HF Spring Clamps Instead of "Handle Bar Tripods"

[ftm1776]

Large Harbor Freight SPRING CLAMPS can substitute for the more boutique "handle bar tripods" used when inverting the bike to work on drive train or remove wheels.
The clamps run about $10 for two. You can use more than two. I haven't tried it yet. Still, the tripods cost about $40 and the clamps $10. It' worth investigating.
The clamps attach quite securely to the hand grips on my XP4.
Have you tried this method?? Comments, please.

 

[EMGX]

I'm not sure how they will work for bike handlebars but I ordered a set of 10 these <$10 including tax and I'll give them a try. Mostly I want them to clamp a tarp on my zero turn for times it's left out of the shed with rain threatening. Wasn't aware that they existed plastic and this size so thanks for your post.

 

[ftm1776]

Take a look at the Harbor Freight site, search "SPRING CLAMPS". The clamps come in various sizes which relate to how wide the jaws open.
Use the metal clamps, not the plastic. Why pay $40 if $10 spent at HF will do the trick???!!! Plus, the HF clamps have other uses around your shop and house.
I assume that you are using the small plastic clamps which are too small for this application. The metal 3 inch have quite the grip on the bike handle grip.

Peace

 

[EMGX]

I really bought them to hold a tarp down so I'm not concered if they don't work well for bike handlebars although I suspect they might. No Harbor Freight nearby so Amazon it was. Thanks again.

 

[EMGX]

Very strong grip, seem to work well on handlebars if needed for flat repair. I like that they are small and very light weight. Will be good for clamping tarp to the mower too.

 

[Jeremy McCreary]

Cheap and effective — my favorite kind of solution.

Question is, is it OK to invert a bike with hydraulic disk brakes? I've seen opinions go both ways, with the not OK camp citing the risk of having to bleed your brakes afterward to clear the lines of air bubbles from the reservoirs.