# Piper Cub, Mac truck, Cessna... **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [August 16, 2014, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686 "2014-08-16T14:56:58Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 2:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/1 "2014-08-16T14:56:58Z")
When people who don’t know about ‘little airplanes’ talk about ‘little airplanes’, it’s not uncommon for them to call them ‘Piper Cubs’ (or ‘Pipercubs’) or ‘Cessnas’. To them ‘Piper Cub’ or ‘Cessna’ is the generic term for ‘little airplane’. The former name has been supplanted by the latter, as most people haven’t seen an actual Cub. A large truck (a ‘big rig’, ‘tractor-trailer’, ‘semi’, or for you people with the steering wheel on the right side, ‘articulated lorry’) is often called a ‘Mac truck’. I used to see Macs when I was a kid in the early-'70s, and I still see the occasional one today. But mostly I see Peterbilts (How’s yours? 😛 ) and some Kenworths. I’ve heard two different news stories recently where a witness tom something-or-other described the thing as a ‘Mac truck’. It seems a little dated since, at least in this part of the country, Macs are few and far between. (I also hear them called ‘eighteen-wheelers’. Sometimes I’ll count the wheels when I’m stuck in traffic, and I come up with 20 or 22 wheels.) We all know about ‘Xerox’ (though mostly I hear people say ‘photocopy’ or just ‘copy’), ‘Band Aid’, and ‘Kleenex’. But these seem different because the number of players in their markets were comparatively fewer. With ‘Mac truck’ or ‘Piper Cub’ it strikes me more like someone calling all cars ‘Fords’, or at least all Japanese cars ‘Datsuns’ (chosen because, like the Piper Cub, you don’t see to many of those). ---
**Author:** ![Xema](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/x/9de053/32.png) [@Xema](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Xema)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 3:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/2 "2014-08-16T15:19:27Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > A large truck (a ‘big rig’, ‘tractor-trailer’, ‘semi’, or for you people with the steering wheel on the right side, ‘articulated lorry’) is often called a ‘Mac truck’. I used to see Macs when I was a kid in the early-'70s, and I still see the occasional one today. Actually, a [Mack](http://www.macktrucks.com/) truck - they are still reasonably common. (Macs are really quite common, though rarely seen rolling down a highway.) > [@](#): > > I also hear them called ‘eighteen-wheelers’. Sometimes I’ll count the wheels when I’m stuck in traffic, and I come up with 20 or 22 wheels. The typical count goes like this: On the tractor: 2 steerable wheels plus two axles each with 4 wheels = 10 wheels On the semi-trailer: two axles each with 4 wheels = 8 wheels Total = 18 wheels ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 3:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/3 "2014-08-16T15:24:25Z")
> [@Xema](#): > > Actually, a [Mack](http://www.macktrucks.com/) truck - they are still reasonably common. I stand corrected. :smack: > [@Xema](#): > > The typical count goes like this: > On the tractor: 2 steerable wheels plus two axles each with 4 wheels = 10 wheels > On the semi-trailer: two axles each with 4 wheels = 8 wheels > Total = 18 wheels Right. But in the idle moments when I count, I typically see 20 to 22. ---
**Author:** ![Ranger\_Jeff](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ranger_jeff/32/2065_2.png) [@Ranger\_Jeff](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ranger_Jeff)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 4:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/4 "2014-08-16T16:18:42Z")
Some tractors have a 4th axle. It’s located in front of the forward drive axle. It’s not a powered axle and can be hydraulically raised off the ground. It may or may not have brakes. It’s there for weight. In the US, for a standard big rig, the gross weight limit is 80,000 lbs; 12K on the steering axle, 34K for the pair of drives, and 34K for the tandems (trailer axles). The manufacturer rates axles at 20,K lbs, but safety factors are nice. I imagine for an extra axle near the drives, you might be permitted more weight up there. I don’t know how that would effect your max permitted gross. You might need to pay for an Overweight Permit. Some flatbed trailers have an extra axle on the back that flips down. And I’ve seen box and dump body trailers with a 3rd axle. It’s all about dividing the weight between the axles, keeping legal, and therefore avoiding overweight fines. I’ve seen heavy hauler rigs with 22 axles! All sorts of dollies (aka “jeeps”) in front of and behind the actual trailer that carried the load. I thought the icing on the cake was the final dolly. Just one axle, but mounted on top was an air compressor to power the air suspension and brakes that the tractors air system couldn’t handle. ---
**Author:** ![Claverhouse](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/13edae/32.png) [@Claverhouse](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Claverhouse)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 4:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/5 "2014-08-16T16:26:54Z")
Outside the USA I doubt if small airplanes have generic names; they’re just small planes. Here, have a **[Spitfire](http://marksimner.me.uk/news-spitfire-mk-i-p9374-for-sale/)**. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/6 "2014-08-16T16:27:40Z")
From _Joan Crawford Has Risen From The Grave_ (or just _Joan Crawford_, whatever) by Blue Öyster Cult: _Catholic schoolgirls have thrown away their mascara They chain themselves to the axles of big Mack trucks_ Of course, I can help but imagine trucks that deliver to McDonald’s. 😛 ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 5:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/7 "2014-08-16T17:00:41Z")
When I think of “Mack truck”, I think of [dump](https://www.google.com/search?q=mack+dump+truck&client=firefox-a&hs=2HO&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&channel=sb&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=f4vvU_-WLY2RyASJnYC4Dw&ved=0CB4QsAQ&biw=1600&bih=769) truck, [trash](https://www.google.com/search?q=mack+trash+truck+images&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb), or a [fire](https://www.google.com/search?q=mack+fire+truck+images&ie=utf-8&oe=utf-8&aq=t&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-a&channel=sb) truck more than an 18-wheeler. BTW, many of the traditional 18-wheelers are now 14 or 10 wheelers, with the pairs of wheels on the back of the cab &/or the trailer being replaced by one, wider tire. It’s not quite as wide as two tires, but ends up being (roughly) the same amount amount of rubber on the road & much less wasted rubber (only one set of sidewalls instead of two), & therefore much less cost when you have a whole fleet of trucks. ---
