MOTOR CYCLING

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 56, 15 September 1928, Page 27

MOTOR CYCLING

TALK ABOUT TOOL KITS WHAT THEY SHOULD HOLD The tool kits supplied by motor-cycle manufacturers differ very largely, and. it is to bo regretted that but few makers have standardised one which can bo really called adequate. To those readers who have only recently taken up motorcycling the following discussion by a practical rider of long experience, published in the English "Motor Cycling Journal," should be found useful. How many kits contain a fixed spanner to fit every nut on the machine, and what percentage of makers include that most necessary item—the chain rivet, extractor ? Yet the tool is quite as impprtaut as any other accessory, iudeed moro so than many, and it behoves riders to invest in some additional ones, .should their kits be of the common order. Some restraintshould be exercised in purchasing these, as it is possible to go into one of the many shops which are such Meccas to gadget hunters and buy innumerable articles which, although very amusing, can hardly be considered essential. In the first place, it will probably be desirable to invest in a really firstclass movable spanner. If a large one is already included, a medium sized "shifter" will prove itself well worth the purchase price. . Many vevy small adjustables are on the market and, while being pleasant 'toys, these can scarcely bo deemed necessities for use with a motor-cycle. The. screw-driver supplied in the kit • will 'almost certainly prove inadequate, the point often being about one-eighth inch thick, so that it declines to be enticed, into any screw slot. A better class medium sized example should be bought, while a diminutive screw-driver is on occasions worth its weight in gold on the roadside. A really largo one is also very useful, but if is chiefly required in the garage anil is difficult to house in a toolbng. Tf one is feeling particularly rich, a raelict. screw-driver may bo acquired. A set of reliable, box spnniK'is will

often prove invaluable, particularly for removing hub nuts,, which aro apt to bo tightened up when the machine leaves the work with' an enormous box spanner and tommy bar so that they are wellnigh impossible to loosen with an openended spanner on the road. Open-ended spanners arc usually supplied in fairly satisfactory qualities, and it is unlikely that it will be necessary to purchase a further assortment. If, however, it should be the case, there are many excellent brands to be had; they eau be bought in sets fitted with neat leather eases. In connection with open-ended spanners, it may be noted that a spanner marked, say, G-lGin, fits a o-Sin nut. Owing to the fact that the space available for fitting is so generally limited in the cycle and automobile engineering trades the same sized hexagon is used on a 3-Bin nut as would be employed on a 5-lGin nut utilised for otlior industries. It sometimes happens that when a pair of pliers is included with the machine they are on the small side or prove very stiff to work. A satisfactory pair is" essential and make sure that they aro large enough to fit the circular nut at the base of tlio tire valve. Tappet spanners arc; certain to be included in the tool kit supplied by the makers, as are such special items as valve cap, exhaust pipe, union ring, and magneto spanners. If a small file is now added, your tool kit should contain everything that is likely to be required for roadside repairs without being too cumbersome to stow away reasonably. GADGETS AND SPARES.' -A large number -of machines nowadays are fitted with one large toolbag on the rear down tube. l'nor those ; however^ which employ two pannier bags it is a good plan to use one for holding tho complete tool kit previously mentioned and the other for containing various gadgets and spares which aro not so frequently required. A tiro repair outfit and tire lovers, for instance, should find a place here. Few solo riders will consider it worth while to carry a complete spare tube for ordinary -trips. One or two ordinary pattern levers should bo included in addition to the wired on type "spoon." It is also wise to cany a box of valvcß. Make quite sure also that your pump connection fits the typo of valve in your tube. A spare is worth the room required, as the little washer often gets lost, making the pump useless. Chain spares should also bo carried here, and be certain that they arc of the same make and size as those on tho machine and that the primary and rear chains aro of the same dimensions. A rivet, extractor is also an essential, as, while it is a simple enough matter to move a bent link with the aid of a cold chisel and a vice in- the garage, it is not easy to do this on the roadside, especially in cold weather. ' With a side valve machine a comploto valve and spring may be accommodated. • Brakes arc intended to retard the momentum of the car' and gradually bring it to a stop. When-brakes grab, have them adjusted. Kunning a tar wilh a small amount of petrol in tho tank is bad practice. The fuel lino will frequently pick up sediment or water from, (lie bottom of the tank and cause carburettor trouble.' When testing or filling a storage battery keep away from an open ilame, as the escaping gases from tlio battery arc inflammable.