# To The Person Who Wanted To Kill Me **URL:** \ **Category:** The BBQ Pit\ **Created:** [April 22, 2004, 4:47pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457 "2004-04-22T16:47:31Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 18\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![BoBettie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/4af34b/32.png) [@BoBettie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BoBettie)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 3:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/21 "2004-04-25T15:18:03Z")
Look, I only know how my own car works, but how could you even put a car into gear with cut brake lines? I’m not saying you couldn’t, but I don’t understand. My car you have to have the brake pushed in just to put it into drive or reverse. If your lines are physically cut, could you do that at all? ---
**Author:** ![CheekyMonkey613](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 3:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/22 "2004-04-25T15:42:58Z")
> [@Zette](#): > > …how could you even put a car into gear with cut brake lines? My car you have to have the brake pushed in just to put it into drive or reverse. If your lines are physically cut, could you do that at all? What the hell do I know? I’m an interior designer! My brother (who comes back from a vacation in Mexico today) works in a garage and will surely give me the scoop. All I know is that the line was definitely severed. > [@Astro](#): > > What year, make and model of car do you have? This car is a Toyota Tercel 1988. Maybe that will answer the above question. > [@Weirddave](#): > > I believe this like I believe Martians are living next door. :rolleyes: Not my fuckin’ problem, Buddy. ---
**Author:** ![CheekyMonkey613](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 3:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/23 "2004-04-25T15:44:44Z")
\*\*\* Oops! Forgot to say that it’s a standard, if that matters. ---
**Author:** ![Wonko\_The\_Sane](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/258eb7/32.png) [@Wonko\_The\_Sane](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Wonko_The_Sane)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 4:34pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/24 "2004-04-25T16:34:42Z")
This is getting interesting. Standard transmission cars don’t have the “brake lockout”, and auto trans cars didn’t have it in 88, except for possibly Audis, but probably only several years afterwards anyhow. The brakeline right off of the master cylinder is usually steel, which would be quite a challenge for most ravens, rats, mice, and even the martians next door, unless they have pliers or vise grips. ---
**Author:** ![Berkut](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/a88e57/32.png) [@Berkut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Berkut)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 4:37pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/25 "2004-04-25T16:37:28Z")
> [@Zette](#): > > My car you have to have the brake pushed in just to put it into drive or reverse. If your lines are physically cut, could you do that at all? Yeah, most of the time that is controlled by the stoplight switch on the brake pedal. As long as the pedal itself moves, it will release the lock. ---
**Author:** ![CheekyMonkey613](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/26 "2004-04-25T16:56:09Z")
> [@Wonko The Sane](#): > > Standard transmission cars don’t have the “brake lockout”, and auto trans cars didn’t have it in 88, except for possibly Audis, but probably only several years afterwards anyhow. The brakeline right off of the master cylinder is usually steel, which would be quite a challenge for most ravens, rats, mice, and even the martians next door, unless they have pliers or vise grips. Ok, help me here. What’s “brake lockout”? And whatever an Audi has, I guarantee my car STILL doesn’t have. Actually, the Tercel has been replaced by the _ugh_ Echo, so I’m sure it STILL doesn’t have it. ---
**Author:** ![lostronin](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/a4c791/32.png) [@lostronin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/lostronin)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 7:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/27 "2004-04-25T19:39:59Z")
> [@](#): > > That’s exactly what happened. The first stop sign I hit was off a small side-street. I managed to stop but once my car was almost stopped, my foot went completely down. Stupidly, I kept driving, just to see if it would happen again, which it did. By now, I’m on a medium-density intersection, pulling my handbrake to stop (which didn’t work). That’s when I knew it was my brake-line, and came back home. I don’t consider this a threat ~ more of the moron variety acts. Huh?? the handbrake on every car I have ever owned operated mechanically rather than via hydraulics. Are you saying both brake systems were disabled? The reason I ask - a real dumb shit might think cutting brake lines as no more than a serious get even prank, especially if under the influence as someone I once knew did. Disabling both crosses the line, IMO, to attempted murder and warrants a serious investigation by authorities. ---
