Repair Miscellaneous

About thirty (+-) years ago a co-worker in our fabric cutting area asked for some kind of apron or smock to protect their street clothing from the glues used to make TF Impact armor, and also from the constant rubbing when one leans over against the side rails of our fabric cutting tables. Here is a refined-over-the-years version of what we came up with.  Over time, several customers touring our facility have asked if they could buy one, and now you (and they) can. If you had asked, sorry for the long wait, here they are now.

Two versions: Brown 8.25 oz waxed cotton and Black 500D Cordura nylon. Both feature adjustable 1" nylon shoulder straps to fine-tune fit, an adjustable waist buckle strap to secure it around your midsection, and three deep pockets perfect for tools, small parts, or just about anything else you want quick access to. The chest pocket works great for a pen, notepad, or smartphone. We recommend the waxed cotton if you’re welding and/or backyard BBQ-ing. For most other uses, go with Cordura. Made by us to last at least as long as you do, probably longer. Made in America. One size fits most.

Single use cleaner–impregnated moist towelette in a 2.25"×3" pouch that carries anywhere. Safely cleans bugs, dirt and road grime from windshields, glasses, faceshields and goggles. Contains 12 wipes.

These tough, yet lightweight mechanics gloves fit like a second skin and wear like iron. Air-infused nitrile palm-coating for exceptional gription on oily surfaces. Shaped to be über flexible, comfortable and extremely durable. When the dirty part of the job is done, these digit protectors are machine washable too. Gloves have a smooth black coating and are suitable for abrasive work. Black. M, L, XL.

These nitrile gloves were designed specifically for mechanics, and they feature textured fingers and palms to make it easier to handle slippery parts. Powder free and tear resistant, are a toolbox must for dirtiest jobs. Nitrile is much more resistant to chemicals than latex and these actually fits better the longer you wear them. One Nitrile glove fits either hand, so there’s no need to screw around with which glove fits what. Black. L or XL. 100 pack.

An amazingly soft and absorbent Andron Suede microfiber fabric optimized for cleaning glasses, cameras and optics. The world’s best faceshield cleaning tool. Reusable and washable. Blue. 6"× 6".

A versatile microfiber terrycloth for washing and drying your bike. Absorbs and holds more water…faster than all ordinary rags, and wrings dry. Non-abrasive. Packs away tiny. Hand or machine wash (no bleach, no fabric softener), dryer safe. Ultra Terry Weave. 16"×16", 1.5 oz. Blue.

Simply the finest all-metal polishing paste anywhere! Excellent for aluminum, chrome, steel and other metal surfaces. Produces a rich, brilliant shine on any uncoated metal surface. Leaves an invisible, protective coating to prevent tarnish and help keep the shine longer. 1.76 oz.

Deep cleaning, antibacterial Scrubs remove grease and grime from the dirtiest hands with powerful cleaning agents in a non-scratching, non-abrasive, disposable hand towel. Keep one or two on your bike and a few with your tools, so that the next time you are stuck fixing something dirty you can clean up afterward…which can be almost as satisfying as being able to fix the problem in the first place.

After a great trip you wash the bike and There It Is: big, rubbed-right-through-the-paint dull area, ...right where your pack, straps, and bungees went. ($$$, sh_t.) This anti-slip, padded, cut-to-fit foam covered mesh can save your bike’s paint from a thousand abrasions or scratches on your next trip. The most carefully loaded duffels and soft bags can ‘walk’ due to road and engine vibrations. Place this durable 3/16” thick reinforced pvc mesh between your bags, bungees and bike bodywork for maximum protection and increased load security, no matter how rough the road conditions. If you can predict a problem, you can prevent it. This versatile stuff is also great as a tool drawer liner in the workshop, an anti-skid sheet on a dashboard, or a vegetable bin liner in the fridge. Very durable, too. Black. 24” x 36”.

The definitive bible on the best ways to have a better riding and handling machine. Troubleshooting instructions for dirt, street and supermoto provide a solution for virtually every handling problem. In a short time you’ll have a terrific understanding of one of the most misunderstood aspects of motorcycle performance. Will inspire you to make your bike handle like a pro’s. By Paul Thede and Lee Parks. Softbound, 8.25"×10.5", 256 pp., color illus.

