On 2017-11-13 17:33, jbeattie wrote:
On Monday, November 13, 2017 at 3:21:35 PM UTC-8, Joerg wrote:
On 2017-11-13 15:07, jbeattie wrote:
On Monday, November 13, 2017 at 10:17:14 AM UTC-8, Joerg wrote:
On 2017-11-12 18:13, John B. wrote:
On Sun, 12 Nov 2017 07:38:50 -0800, Joerg
wrote:

On 2017-11-11 18:13, John B. wrote:
On Sat, 11 Nov 2017 10:39:42 -0800, Joerg
wrote:

On 2017-11-11 07:51, jbeattie wrote:


[...]

... Avid uses a higher torque spec. 5nm should be
plenty to keep your stem and headset tight, but
probably not in Cameron Park.


It does but only if I smear some grit-laden toothpaste
on the fork tube before sliding on the stem. Not the
paste for electric brushing but the regular paste. What
I am saying is that 5nm feels like it's about to strip
the aluminum threads out.

I think I'd buy a torque meter. And use it :-)


Trying to be a minimalist I have a makeshift one that was
ridiculed here but when compared to pro gear is more
accurate than anything from a hardware sto A digital
suitcase scale. I can torque a screw to precisely 44
in-lbs. Not 42 or 46 but exactly 44. Try that with one of
those ratchet gizmos.


Yup, you can use a scale and a carefully measured length
wrench but it is hardly necessary as torque limits always
seem to be quite liberal. Shimano specifies 2 - 4 Nm (18 - 36
"lbs) for brake disc attaching bolts. No need to get right
down to the nth degree.


I know. Just mentioned it because there are people here who
seriously think the suitcase scale method is inaccurate.

No, it's just dopey -- it's like using a nail and a hammer to
remove a chain rivet . . . oh wait. Never mind.


Both methods work fine. Until I got a digital scale as a present I
used a butcher "hook scale" which was just fine. As for the hammer
and nail that is how I opened scores of chains when I had used them
up as a university student. When all you have is a single room of
150sqft or less and your monthly budget is $300 including rent,
utilities, food, books, beer and all you learn minimalist
strategies quickly.

Minimalist would be to skip the beer and buy a $3 tool.


Nooo!

Also, minimalist to me isn't being Mr.Frugal but trying to live with the
least amount of stuff. If I had a bike repair shop I'd naturally have a
chain breaker (but not a chintzy $3 edition) and several torque
wrenches. BEing a hobbyist I simply don't see teh need.


I bought a Cyclo Rivoli when I was 12 years old. It was maybe $3
(probably less).
https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8222/...25e6f46e_z.jpg It
was part of my extensive tool kit.
https://tse2.mm.bing.net/th?id=OIP.1...=0&w=240&h=160

I went to college with tackle box of tools, a Silca floor pump and a
bunch of sew-ups. No dorms -- just a room in a ****-hole house with
three other guys. I had a PX10 and no car.


Similar with me. However, I invested any free cash I had in electronics
parts and ham radio. Oh, and beer.


Since about two years I am the proud owner of a chain breaker
because it was part of a PricePoint bike tool kit. I wish they had
thrown in a T-25 driver instead because that can't easily be
kludged. Do I get my chains open any faster? Nope.

Well, I hope you're not opening your chains with a tool considering
they probably come with a master-link. You do have to shorten them,
and I'll race you any day of the week shortening a chain -- you and
your nail and hammer, and me and my chain tool. I'll have the chain
shortened before you strike your first blow.


You'd be surprised. The anvil is always on the bench where I work in
chains et cetera. The whole bike goes on there for maintenance. The nail
used to sit in the top drawer next to the screwdrivers and the hammers
are five drawers below. It was fast. But now I have a chain tool because
it came with a large kit.

Oh, and by the way, the chain breaker of a friend didn't work with a
thick 5-speed chain. So I went home and got that nail ...


BTW you also need some rock or a sturdy surface and a steel nut,
any old nut, to lay the chain link onto so the pin flies into that.
For that purpose I used a chunk of railroad flat-bottom rail as an
anvil which I still have.

Maybe you do, but for the last 45+ years, I've just used a tool.


It's even more extreme with brewing. The fancy guys have a $800
stainless steel fermenter, I use two $15 food grade 6-1/2 gallon pails
(and thus can and do brew two different beers). The beer doesn't taste
any different and it doesn't go any faster.

--
Regards, Joerg

http://www.analogconsultants.com/