**Author:** ![Weirddave](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/919ad9/32.png) [@Weirddave](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Weirddave)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 7:58pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/28 "2004-04-25T19:58:47Z")
> [@CheekyMonkey613](#): > > It was the line coming straight out of the reservoir. It was a deliberate cut that I doubt birds could accomplish (so nicely cut that it squeezed the line off completely). This is how I noticed. As soon as I got home, I went to put in some brake fluid, thinking that I could at least get my car to the garage like that. It was already topped off and what I added never went down. I had a funny feeling, so I checked. It’s cleanly cut which completely squeezed the line shut, so my reservoir is still full. Yet, in every Tercel I’ve ever seen, the brake fluid reservoir sits directly on top of the master cyulinder itself, there is no “line out of the reservior”. Also, why would someone who wants to cut your brakelines do it there anyway? Depending on where the power assist is, it might be damn near impossible to find anything to cut, after having to get into the car to pop the hood and then opening the hood to get at the master cylinder. Why not just scoot under the car by the wheels and cut brakelines to your heart’s content? ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/29 "2004-04-25T21:21:19Z")
> [@](#): > > It’s cleanly cut which completely squeezed the line shut, so my reservoir is still full. I’m having a hard time picturing this. I envision a clean cut as, well, clean, so that the line on both sides of the cut has a bright, shiny, new metal look. If the line was cut in such a way that either side of the cut was squeezed shut, I wouldn’t characterise it as a “clean” cut. Also, after one has gained access to the master cylinder, one has to stand there with the hood up and in clear view of all and sundry while performing whatever dastardly deed one most favors. And, a stainless steel brake line isn’t all that easy to cut and the area around the master cylinder is usually kind of congested, making cutting problematical. I speak as a guy with multi-years of professional mechanic-ing behind him. If I, hypothetically speaking, were to want to snuff someone automobilicly, I can think of several other more subtle and less exposed methods. But I don’t want to do that and I abhor anyone who would. ---
**Author:** ![dropzone](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dropzone/32/7515_2.png) [@dropzone](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/dropzone)\ **Post date:** [April 25, 2004, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/30 "2004-04-25T21:28:47Z")
Yeah, Weirddave, LouisB, and (I suspect) UncleBeer, I’m smelling something fishy, too, and it ain’t old brake fluid. ---
**Author:** ![CheekyMonkey613](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/e480ec/32.png) [@CheekyMonkey613](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/CheekyMonkey613)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 4:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/31 "2004-04-26T16:56:49Z")
I just wanted to make clear that though I appreciate everyone’s help, no, there’s nothing “fishy” going on, on my part. I heard from the garage, this morning. The line was definitely cut. I’m waiting to hear what else has to be fixed on my brakes. Thanks for the help, everyone. That’s why I was here. I’m not an idiot. Especially since it’s not my area of expertise, I wouldn’t make stories up about shit that I had no clue about. It is what it is. I’ve chosen not to get a memership here because of the negativity. I took a little vacation from the place (and was tempted to sign up), but nothing’s changed. I can’t see why I would pay money to have shit thrown in my face. Yeah, I get that for free in real life, don’t ya know. This was my first post after I was pissed off to leave for a while (and had decidedly called it quits). Though most of you were cool with this, I don’t need someone telling me my story sounds “fishy”. Like I said, WTF do I know about this? I’d love to tell you if my brake thingy sits on my master chamber, or whatever, but by the time I get the car back, I’d have to be a member. And really, after this, I just can’t be. I now remember why I wanted to leave in the first place. You get so frustrated and a great outlet is The Pit. Then you have people tell you otherwise. For fucks sakes people. You’re not the know-all end-all of life. I’d love to tell you what the damage is (monetarily) for my brakes, but as I have five minutes left as of now, suffice it to say: More than you think. Treat people with the respect you’d appreciate from them. Shalom. ---
**Author:** ![BubbaDog](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/bubbadog/32/333_2.png) [@BubbaDog](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/BubbaDog)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 9:28pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/32 "2004-04-26T21:28:04Z")
> [@CheekyMonkey613](#): > > I can’t see why I would pay money to have shit thrown in my face. I would think that you would just to have the opportunity to throw it _back_. You throw it well. > [@](#): > > Treat people with the respect you’d appreciate from them. > Shalom. It’s the pit, **Cheeky**. Respect is optional. If you change your mind, I’d be glad to see you come back so that we can argue/agree/compare/speculate/rant/curse/giggle with/against each other. Bubba ---
