Show Us a Tool

[PedalUma]

@PCeBiker,
I purchased a box of Crayola oil pastels for this purpose. Folding tires are the worst at wobble. I spin them and mark left and right for high spots, make adjustments, then use another color to track progress. It takes at least three tries and makes a world of difference. Then I use solvent to remove the marks. I just installed folding WTB Riddelers tonight on a beautiful IGH bike. Years ago industry folks thought I was nuts to true tires. The improvement is huge. This starter bike cost me $100. I put a lot into it and it is selling at the same price as a new eBike with a powerful torque sensor mid-drive. It is all about the basket with flowers.

 

[PedalUma]

Re_purpose old tire tubes as work place rubber bands.
Great for keeping bolts, washers, bushings and spacers stacked in order on a disassembly or for adding temporary physical protection.

View attachment 182895


View attachment 182896

I use old tubes as tiedowns. I slice them long ways at about 15mm. On many you can go around twice for length. Then I give them away to customers who need to carry their boxes of goodies, owner's manuals, chargers... They are so easy to tie securely. For big items use an X to self stabilize the tiedown. My favorite tools these days are torque wrenches. Everything gets torqued to spec. Pedals get 90nm.

What happens when you slice a Mobius long ways? Try it. Ever make a Mobius toilet seat cover and put it back into the dispenser?

 

[PCeBiker]

@PCeBiker,
I purchased a box of Crayola oil pastels for this purpose.

I remember you mentioned that before, so I bought a set of pastels.
My 30 yr old grease pencil was wearing down to a nub, and I only had one color,..

The grease pencil was hard to hold steady, and the tread kept taking huge chunks outta the pencil.

By the time the pastels arrived, I didn't need them anymore because my tire was finally seated properly.

Then I use solvent to remove the marks.

I just left them on the tire and rim.
I'll probably need them again and I never take notes and I forget to take pictures.
This way, I don't have to start over from scratch when I do it again.

Years ago industry folks thought I was nuts to true tires.

I don't care if it's crazy .
A properly trued AND balanced tire can only be a good thing.
Even if you add weight to accomplish it.

Years ago medical folks thought I was nuts.
It turned out to be true.

The improvement is huge.

40 years later and I haven't improved at all.

This starter bike cost me $100.

My last car cost me $6,300 used and lasted 13 years, doing all my own work on it, until I quit driving.
I was driving less than 500 miles a year. I didn't enjoy driving anymore and only drove to go shopping.

Then I bought my first ebike for $2,800 that arrived in November 2022.

Since then, I bought a second e-bike and TONS of parts, pieces, tools, specialty lubes, accessories and clothing for my new hobby.
I even bought a sextant when I was wasted thinking that I could use it to navigate, day or night, using the Sun, the North Star and my compass, if I got lost.

I've spent over $8,500 in the past two years on everything e-bike related.

It's been a fun ride. I bought lots of good stuff, and cool stuff, a lot of cheap crap too, but I learned TONS of new stuff !!

I put a lot into it and it is selling at the same price as a new eBike

I put a lot of money into ebikes that now sell for half the price.
Mine are worth ten cents on the dollar.
Free to a good home maybe?

with a powerful torque sensor mid-drive. It is all about the basket with flowers.

I don't do torque, or cadence, or pedal.

I just lock my throttle and cruise happily along riding no-hands at 20 mph.

 

[fooferdoggie]

stripping wires is always fun. was going to get a Klien one but I don't do it that often so I tried this guy. a whole 8.00 on Amazon and works great.

Amazon.com

 

[DaveMatthews]

stripping wires is always fun. was going to get a Klien one but I don't do it that often so I tried this guy. a whole 8.00 on Amazon and works great.

Amazon.com

View attachment 186497