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Man Needs A Bit For His Car Repair. Then He Pricks His Finger To Find The Right Size: 'Years Of Working As A Mechanic'

"You're not a mechanic till..."

Man Needs A Torx Bit To Fix A Car. Then He Uses A Simple Trick To Figure Out Which Size

Photo by: Mavaautoservis & Mika Baumeister

Steve Ecker

By: Steve Ecker

Mar 22, at 2:00pm ET

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Knowing what size you need for your tool can easily turn into a pure guessing game of trial and error. Going to the toolbox, you may have an idea of what size is needed but this can be challenging to eyeball for most.

One mechanic has unlocked a new skill that will save any DIYer or professional that frustrating time spent trying and failing to get the right sized tool.

The trick is simple, fast, and effective.

In a Facebook Reel that’s generated over 1.1 million views as of this writing, a mechanic from Mava Autoservis (@Mavaautoservis) reveals how he figured out what sized torx bit he needed.

The mechanic starts by pressing his finger onto the part in question to create an imprint. With the imprint on his finger, the mechanic begins walking across the shop. The mechanic finds his double bay tool storage to try to find the right size to use for the torx bit.

He then uses the finger imprint to test the torx bit size. Once he finds one that matches the imprint on his finger, he tests it out. Lo and behold, it turns out to be the perfect fit.

He captions the post “Finger Science.”

While mechanics may not be scientists, they are pretty clever with coming up with unconventional workarounds. Some other tricks include putting a wheel bearing in the freezer or using a dollar bill to test the exhaust pipe.

What Is A Torx Screw?

The torx screw has six points assembling a star. Over the years, the automotive industry has shifted away from hex socket head to this star design due to its durability. This design prevents wear, saves time and can handle higher torque without damaging the socket.

Torx screws have been found to be more secure compared to flat or phillips screws. This is because the torx screw can be turned much tighter.

There are two types of torx screws: the internal and external, also known as female and male screws.

Just like any tool, the torx screw has its own sizing guide. These screws come in 24 different sizes and the names range from T1-T100. Each size has a maximum torque threshold, so it’s best to consult the chart before selecting what size.

The mechanic from Mava Autoservis told Motor1 he “discovered the trick after years of working as a mechanic.”

“When you deal with Torx bolts every day, you eventually get tired of trying three different bits before finding the right one. One day I noticed that the spacing on my hand lines up pretty well with some common Torx sizes, so it became a quick workshop shortcut,” he added.

He described it as “one of those little things” that comes from spending tons of time working on cars.

The mechanic added that people in his profession, like most vocations, have many little tricks of the trade.

“Sometimes we measure things with fingers, knuckles, or just by eye. It may not be very scientific, but after a while it’s surprisingly accurate,” he said.

He also said that the video’s success took him by surprise. “For me it’s just a normal shop trick, but I guess people like simple solutions,” he said.

Viewers heartily approve of his maneuver.

“Been doing that for years! Esp when you can't see the head,” one Facebook user commented.

“I'll say this is more girl math than finger science hack accurate ASF either way,” another added.

“My mom does that to a piece of paper and takes it to a hardware store,” a third shared.

Others downplayed the trick and claimed real mechanics can simply eyeball the size tool they need.

“You're not a mechanic until you can tell the size just by looking at it,” one opined.

“If you use them regularly you don't need a hack just your eyes will do,” another agreed.

“A real mechanic's finger is too calloused to leave an imprint there long enough to get back to the tool box,” a third wrote.

Others brought humor to the comment section.

What do you think?

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Comments

“It means you’re dehydrated,” one joked.

“You're not a mechanic till you walk across the shop three times just to find out the first one you grabbed was actually right..” another shared.

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