I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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.

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

I'm just complaining aloud really :)

It'll get sorted one way or the other.

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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.

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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!

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

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...

Re: I never seem to have the right tools...
 

PM'd