Originally Posted by
KerryIrons
Curious. I have a set to open the quick link, but never use them to close it. As dedhed says, you just put pressure on the pedal and they snap right into place.
For those who grind their own tools, I have to wonder if the cost of the grinder is ever paid back compared to actually purchasing the special tools. There aren't that many special bicycle tools you can make with a grinder. Maybe it's just sour grapes because I don't own a grinder.
Typically I don't grind a tool because I don't want to pay for the correct thing, I grind a tool because I don't want to wait for the correct thing. Middle of the night swapping a clutch, socket doesn't fit the pressure plate to flywheel screws on the replacement and I *am* going to use a torque wrench on them. Ground down the socket wall at midnight, got the car back together and drove it the next day. Still had to replace my socket, but it was better than the hassle of my little brother that I was giving the car to waiting another day before going home.
Often I'm already fabricating something and the grinder is a fast way to prep an edge, deburr something, etc. Vs. using a file it saves me loads of time = money. The ability to modify a tool is just a bonus.