From the Rolls-Royce experimental archive: a quarter of a million communications from Rolls-Royce, 1906 to 1960's. Documents from the Sir Henry Royce Memorial Foundation (SHRMF).
Discussion about the standard tool kit, the potential inclusion of a ratchet spanner, and the philosophy of tool and spare part provision for customers.
| Identifier | ExFiles\Box 79\2\ scan0162 | |
| Date | 23th March 1921 guessed | |
| -2- 4) Difficulty in tightening security bolts with wire wheels. Would not a form of ratchet spanner be desirable in tool kit. We fit a large number of these in the course of a week's work without the ratchet spanner. Whilst a suitable ratchet spanner would facilitate the tightening of the wing nuts, the supplying of one would probably mean these would have to be made by ourselves, and at a rough estimate would cost about 30/- each. Although we feel that most of the tools and spares supplied may be considered unnecessary [in most cases], we certainly feel we could not supply any less as a standard set of spares and tools, and we feel it is up to the owner or driver to take with him on the car only such tools as he thinks he may require, according to the work required from the car. For example, if the car is used for town work only, or local touring, ordinary hand adjusting tools should be taken. On the contrary, should the car be touring on the Continent, we certainly think that further tools should be taken so that customer can be independent should any breakdown occur, no matter at what Garage he has to call at. We also feel that the tools and spares supplied are necessary in order to carry out the present instructions as regards lubrication and inspection, etc. The whole policy may be altered, however, if the system of recommended lubrication and attention is altered. Our experience in dealing with customers has also made us realise that the customer appreciates a large quantity of spares and tools, and we do not know of any complaints received from customers that we are supplying more than necessary; on the contrary, the usual complaint is that the kit even in its present stage is not complete. RP. | ||