OzVMX Forum

Clubroom => Tech Talk => Topic started by: evo550 on August 06, 2010, 11:03:27 am

Title: A handy little tool.
Post by: evo550 on August 06, 2010, 11:03:27 am
Sometimes it's the simple things
http://www.offroad.com/dirtbike/tech/dirt-bike-tech-the-ultimate-chain-guide-tool-52543.html
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: AdamN on August 06, 2010, 11:09:19 am
That's one of those "why didn't I think of that" one's ??? :D :D

Adam
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: mx250 on August 06, 2010, 11:35:04 am
That's one of those "why didn't I think of that" one's ??? :D :D

Adam
I agree.

Too easy  ;D.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: cyclegod on August 06, 2010, 11:45:20 am
That's one of those "why didn't I think of that" one's ??? :D :D

Adam

Magnet + laser pointer for me  ;)
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: VMX247 on August 06, 2010, 12:11:44 pm
geez there is some gear on the market now days.
Don't know how bikes survived the last 40 odd years.  ;D
cheers
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: firko on August 06, 2010, 12:15:50 pm
I bought a cheap laser level used by builders at Aldi and it works a treat. http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_11643.htm (http://www.aldi.com.au/au/html/offers/2827_11643.htm)
It's especially good for making sure the engine's in straight and lined up correctly with the back wheel when building bikes with engines that didn't originate in the chassis. It's a bit cumbersome to take to the races so Cyclegods method would work well but can you still buy laser pointers?

The Sidewinder tool seems dickhead proof and would fit nicely into the gizmo section of anyones toolbox though.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Freakshow on August 06, 2010, 12:39:36 pm
Funny you say that i have a laser pointer  pen that i got from work for presentations, given i dont do slide shows, i have used it for all sort of interesting things, chains, straight edges, levels onto other walls.  Last week i used it to find a high spot in somthing it was sanding back.  its gone for a totally useless thing that was rooling around in my car, to my best freind, im allway looking for things to use it with now.   They still sell the red ones as presentaion pointers at the cheap shops for $5.  get onto them
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Billet YZ on August 06, 2010, 12:46:54 pm
Here is a few more.

http://motionpro.com/motorcycle/partno/08-0048/

http://www.probike.co.uk/it110009.jpg
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Mick D on August 06, 2010, 07:39:32 pm
WOW, UNBELEIVABLE ???

Am I to believe that people actually use the marks on their swinging arm “for correct chain alignment”  ???

I AM CONTINUALLY GOB SMACKED THAT THERE ARE MARKETS THAT ARE BUILT AND THRIVE ON IGNORANCE ???

This is what I have been doing since the age of twelve(patent pending) ;D


My kit, for chain alignment (patent pending) ;D

(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/EBAYSALES013.jpg?t=1281085396)

Take part one of the kit, rubber band. over the years I have added a hook(patent pending) ;D
Pass loop of rubber band through sprocket hole.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/EBAYSALES014.jpg?t=1281085396)

 Insert 4mm welding rod through loop.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/EBAYSALES015.jpg?t=1281085396)

Pull rubber band tight and attach hook(patent pending) onto the nearest suitable piont.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/EBAYSALES016.jpg?t=1281085396)
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/EBAYSALES021.jpg?t=1281095012)

Obviously we then have this :o
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/EBAYSALES020.jpg?t=1281085396)

Then look straight down of course, to observse optimun chain alignment.
(http://i677.photobucket.com/albums/vv132/mc125mick/EBAYSALES018.jpg?t=1281085396)
Obviously the above RUSTY beast was spot on, when it was set two and a half years ago at Crawford River :D

 

  PLEASE, BEFORE ANYONE SENDS ANMORE MONEY OVERSEAS!!

I HAVE A FULL BOX OF 4mm WELDING RODS(all rolled on a surface plate to proove straightness), I CAN SELL YOU ONE, I WILL ALSO INCLUDE A RUBBER BAND(patent pending). I CAN GET MORE ON MONDAY ::)

DON’T GET SUCKERED FOR A FANCY GAGGET FOR US$25 PLUS POST. I CAN SELL YOU THE WHOLE “MICK KIT” FOR A MERE AU$10.

COME ON DOWN THE WATERS FINE. 



 STAY TUNED FOR MY NEW TOPIC “DUMMER THAN DOGSHIT, DRESSED IN A BLUE AND WHITE APRON”. WITH TWO HUNDRED PICTURES(a picture tells a thousand words).

AFTER ONE OF MY FRIENDS BOUGHT ONE OF THOSE SO CALLED DECENT BIKES OF EBAY.


