So after figuring out that my eccentric chain adjust was stuck, the teeth got pretty boogered up during the learning curve. Tool was still intact, but the handle that makes it so you can actually apply usable torque was getting fairly damaged:
So then began my search for a better tool. I came across the HDESA chain adjust tool, model HD007. A gentleman in Cali makes them and sells them on Fleabay, and he has his own site. Shipping was lightning fast; ordered Sunday night and it was here in PA by Wednesday. Here are some pics of his tool and how it stacks up to the stocker:
Tool seems nicely fabricated. Solid, albeit lightweight (aluminum? hmmm...) and sturdy in the hand. This is definitely a design improvement.
With the cush drive loosely in place, I quickly realized its shortcomings. Being made of aluminum, it gouged and deformed quickly against the jagged edges of my 'boogered up' eccentric chain adjust:
But that wasnt even the worst part. I found that with everything installed and torqued into place (minus the lock-nut, of course) the tool was too thick and would not fit between the clearance of the sprocket bolts and swing arm. The first pic is the stock tool and how it being thinner, works:
Now a pic showing a close-up of the HDESA tool and how it cannot fit once assembled:
Now with all my cheap-ness considered, I purchased the less expensive model. HDESA does make a steel version, for another ten dollars. But unless its thinner, I foresee the same clearance problems.
Hope this little write up helps the reader to make a better informed decision.
At least I finally got my new chain and sprockets on!
Banditman
So then began my search for a better tool. I came across the HDESA chain adjust tool, model HD007. A gentleman in Cali makes them and sells them on Fleabay, and he has his own site. Shipping was lightning fast; ordered Sunday night and it was here in PA by Wednesday. Here are some pics of his tool and how it stacks up to the stocker:
Tool seems nicely fabricated. Solid, albeit lightweight (aluminum? hmmm...) and sturdy in the hand. This is definitely a design improvement.
With the cush drive loosely in place, I quickly realized its shortcomings. Being made of aluminum, it gouged and deformed quickly against the jagged edges of my 'boogered up' eccentric chain adjust:
But that wasnt even the worst part. I found that with everything installed and torqued into place (minus the lock-nut, of course) the tool was too thick and would not fit between the clearance of the sprocket bolts and swing arm. The first pic is the stock tool and how it being thinner, works:
Now a pic showing a close-up of the HDESA tool and how it cannot fit once assembled:
Now with all my cheap-ness considered, I purchased the less expensive model. HDESA does make a steel version, for another ten dollars. But unless its thinner, I foresee the same clearance problems.
Hope this little write up helps the reader to make a better informed decision.
At least I finally got my new chain and sprockets on!
Banditman