I never seem to have the right tools...

[TimMcC]

So, once again I've managed to fail at doing some basic maintenance on my bike 'cause I don't have the right tools :(

I'm trying to sort out the chain tension, 'cause there's about 7cm of play when there should be 3cm... Whoops.

Seems I need a torque wrench so I can put the axle nut back on properly when I've taken it off, and a breaker bar to actually get the nut off the wheel in the first place.

Halfords are closed now for the day and it's going to rain all week in the evenings, so it isn't looking good. I have no garage so I can only do stuff to the bike when it's light outside and dry. Then I'm on holiday from Thursday and would rather get it sorted out before I go.

Maybe I can persuade the local garage to sort it out for a modest fee. Isn't much work though so they may not be interested.

[Amanda]

Hmmmm ...... so have you answered your own question or is there still input needed from the orgers??? I am confused??? lol

[TimMcC]

I'm just complaining aloud really :)

It'll get sorted one way or the other.

[TSM]

no one can tell you now much manually applied torque to put but after your first use of a torque wrench you will know how much to put with a similar length breaker bar

[ophic]

It's a simple job. You will be able to buy a torque wrench and a breaker bar and the right socket for about the same as the garage would charge you to do the work. Then you'll have the right tools and won't ever need to pay anyone ever again. Well not for tensioning the chain anyway.

I have a breaker bar and a large torque wrench and they are phenomenally useful, general purpose tools. Well worth splashing out on imho.

[metalangel]

I think I used my torque wrench twice, to put two bolts back into my pointy's engine after fitting my lowers. Still, it looks cool!

[Rai86]

My mechanic works at Eastliegh college if you want him to do it? Can swing by on him way home

[Scoobs]

If it's got that much free play I'd wager it was fooked.

[TimMcC]

If it's got that much free play I'd wager it was fooked.

Turns out I'm not that amazing at measuring by estimate.

Turns out to be about 4cm. Should be 2-3.

Rai: Might take you up on that offer tomorrow...

[Rai86]

PM'd

[Wideboy]

if all fails, im only up the road mate, got it all only take a few secs

[TimMcC]

if all fails, im only up the road mate, got it all only take a few secs

Cheers mate.

I'm about to go on holiday, so I'll probably just leave it for now. Especially give all the rain and the lack of a garage.

When I get back I'll go buy some tools and try and sort it. If I fail, I'll be on 'ere pleading for someone to come help me get my wheel back on ;)

[Wideboy]

what do you need? i only work in chandlers ford

[TimMcC]

I *think* I need a breaker bar with a 1/2" drive to get the axle nut loose. And a torque wrench the same capable of tightening to 60NM to get it back on again.

Already got a socket set I've borrowed. Just doesn't have a handle long enough to undo the nut, I'm assuming I'll be able to get it loose with the breaker bar.

If that fails, I'll be seeking help as to how to get the damn thing loose so I can adjust the chain!

[Wideboy]

i got all that, is the wheel still on the bike cos if you cant budge it i can stick the windy gun on it for you

[TimMcC]

Yeah, cool mate. It's all still on. Just tried to loosen it on Sunday with the short handle that my mate had in her kit, but it wouldn't budge. I was confident enough that it hadn't moved at all, that I rode it to work this morning.

If you've got all this cool stuff, maybe I should just bring it round when I get back from holiday next week? You can show me how it's done, I might even buy some booze.

[Wideboy]

yeah if you want mate, don't worry about booze just shout me a pint at next pub meet it will only take a few mins...... it should move with a torque wrench, some garages are plebs and pinch the nuts up with windy guns which is probably whats happened