This comprehensive manual contains a wealth of ideas for setting up your ‘ultimate’ workshop. If you are wanting to get into restoration, customizing, or just doing routine maintenance on your own bike, you’ll find lots of ideas here. Profiles of typical shops are included also, so you can see how the pros do it, and incorporate different aspects into your own shop. By C.G. Masi. Softbound, 8.25"×10.5",176 pp., b/w illus.

If you’ve ever been curious about the sparky bits on your scoot, this book is a great reference. Starts with the basics at electron level and explains everything from Lucas magnetos (this is a British book, after all) to today’s electronic ignitions, ABS and traction control. By Tony Tranter. Softbound, 8.25"×10.5", 252 pp., b/w & color illus.

If you’d like to get more ‘hands on’, but are unsure where to start, this book provides a terrific amount of information on standard techniques used when repairing, overhauling, and fabricating parts. This excellent publication clearly demystifies the processes and methods used by mechanics. Stop reaching for that bigger hammer and see how it’s done properly. By John Fidell and Pete Shoemark. Hardbound, 8.25"×11", 143 pp., b/w illus.

From the basics, like the difference between a two and a four stroke engine, to more complex issues such as single and three-phase alternators. This book gives a fine introduction and guide to just what’s going on below you when riding. Over 400 illustrations. By Matthew Coombs and Haynes Publishing. Hardbound, 8.25"×11", 164 pp., b/w illus.

An amazingly clear and well produced work. From the basics including the way engines function to routine maintenance such as fluid changes, to checking and truing spoked wheels, as well as rebuilding a clutch and diagnosing electrical faults, this book delivers in a concise and usable way that will make it ideal for the rider interested in maintaining (or at least understanding) his mount and what’s involved in keeping it running in the best condition possible. By Mark Zimmerman. Softbound, 8.25"×10.5", 256 pp., color illus.

Explains in plain English the principles behind electrical systems and how they work – and how to test, evalu ate, and troubleshoot your gremlins. A very helpful, detailed, well-written and concise guide for the weekend mechanic and experienced professional alike. By Tracy Martin. Softbound, 8.25"×10.5", 151 pp., b/w & color illus.

The latest version of the famous Battery Tender®. Lucky for you (and your battery) the cost is the same. The enhancements to the original design are in the circuitry that ensures better charge absorption and a built-in 72 hour safety timer to protect a marginal battery from being overcharged. The display improvements tell the user that AC power is on, when it is charging, that the battery is 80% charged, that full charge has been attained, and when the unit is in “float” charge mode. Electrifying.12V, 1.25A.

Why jump on board the USS Mainstream Indulgence without even a second thought? 3.5"×3.5".

For those of us who own bikes that occasionally need a little bit of investigatory tinkering in the field, this is a way to get the gas tank off quickly without yanking fuel lines off of carbs or petcocks or wrestling with hose clamps. (The o-ring gas line connectors are rated ok for use on fuel injected motorcycles.) It also can make refueling your multi-fuel camping stove less of a messy chore, especially on extended trips. Has a Viton ring for dependable sealing and will withstand all types of fuel, due to its construction of high-tech nylon.

A simple, lightweight, highly accurate way to measure and monitor the battery on your bike. Easy to install, too. Simply plug this indicator into an SAE connector hooked directly to your battery (sold separately) and the LCD displays voltage when the button is pressed or when initially plugged in. Works with any 12V Flooded, AGM and Gel batteries. Displays voltage range from 3V to 16V within +/-0.1 volt accuracy. Colored lights also illuminate red, yellow or green to indicate battery health.

A self-priming fuel transfer system. No matter where you are, this ultra compact system won’t leave you stranded for long. Throw away that length of gnarly old hose and safely siphon fuel from any gas-powered device without getting a mouthful of gas.

This is one siphon that doesn’t suck. Simply insert the self-priming end into any non-empty gas tank, and put the other end into the transferring container/carrying case (that works a heck of a lot better than a crinkled Mountain Dew can). A few up and down motions and you’ll be siphonin’ away. The handy stopper clip maintains siphoning even when in the “off” position, so there’s no need to begin the process all over again between container transfers to your tank. The included super soak towel quickly cleans up any excess spills and everything fits neatly back into the transfer container/carrying case. Carrying case is 10.1"×2.6"×1.25" and holds 1/8 gallon of gas. Siphon is 68" long. Entire system weighs less than 4 oz.