I suppose there is a time and place, and sometimes even an excuse for bubble-gum and baling-wire repairs to guns and machinery. But I think the majority of these so-called fixes are the result of ignorance and a lack of skill. It takes more than good screwdrivers to remove and replace a screw without doing damage. And repairing guns is a lot more than knowing lefty-loosey... righty-tighty.
I have never believed that you can teach things like mechanical aptitude or the artistic ability of a good engraver, or the skill and finesse of a neurosurgeon. You are either born with the innate ability and desire to do those things well, or not. When it comes to fixing things or building things, all men are not created equal. Having worked with hundreds of various skilled tradesmen, I can say with complete confidence that some of the hardest workers with the best tools did more harm than good. There is no Great Depression going on right now. But somewhere... right now... someone is screwing up a gun.
