things you've discovered while wrenching

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

Too bad Snap-On doesn't make bike tools. Park is overrated

they did. the brand was started as "wrench force" and got bought out and cheapened. there was great promise with this and it just fell flat on its face.

park may be overated, but some things they make are not to be avoided- I've never snapped a single one of the blue tire levers.

my toolkit is mainly Pedros. when working at REI I got the whole master toolkit. http://www.pedros.com/product.aspx?productID=6450651

[Abui]

(1) The better the bike stand the easier the work
(2) The smallest parts bounce the furthest.

[Code Blue]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

Too bad Snap-On doesn't make bike tools. Park is overrated

is the shizzzz'ite

Originally Posted by Caveman

(1) The better the bike stand the easier the work
(2) The smallest parts bounce the furthest.

perfect!

[JOx2]

Don't fix it if its not broken.

[autoduel]

Wear old clothing.
I don't how many sets of work clothes I greased up just because I felt like adjusting something on the bike before dinner. Some pepole sit on the couch and watch TV to relax, I like to wrench.

[Hollywood]

• WD-40 works great for installing new grips (srsly)
• never attempt that "one last thing" before a big ride or race.
• you will discover you're missing a crucial part exactly 1 minute after the shops close.
• things to keep nearby: zip-ties, magnetic parts tray/dish, beer.

[ghixon]

Originally Posted by SAR_boats

If it has wheels, a propeller, or a purse it is nothing but trouble. (Or time and money out the window, depending on personal experience)

Amen to the propeller. I think most of my disposable income goes to either my bikes or the boat.

[kanga]

Dried Stan's is really hard to get out of clothes....

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by ghixon

Amen to the propeller. I think most of my disposable income goes to either my bikes or the boat.

BOAT: bring out another thousand.

[HUGH]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

BOAT: bring out another thousand.

I have never understood this. People give boats a bad wrap. I put 100 to 125hrs a season on my boat for the last 7 years. Only i problem with the Fuel injection... Cost me $475.00

HUGH

[el_d00der1n0]

1. There's a reason there's a special tool for cutting cable.
2. Don't cheap out on the cable cutter.

[BrewMaster]

Most of the good ones are already covered. Here are a few of mine.

1) Don't try to stop a spinning wheel by sticking your finger in the brake rotor.

2) In addition to having a good bike stand, a comfortable and low stool or chair makes working on the lower parts of the bike much easier.

3) There is tremendous satisfaction in fixing something myself.

4) There is no shame in admitting defeat and taking it to my LBS to fix my mistakes. They are nice enough to wait until I leave to laugh at me.

[slowSSer]

Originally Posted by HUGH

I have never understood this. People give boats a bad wrap. I put 100 to 125hrs a season on my boat for the last 7 years. Only i problem with the Fuel injection... Cost me $475.00

HUGH

im just ig-nert. I know nothing of boats- just something i heard.

[madrider]

1. patience, patience, patience- micro adjustments may seem slow, but will save time in the long run
2. pedals- the thread directions were designed so they would not loosen as you pedal
3. Before a ride, only work on one thing at a time- start it, finish it, then move on to the next repair. If you run out of time, your bike may still be rideable instead of in pieces.
(does not apply to builds or serious problems)
4. When you drop a small part, shine a flashight along the ground, the part will (hopefully) cast a large shadow
5. I agree, rr. der. are easy, fr. der. suck.

[ghixon]

Originally Posted by HUGH

I have never understood this. People give boats a bad wrap. I put 100 to 125hrs a season on my boat for the last 7 years. Only i problem with the Fuel injection... Cost me $475.00

HUGH

In my case it's more about adding stuff to it. Mechanically, I take care of everything myself - low $$$'s. It just all the electronics and entertainment stuff that gets expensive.

[.8down]

Originally Posted by BrewMaster

Most of the good ones are already covered. Here are a few of mine.

1) Don't try to stop a spinning wheel by sticking your finger in the brake rotor.

2) In addition to having a good bike stand, a comfortable and low stool or chair makes working on the lower parts of the bike much easier.

3) There is tremendous satisfaction in fixing something myself.

4) There is no shame in admitting defeat and taking it to my LBS to fix my mistakes. They are nice enough to wait until I leave to laugh at me.

I like #4 and use it often

[northshore]

Originally Posted by slowSSer

your torque wrench needs this. from sheldon brown.

This is so pornographic

[SAR_boats]

Originally Posted by HUGH

I have never understood this. People give boats a bad wrap. I put 100 to 125hrs a season on my boat for the last 7 years. Only i problem with the Fuel injection... Cost me $475.00

HUGH

That just means it will sink or explode soon.

Kinda like something I heard once: "If your attack is going too well, you're walking into an ambush"

[jake]

There are so many things I learned the hard way over the years I worked at bike shops.
1) Never Clamp the top tube or seat tube in the repair stand. Always clamp the seat post. (did this to a customer's bike)
2) Be careful around those chainrings. Wrenches slip, knuckles get wrecked.
3) Buy the best set of Hex keys (allen wrenches) that you can get. Don't use worn out or even slightly damaged wrenches.
4) Let the bike shop press in and remove headset cups with the right tools or risk damaging your frame, cups, or bearings.
5) Avoid using the garden hose. Water washes dirt into your cables, bearings, pivots, ect..

[Tedroy]

... keep your fingers away from the rotors when the wheel is turning! Caught my thumb in there and damn near cut it off!