Rating our abilities

[martyz]

Just a thought that might help us when asking for help or opinions.rather like the
Haynes manual,of which I personally don't,the readers skill level can be rated from novice to competent home mechanic,this is indicated by a score of 1-5
spanners in graphic form.The same could apply to Bodywork,Detailing,auto electrics and be shown against our user status,naturally this would be a self assessment.

[Sp!ke]

If you are suggesting a self rating system then like most appraisal systems, they are deeply flawed and should be avoided at all costs. (*take note any employer out there doing self appraisals)

The more you know on a topic, the more you understand its intricacies and therefore the less highly you'll rate your skills. The less you know, the more think you understand things and the higher a self rating you'll provide.

[martyz]

then perhaps the mods could rate regular useful technical assistance and award merits for this,or would that be too time intensive?. I take your points on self assessment entirely

[tor_ake]

I don't really get the point, but would like to suggest that you might prepare a questionnaire or checklist to aid in spanner-rating e.g. have you unaided changed oil = 1 spanner ... changed M272 balance shaft gear = 5 gold spanners

[wemorgan]

I once put petrol in a diesel, how many spanners am i?

[Dieselman]

Originally Posted by wemorgan

I once put petrol in a diesel, how many spanners am i?

One large one.

[MOCAŠ]

Originally Posted by wemorgan

I once put petrol in a diesel, how many spanners am i?

I think that makes you the spanner.

No spanners for me, by the way.

[martyz]

Originally Posted by tor_ake

I don't really get the point, but would like to suggest that you might prepare a questionnaire or checklist to aid in spanner-rating e.g. have you unaided changed oil = 1 spanner ... changed M272 balance shaft gear = 5 gold spanners

We have many members that ask questions that can involve replies that to some may involve terminology they won't understand,if an icon of some sort showed on their user name you can gauge your reply accordingly or point them to their local indy.Your idea is good,but again would involve honesty.

[martyz]

Originally Posted by MOCAŠ

I think that makes you the spanner.

No spanners for me, by the way.

5 words for you.........you can choose them yourself

[MOCAŠ]

Originally Posted by martyz

5 words for you.........you can choose them yourself

"Take it to a dealer."

[Pontoneer]

If not spanners , some people are , at least , tools

[Pontoneer]

If I had to rate myself , I suppose I'd be somewhere around 3 or 4 spanners : I have done lots of jobs myself ranging from simple oil changes to engine or gearbox swaps , brake overhauls including rebuilding cylinders , clutch changes , road spring replacement , subframe bushes just a few weeks back and then a fair few retrofit modifications like electric seats into my 280SE .

All the same there are still a few jobs I'd shy away from - usually because they would require equipment I don't have .

[Bellow]

It isn't how good you are that you need to know - it's how bad you are.

[finisterre]

I don't think it will work.

see Dunning Kruger Effect.

[SilverSaloon]

SilverSaloon 5 spanners. Advice: there is a cap possibly labelled with the number 701 in your engine bay. Fill up with water here.

I have rated myself at 5 spanners - therefore my advice is good to act upon.



you have to take whatever anyone says with a pinch of salt on the internet.

as an aside, i'd say i am 3 spanners out of 5