Tuesday, April 28, 2015

Why I keep odd tools

So I had purchased a bicycle trailer, and it showed up today.  Needed assembly, of course.  I put it together, and pump up the tires to the recommended psi.

Problem - right tire is leaking air from the valve.  First thought through my mind is that I have a defective tube/valve in the tire.

Next thought through my mind:  "Huh.  I wonder if it's just the valve stem that's loose?  Did I keep the valve stem tool?"

Yes I did indeed keep the valve stem tool.  And yes indeed it was just a loose valve stem.  A couple of turns to the right, and it stopped leaking air.

And that's why I keep that tool.  Well, that, and the one I have stashed in my car so that I can remove the valve stems of the various assholes who park like they own the entire parking lot.

2 comments:

Eric Wilner said...

Alternatively, you could keep a lathe and mill, and make the funny little tools as needed.
It's much easier to find the big tools when you need them. Fiddly little tools always seem to vanish into the kitchen junk drawer, but I've never once misplaced the Bridgeport.

Ragin' Dave said...

Wait a minute here, I have to move every three years and I have a weight allowance. The little tool might just do me quite nicely.