 
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Curly3 on August 06, 2010, 08:03:28 pm
Like any tool, they're only as good as the, nut on the end.
What happens if, for example, the rod is bent or, there is bit of shite under one corner of the mounting block.
Attention to detail is the secret, measure twice, cut once.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Mick D on August 06, 2010, 08:36:21 pm
Like any tool, they're only as good as the, nut on the end.
What happens if, for example, the rod is bent or, there is bit of shote under one corner of the mounting block.
Attention to detail is the secret, measure twice, cut once.

Thats why in the "MICK KIT" (patent pending) the indicator(4mm welding rod,patent pending) is attached directly to the SPPRRROOOCCCCCKKKKKEEEEEETTT  (patent pending). This is some times been referred to throughout the ages as "IDIOT PROOFING" ;D
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Curly3 on August 06, 2010, 10:05:02 pm
In all honesty Mick I didn't read your post thoroughly and you definitely have kept to the KISS principle.
I pretty much sped through to my own reply.
Having an engineering background I should realize that there are a lot of people out there with an office background who aren't savvy with basic engineering principles and tools like these are a great help.
I hope I don't get bombarded by stroppy shiny bums. :P :P :P :P :P :P :P
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: firko on August 06, 2010, 10:14:14 pm
But Mick......Yours isn't anodized and pretty ;D. You know that gadgets are needed by some people. I've gotta admit that now I'm older and can afford stuff more than I could back in my poor old working days, I like collecting gizmos and gadgets although I doubt I'll be spending 25 bucks on one of these things in the near future. The laser level I bought for other purposes and it coincidentally just happened to have good bike side benefits.
Funnily enough, in 40 years of Maico ownership I've never needed anything to make sure my chain is on straight except my eyes.
 
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Mick D on August 06, 2010, 10:31:57 pm
But Mick......Yours isn't anodized and pretty ;D. You know that gadgets are needed by some people. I've gotta admit that now I'm older and can afford stuff more than I could back in my poor old working days, I like collecting gizmos and gadgets although I doubt I'll be spending 25 bucks on one of these things in the near future. The laser level I bought for other purposes and it coincidentally just happened to have good bike side benefits.
Funnily enough, in 40 years of Maico ownership I've never needed anything to make sure my chain is on straight except my eyes.
 

Yes Firko, I agree. Thing is, my eyes aren't what they used to be. Also the rubberband and welding rod is just so easy peasy, a perfect result every time. and they are the only tools that I have ever been able to afford loosing.

What do you mean you like collectting Gizzmos? from where I am looking :) I think there is nothing you don't like collecting. I have some of the things you sold on ebay(and probably only to appese a therapist). I am willing to preserve them, or you could offer me a ransom ;D
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Hoony on August 06, 2010, 10:38:45 pm
Can i become the "Mick Kit" ( pat pend) Melbourne distributor  ;)
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Mick D on August 06, 2010, 10:50:19 pm
Can i become the "Mick Kit" ( pat pend) Melbourne distributor  ;)

No worries Hoony, your it Mate. I have more ideas to contribute than a Chinese factory owner that has hacked in to the US patents office ;D
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: firko on August 06, 2010, 10:53:46 pm
Quote
have some of the things you sold on ebay(and probably only to appese a therapist). I am willing to preserve them, or you could offer me a ransom
If I knew what I'd sold you I'd be in a better bargaining position ??? but if I sold it I probably don't want it back.
 I really don't collect anything besides old bikes that nobody else is interested in Mick, and I haven't really got that many compared to many on this forum probably including you.
 Isn't everyone a tool junkie in some form or another? I just like having nice tools, I guess it's the old boilermaker in me coming out.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Mick D on August 06, 2010, 11:07:06 pm
Quote
have some of the things you sold on ebay(and probably only to appese a therapist). I am willing to preserve them, or you could offer me a ransom
If I knew what I'd sold you I'd be in a better bargaining position ??? but if I sold it I probably don't want it back.
 I really don't collect anything besides old bikes that nobody else is interested in Mick, and I haven't really got that many compared to many on this forum probably including you.
 Isn't everyone a tool junkie in some form or another? I just like having nice tools, I guess it's the old boilermaker in me coming out.

