1. When repairing bikes I am unfamiliar with or work on infrequently, I take high resolution digital photos of components at various stages of dis-assembly. When inevitable doubt creeps in or a cell phone call or a meal interrupts,I have a crutch to fall back on. This was a life saver when rebuilding the "Strange" brand of rim brakes I have on my Litespeed, which are no longer produced because the fellow that manufactured them in Canada several years ago, started up a custom furniture business.

2. When handling chains and really grungy chainrings, I always wear thin disposable nitrile rubber gloves, and keep a pair in the bike bag of each of my rides for on-the-road repairs.