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 5:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/8 "2014-08-16T17:17:15Z")
Other examples: Tractors: John Deere Heavy equipment: Caterpillar Motorcycles: Harley Davidson Snowmobile: Ski-Doo ---
**Author:** ![BrotherCadfael](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/977dab/32.png) [@BrotherCadfael](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BrotherCadfael)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 8:20pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/9 "2014-08-16T20:20:01Z")
_Take me for a ride in your Mack truck. Take me for a ride in your truck, Mack. Take me for a ride, Take me for a ride, Take me for a ride in your Mack truck. Mack._ ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 8:23pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/10 "2014-08-16T20:23:25Z")
> [@Little\_Nemo](#): > > Snowmobile: Ski-Doo Personal watercraft: JetSkis ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 9:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/11 "2014-08-16T21:55:11Z")
Circular saw: Skilsaw Trash bin: dumpster, now generic from the original Dempster Dumpster (or Dumpmaster) Sidecutting pliers: Kleins (among electricians, anyway) Any sort of simple voltage tester with two leads: Wiggins (a brand name) Gypsum wall board: Sheetrock or Gyprock ---
**Author:** ![Mr.Me](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/m/d2c977/32.png) [@Mr.Me](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mr.Me)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 11:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/12 "2014-08-16T23:00:17Z")
Adjustable pliers : Channel Locks Adjustable wrenches : Crescent Wrench Lawn trimmers : Weed Eater ---
**Author:** ![TruCelt](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/trucelt/32/523_2.png) [@TruCelt](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TruCelt)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 11:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/13 "2014-08-16T23:26:25Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > . . . > > Trash bin: dumpster, now generic from the original Dempster Dumpster (or Dumpmaster) Around here it was a “Dipsey Dumpster” or just a “Dipsey” until the late 70’s when “dumpster” took over. Any rotary cutting/sanding tool is a “Dremel” also a verb “to Dremel” something is the cutting equivalent of “Duct it.” > [@Ranger\_Jeff](#): > > Some tractors have a 4th axle. It’s located in front of the forward drive axle. It’s not a powered axle and can be hydraulically raised off the ground. It may or may not have brakes. It’s there for weight. > . . . . . . In some Eastern states (Michigan also springs to mind) there is a lbs per axel limit to protect the road surfaces and bridges. The extra friction has a terrible effect on diesel mileage though, so many trucks, especially large dump trucks, will have an extra axel or two that can be raised or lowered as required by local law/statute, etc. Tylenol is a common referent for acetaminophen, but did you know that “aspirin” was a brand name in the beginning? Coffee-mate is also used to refer to any old fake creamer around here. ETA: and of course the ubiquitous “Don’s John.” ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 16, 2014, 11:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/14 "2014-08-16T23:29:57Z")
> [@Mr.Me](#): > > Adjustable pliers : Channel Locks > > Adjustable wrenches : Crescent Wrench > > Lawn trimmers : Weed Eater Locking pliers: Vise Grip Cruciform or cross-head screw: Phillips Screw The tool for above: Phillips Screw driver Ice pop: Popsicle (now generic) ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 12:00am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/15 "2014-08-17T00:00:08Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Circular saw: Skilsaw You’ll be hard pressed to find anyone that would call a reciprocating saw anything other than a Sawzall. Sawzall is the one Milwaukee Brand makes. The only time I really hear “reciprocating saw” is on TV when they’re going out of their way not to use brand names. > [@](#): > > Gypsum wall board: Sheetrock or Gyprock Maybe that’s regional, 'round here it’s almost always called drywall. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_L.A](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/johnny_l.a/32/1084_2.png) [@Johnny\_L.A](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_L.A)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 12:13am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/16 "2014-08-17T00:13:57Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > Sidecutting pliers: Kleins (among electricians, anyway) ‘Dikes’. (IANA electrician.) ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 12:27am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/17 "2014-08-17T00:27:22Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > ‘Dikes’. (IANA electrician.) I usually just call them a ‘wire cutters’. ---
**Author:** ![Chefguy](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/chefguy/32/138_2.png) [@Chefguy](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Chefguy)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 3:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/18 "2014-08-17T03:14:16Z")
> [@Johnny\_L.A](#): > > ‘Dikes’. (IANA electrician.) Dikes are [diagonal cutters](http://www.harborfreight.com/media/catalog/product/cache/1/image/9df78eab33525d08d6e5fb8d27136e95/i/m/image_14892.jpg), not [side cutters](https://greenlee-media.precis5.com/b0df2270be9cb16c14537e5bc2f2d37b). ---
**Author:** ![Joey\_P](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/919ad9/32.png) [@Joey\_P](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Joey_P)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 3:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/19 "2014-08-17T03:20:37Z")
> [@Chefguy](#): > > not [side cutters](https://greenlee-media.precis5.com/b0df2270be9cb16c14537e5bc2f2d37b). I call 'em Lineman’s pliers. ---
**Author:** ![GusNSpot](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/gusnspot/32/436_2.png) [@GusNSpot](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/GusNSpot)\ **Post date:** [August 17, 2014, 5:20am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686/20 "2014-08-17T05:20:12Z")
What is the generic for these flat faced kind? [http://www.beads-beading-needs.com/images/wire-cutters-10a.jpg](http://www.beads-beading-needs.com/images/wire-cutters-10a.jpg) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/piper-cub-mac-truck-cessna/695686.md?page=2)