Yup, I'm back to performing my own minor wrenching and one tool that needs addressing is my new chain whip. I admit I recently purchased a Tacx chain whip albeit on the cheap side. That old saying goes, 'Buy cheap buy twice.' And add in a healthy dose of frustration...
I earlier bought a Tacx Cassette Remover tool and had to return it after it broke on my first attempt. It's a slender piece of steel with a flimsy cassette tool attached to one end. I re-ordered, this time, going for the Campagnolo UT-BB080 cassette tool and armed with my heavy duty 12" adjustable wrench, plus will power... I was ready.
The chain whip is also made of a slender piece of steel - far from hefty. An entry level KMC chain is built to not withstand the efforts of even the most season mechanic. I can understand why companies keep the cost down to meet the demands of the masses is a pre-condition, their business decision to downgrade one aspect of an otherwise decent product. On my first attempt the KMC chain broke off (see top image). So not to get too discourage, I decided to upgrade the chain whip with a spare Campagnolo Veloce chain. I made the wrapping component extra long just to make sure it won't snap in the middle of a battle between my precious knuckles and a sharp piece of steel. It worked, holding the cogs firmly whilst removing my 11-25T cassette - my patience and DIY skills payed off. And yes I'll keep my modify chain whip.
I earlier bought a Tacx Cassette Remover tool and had to return it after it broke on my first attempt. It's a slender piece of steel with a flimsy cassette tool attached to one end. I re-ordered, this time, going for the Campagnolo UT-BB080 cassette tool and armed with my heavy duty 12" adjustable wrench, plus will power... I was ready.
The chain whip is also made of a slender piece of steel - far from hefty. An entry level KMC chain is built to not withstand the efforts of even the most season mechanic. I can understand why companies keep the cost down to meet the demands of the masses is a pre-condition, their business decision to downgrade one aspect of an otherwise decent product. On my first attempt the KMC chain broke off (see top image). So not to get too discourage, I decided to upgrade the chain whip with a spare Campagnolo Veloce chain. I made the wrapping component extra long just to make sure it won't snap in the middle of a battle between my precious knuckles and a sharp piece of steel. It worked, holding the cogs firmly whilst removing my 11-25T cassette - my patience and DIY skills payed off. And yes I'll keep my modify chain whip.
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