Are Power Tools Corrupting Us?
Small Craft Advisor|November - December 2020
“Power tends to corrupt and absolute power corrupts absolutely.” —First Baron Acton, 1904
By John Vigor
Are Power Tools Corrupting Us?

When Lord Acton made his famous statement about power tending to corrupt, he probably wasn’t thinking of tools for boats. But I’ve been wondering lately if we aren’t all being corrupted in some way by the increasing tendency of boat owners to reach for power tools, rather than hand tools, when there’s a job to be done.

What got me thinking along these lines was a passionate discussion on a boating bulletin board. Some lost soul was pleading for help. He had a small stainless-steel pin, something about 3/16-inch in diameter, and he wanted to know how best to cut through and remove it.

The response to his plea was immediate and enthusiastic.

“Get an abrasive wheel,” was the first piece of advice, “or get a large bolt cutter with hardened steel jaws.”

“No, no,” said another responder, “get a 4 1/2-inch angle grinder.”

I couldn’t stand it. I shoved my oar in: “Use a hacksaw,” I said, “it’s simple and it’s easy.”

Big mistake. A quick rebuttal followed. Cutting 416 stainless steel with a hacksaw would be incredibly difficult, said a boat owner who had apparently invented a new grade of stainless steel. “Get a 4-inch angle grinder and some metal-cutting blades,” he advised, “and safety goggles, of course.”

“No, no,” said the next poster in line. “An angle grinder can cause a lot of collateral damage. Use bolt cutters.”

This story is from the November - December 2020 edition of Small Craft Advisor.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the November - December 2020 edition of Small Craft Advisor.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM SMALL CRAFT ADVISORView All
A HEAD FOR RUBATO
Small Craft Advisor

A HEAD FOR RUBATO

I dislike port-a-potties. I'm not too fond of poop in any form, really, being non-scatological by nature.

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2022
THE ARTFUL SAILOR
Small Craft Advisor

THE ARTFUL SAILOR

Ain' nothin' new about using sails as nautical billboards. The ancients painted all sorts of signs and symbols on their sails.

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2022
Twin Keels
Small Craft Advisor

Twin Keels

OUT WIHUEIRIJE with Howard Rice

time-read
4 mins  |
September - October 2022
Cedar Key 2022 Windy Boat Meet
Small Craft Advisor

Cedar Key 2022 Windy Boat Meet

Cartop Cruising

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2022
A New Trailer
Small Craft Advisor

A New Trailer

THE BIGHTS

time-read
9 mins  |
September - October 2022
PLAN STUDY: Fancy Free
Small Craft Advisor

PLAN STUDY: Fancy Free

If you're looking for a simple and inexpensive cruising sailboat with traditional character, our FANCY FREE should fill the bill. The sharpie-dory hull with flat-bottom, hard-chine form is ideal for the amateur.

time-read
3 mins  |
September - October 2022
BOAT REVIEW: Rhodes 22 Revisited)
Small Craft Advisor

BOAT REVIEW: Rhodes 22 Revisited)

Overlooked by the masses, admired by owners—there are good reasons the Rhodes 22 has been in production for over a quarter century.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September - October 2022
Another Favorite Mod
Small Craft Advisor

Another Favorite Mod

The always creative Tom Luque sent us details on one of his favorite modifications

time-read
1 min  |
September - October 2022
BLOODY TUESDAY
Small Craft Advisor

BLOODY TUESDAY

“Although the author if indeed he even used his real name) calls this story fiction, we arent so sure. You be the judge. Eds

time-read
5 mins  |
September - October 2022
CRUISING ISLE ROYALE
Small Craft Advisor

CRUISING ISLE ROYALE

I sle“ Royale on Lake Superior is one of my favorite places to cruise. Established as a National Park in 1931, Isle Royale is located about 20 miles off the North Shore of Lake Superior near the Minnesota/Canadian border.

time-read
10+ mins  |
September - October 2022