**Author:** ![wring](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/w/838e76/32.png) [@wring](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/wring)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 10:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/33 "2004-04-26T22:21:40Z")
> [@CheekyMonkey613](#): > > I can’t see why I would pay money to have shit thrown in my face. . gosh I wonder what the odds were that this would happen just at the last moment one could post for free. I guess we’ll never hear (cue Paul Harvey) _the rest of the story_ ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 10:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/34 "2004-04-26T22:45:54Z")
I never said I didn’t believe you; I said I was having trouble visualizing the alleged damage. It might occur to some folks to wonder just how candid one’s repair shop was being with one. For what it’s worth, I fail to see how a cut brake line could incur any further damage to a brake system. I someone tells you that it did, I would seek out a second opinion as quickly as possible. Good luck and we will all miss you, but we will somehow survive the loss. ---
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 10:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/35 "2004-04-26T22:55:11Z")
> [@LouisB](#): > > I’m having a hard time picturing this. I envision a clean cut as, well, clean, so that the line on both sides of the cut has a bright, shiny, new metal look. If the line was cut in such a way that either side of the cut was squeezed shut, I wouldn’t characterise it as a “clean” cut. I think he meant “clean”. As in, it wasn’t something that was corroded, or chipped away at by birds. But something that was obviously deliberate. [QUOTE=LouisB] Also, after one has gained access to the master cylinder, one has to stand there with the hood up and in clear view of all and sundry while performing whatever dastardly deed one most favors. [quote] On some cars, it can be accomplished from under the car. [QUOTE=LouisB] And, a stainless steel brake line isn’t all that easy to cut and the area around the master cylinder is usually kind of congested, making cutting problematical. I speak as a guy with multi-years of professional mechanic-ing behind him. [quote] 88 Toyota? Pretty sure it has 3/16" brake line. Not all that hard to cut a 3/16" hollow line with a pair heavy duty snips. And as it was described (pinched ends that), a pair of snips would do just that (sqeeze the line before actually getting cut). > [@LouisB](#): > > If I, hypothetically speaking, were to want to snuff someone automobilicly, I can think of several other more subtle and less exposed methods. But I don’t want to do that and I abhor anyone who would. **CheekyMonkey613** , if you’re still reading, I want to suggest that you check your lugnuts on your wheels often too. Like **LouisB** pointed out, there are others things people can do, so watch out buddy. ---
**Author:** ![ParentalAdvisory](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/p/53a042/32.png) [@ParentalAdvisory](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ParentalAdvisory)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 11:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/36 "2004-04-26T23:02:45Z")
damn slashes ---
**Author:** ![LouisB](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/l/dfb087/32.png) [@LouisB](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/LouisB)\ **Post date:** [April 26, 2004, 11:17pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/37 "2004-04-26T23:17:50Z")
You are correct that the line could be cut with snips and that doing so would result in the line being crimped. Such a condition is NOT what I, or any mechanic I’ve ever known, would characterize as a “clean” cut. It was the combination of the word “clean” with what was clearly a crimp, that I couldn’t visualize. I will add that while it might be possible to cut a line from the master cylinder from beneath the car, getting under the thing, finding the optimum position, aligning the snips, and having enough leverage to make the cut while lying on your back is problematical. Of course, this presupposes that the car was not raised by jacks to facilitate the cutting. And I still don’t understand how damage to a brake line could result in damage to the brake system overall. And, gosh darn it all to heck, I was licensed by the great state of California to perform brake repairs. ---
**Author:** ![D.E.S.K.Top668](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/f07891/32.png) [@D.E.S.K.Top668](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/D.E.S.K.Top668)\ **Post date:** [April 27, 2004, 1:14pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457/38 "2004-04-27T13:14:51Z")
> [@lostronin](#): > > Huh?? the handbrake on every car I have ever owned operated mechanically rather than via hydraulics. Are you saying both brake systems were disabled? > > The reason I ask - a real dumb shit might think cutting brake lines as no more than a serious get even prank, especially if under the influence as someone I once knew did. Disabling both crosses the line, IMO, to attempted murder and warrants a serious investigation by authorities. I think it’s probably more a case of most people, in my personal experience, don’t bother getting their e-brake adjusted, especially if they do the brakes themselves. I’ve only owned used cars and even the ones I’ve had that were in overall good condition usually couldn’t be stopped with just the e-brake (one of the first things I always try when checking out a car). Peace - DESK [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/to-the-person-who-wanted-to-kill-me/241457.md?page=1)