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Howdy Kat Riding Mechanics!
In honor of my 500th post, I wanted to start a new(to me) topic(something useful). I love this site! Specifically the mechanic's technical advice that is found here in Mechanics 101. As a former sandblaster/valve rebuilder, I've picked up a ton of general tool tips working in the shop. So, I wanted to list a favorite one of mine that has saved me countless hours of grief.
I CHALLENGE ALL WHO READ THIS thread to post their most useful shop or tool use tip. With any luck, this will turn into an ultimate in "How to use tools" thread!
Using multiple tools to do the job that a mechanic would typically use only one simple tool to complete a task can save countless dollars, time, and stress related-cussing.
Tip # 1. REMOVING LOCKED OR STRIPPED SCREWS(PHILLIPSHEAD OR FLATHEAD)
You will need:
1 pair Vise Grips
1 appropriately sized hex screw driver bit
1 hammer
Take a the bit and lock it vise grips at a perpendicular angle so the the bit forms the short leg similar to the short leg of the letter "L." The back of the bit should extend out the opposite side of the vise grip jaws, so that you can tap the butt of the hex bit with the hammer if needed.
When I use this setup to remove my locked carburetor screws, I place my body weight over the screw's butt-end where the vise grips are clamped down and then use the angle of the vise grips to turn out the screw. If you just loosen them with this setup, then you can go back and unscrew them completely with a regular screwdriver.
The only time you'll really need the hammer will be if a prior mechanic has stripped the screw's head. In this situation, hammer the hex bit into the stripped screw head with enough force to get it to bite into the stripped screw head then turn it out with the vise grips, using the angle to your advantage and don't forget to place your body weight into the manuever over the butt of the hex screw bit to hold the bit into the bite you've just created with the hammer. If you don't use your body weight, you may well just continue to strip further into the head of the screw.
I hope my 500th post is helpful and saves you hours, cussing, grief, and dollars that you will put to good use on another more complex task.
Happy Trails,
Big Dub
aka, Thedizzl(myspace), Funky Monkey, [email protected], or just plain ole Walt Flowers(facebook).
In honor of my 500th post, I wanted to start a new(to me) topic(something useful). I love this site! Specifically the mechanic's technical advice that is found here in Mechanics 101. As a former sandblaster/valve rebuilder, I've picked up a ton of general tool tips working in the shop. So, I wanted to list a favorite one of mine that has saved me countless hours of grief.
I CHALLENGE ALL WHO READ THIS thread to post their most useful shop or tool use tip. With any luck, this will turn into an ultimate in "How to use tools" thread!
Using multiple tools to do the job that a mechanic would typically use only one simple tool to complete a task can save countless dollars, time, and stress related-cussing.
Tip # 1. REMOVING LOCKED OR STRIPPED SCREWS(PHILLIPSHEAD OR FLATHEAD)
You will need:
1 pair Vise Grips
1 appropriately sized hex screw driver bit
1 hammer
Take a the bit and lock it vise grips at a perpendicular angle so the the bit forms the short leg similar to the short leg of the letter "L." The back of the bit should extend out the opposite side of the vise grip jaws, so that you can tap the butt of the hex bit with the hammer if needed.
When I use this setup to remove my locked carburetor screws, I place my body weight over the screw's butt-end where the vise grips are clamped down and then use the angle of the vise grips to turn out the screw. If you just loosen them with this setup, then you can go back and unscrew them completely with a regular screwdriver.
The only time you'll really need the hammer will be if a prior mechanic has stripped the screw's head. In this situation, hammer the hex bit into the stripped screw head with enough force to get it to bite into the stripped screw head then turn it out with the vise grips, using the angle to your advantage and don't forget to place your body weight into the manuever over the butt of the hex screw bit to hold the bit into the bite you've just created with the hammer. If you don't use your body weight, you may well just continue to strip further into the head of the screw.
I hope my 500th post is helpful and saves you hours, cussing, grief, and dollars that you will put to good use on another more complex task.
Happy Trails,
Big Dub
aka, Thedizzl(myspace), Funky Monkey, [email protected], or just plain ole Walt Flowers(facebook).
." Disease Specialist/Katana Cycling Enthusiast
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