached, across the garage still spinning at 10,000rpm. Luckily it did no damage.
Next was my angle grinder. We were going to the tip, and needed to take a 3meter long blind track. Wouldn't go in the d1, so he went to cut it up with the angle grinder. As I went back into the shed, I saw him go to cut through the cords with the grinder, which then promptly wrapped themselves around the grinder spindle, flailed the semi cut track around like some bad martial arts movie, before jamming the grinder, and burning it out. All inside about 5secs. Luckily again, no injuries or damage other than the poor tool.
Next was a $45 router bit and $100 router table. I'd set up the table to do some tongue and groove cuts, he'd moved it, saying it wasn't quite right. In doing so, the cutter bit dropped down at an angle, merrily chewing through some of the table, and ruining the bit.
Last but not least, I have countless punches and chisels. Why oh why, would you feel the need to use a screwdriver as either of those tools? But hey, I now have have a draw half full of screwdrivers with broken handles.

It's very difficult to say anything. As soon as I do, my wife gets upset, and I cop an earbashing. So I have to keep the peace.

This is me keeping the peace.

I saw the title and thought you were going to brag about him.