Yeah Mark, read between the lines, that was a compliment. Chill out with abeer maybe. I can't give you one I am nearly out. Its like parking spaces, I think they are making cartons smaller these days too ::)
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: lucien on August 07, 2010, 09:26:17 am
I like a little tool like that very handy,do yuo have any power bands to sell i have seen them for sale at old shops, my honda cr125 has one but is to small i was told i should  have a bigger one
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: firko on August 07, 2010, 09:39:21 am
Quote
Yeah Mark, read between the lines, that was a compliment Chill out with abeer maybe
I didn't know where you were headed Mick. I fully understand you were going through a tough week mate but sometimes it's not a real good idea to get on a forum when you're on the piss. It rarely comes out the way you intended. ;D 
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: crash n bern on August 07, 2010, 10:08:51 am
Well, being an ex bricklayer I just sight along the chain by eye.  Almost as acurate as a laser levell.  But I do like that gizmo, being a tool junkie and all.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: pancho on August 07, 2010, 05:04:07 pm
If the wheel is not spaced correctly when you use eye-sight it would be likely that wheel alignment would be out even though the chain alignment might appear perfect. To my mind the two factors must be checked and corrected where necessary. cheers pancho.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: FAT-TOY on August 07, 2010, 09:10:12 pm
My wife presented me with a sign for my workshop, HE WHO DIES WITH THE MOST TOOLS WINS.

  Zane
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: crash n bern on August 08, 2010, 09:11:12 am
If the wheel is not spaced correctly when you use eye-sight it would be likely that wheel alignment would be out even though the chain alignment might appear perfect. To my mind the two factors must be checked and corrected where necessary. cheers pancho.


The way I see it is if the wheel is not spaced correctly. You will notice the chain riding up on one side of the rear sprocket.

My father, a third generation German bricklayer taught me, "Don't use the levell,  use use your eye, the levell is just for double checking at the end."  Took years for it to sink in.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: evo550 on August 08, 2010, 12:17:46 pm
If the wheel is not spaced correctly when you use eye-sight it would be likely that wheel alignment would be out even though the chain alignment might appear perfect. To my mind the two factors must be checked and corrected where necessary. cheers pancho.



My father, a third generation German bricklayer taught me, "Don't use the levell,  use use your eye, the levell is just for double checking at the end."  Took years for it to sink in.

What if your out of plumb or level when your finished ?

Check as you go, I reckon !
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: crash n bern on August 08, 2010, 03:59:04 pm
If the wheel is not spaced correctly when you use eye-sight it would be likely that wheel alignment would be out even though the chain alignment might appear perfect. To my mind the two factors must be checked and corrected where necessary. cheers pancho.



My father, a third generation German bricklayer taught me, "Don't use the levell,  use use your eye, the levell is just for double checking at the end."  Took years for it to sink in.

What if your out of plumb or level when your finished ?

Check as you go, I reckon !


Yeah, sorry that's what I meant.  I was trying to type with a 7 month old bouncing on my lap.
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Mike52 on August 08, 2010, 05:16:13 pm
What sort of welding rod do u use Mick?
Do u rekon a 16 TC would work seeing as how I,ve got a packet of them here that I can,t use.
The little red bit on the end isn,t long enough on these. :)

Fitter and Turner joke for those who don,t follow. :o
Title: Re: A handy little tool.
Post by: Mick D on August 08, 2010, 09:13:29 pm
What sort of welding rod do u use Mick?
Do u rekon a 16 TC would work seeing as how I,ve got a packet of them here that I can,t use.
The little red bit on the end isn,t long enough on these. :)

Fitter and Turner joke for those who don,t follow. :o

Hi Mike, yeah mate, your right, it won’t work unless it is a low hydrogen rod ::) ::) ;D ;D :D :D ;D ;D.

Yeas Mike, I am a boilerys nemesis as well ;D ;D ;D.

But seriously hey. I am talking about regular chain adjustment on any bike. Doesn’t matter if it is pumped out of a factory or a correctly constructed Hybrid. Lets face it if you sighting it(while a cahin is clouding judgment) by eye while adjusting the chain it is really difficult, particularly as get up and down, to sight it like a “dead eye dick” would. The older you get, the harder it is to see and the harder it is to get up and down to look along the chain, yadda yadda etc.

This makes it so easy, just watch the indicator (welding rod) go from side to side as you approach the required adjustment for correct “chain free play”.

I have kept it as quite as I can for 40years. My friends and others will tell all that I am way worse than “Tim the tool man”(or Ji for that matter)(although I miss ogling Ji’s  shinny new latest tool offerings). Shit I should have kept my mouth shut. No, no, come on down Ji, the waters fine mate(no one owns this forum except all of US, oh and Graeme of course).

How do you patent a rubber band(or expansion spring) and straight bar?

Anyhow, tight lines. woops sorry, wrong forum ::) ::) easy peasy straight chains :o :o whatever :) :)