Safety tip: Always use the right size wrench or you'll round the nut!

So I learned this the hard way yesterday. Was trying to loosen a rusty bolt on my old truck and grabbed the first wrench that felt 'close enough'. Big mistake. Ended up rounding the nut completely. Had to cut it off. Lesson: always use the exact size wrench. If it's metric, use metric. If it's SAE, use SAE. Don't mix them up! Also, if you're gonna use a cheater bar, make sure the wrench is a six-point and not a twelve-point, or you'll strip it even faster. Stay safe out there, folks.

Dude, I feel your pain. I did the same thing last week on my bike's axle nut. I was using a 14mm on a 9/16 and it slipped and I busted my knuckles. Blood everywhere. Now I always double-check with a caliper or test fit. Also, wear gloves! I learned that the hard way too. Mechanix gloves are cheap and save your skin.

Hank, you're spot on but I gotta say, invest in a good set of flare nut wrenches for brake lines and fuel lines. Those things are life savers. I only use Snap-on for my flare nuts, but even a decent set from Gearwrench will do. And Larry, yes to gloves! I keep a box of nitrile gloves for greasy stuff and mechanix for heavy work. Can't afford to lose a finger.

Wendy, good call on the flare nut wrenches. I've got a set from SK that I love. But yeah, gloves are a must. I also keep a first aid kit in the garage now. Nothing worse than a cut that won't stop bleeding and you're 20 minutes from the nearest urgent care.

Another tip: when using a breaker bar, make sure you're pulling towards you, not pushing. If it slips, you'll fall forward and smash your hand. I learned that from a old mechanic. Also, always chock your wheels before you start cranking on something.