I remember working in a garage in London and putting a engine into a MGB. It was getting late and the other two said “time to pack up and go“, but I really wanted to get to a stage before doing that so stupidly I said “No, you go, I will be done soon and will lock up” being a Friday they were not in any mood to argue the finer points of H&S (it was a while ago..) and left.
Well any one who has used a spanner will tell you when the open end slips all that force does not just vanish.I was just getting the engine mounts nipped up and it slipped. The heater is controlled by a wire similar to a bicycle wire, my hand slipped up and the wire went straight through my thumb and nail

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Now imagine the scene. Bent over a wing (fender if you must), wire through my thumb and no one missing me until the morning. I tried to reach the works phone, no chance. I tried to reach the wire cutters, no chance.
Ok I will count to 3 then whip my thumb down. Not as easy as it sounds, kept getting to 2 and stopping. My back is screaming by now. A sneaky little thought came into my head, pretend to pull on 3 but actually go on 2

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Ah-ha, it worked but the whole street must have heard my swearing.
So I find it difficult to look at an MGB without this episode coming into my head….mind you as a kid the rear bonnet on an Hillman Imp slammed down nearly taking the thumb cleanly off (other side, and sewn back on very nicely btw) also brings a memory….what is it with me, thumbs and cars lol.
