Installing Pitlocks...
 

I'm putting pitlocks on and i'm wondering if i need to put the little conical black springs on as well. do the springs even do anything?

you don't "have" to use them but try removing/replacing the wheels with and without the springs - the springs make life sooo much easier.

No! DO NOT USE THE SPRINGS!! Pitlocks come with the little metal discs and the Teflon washer, use only what comes with the Pitlocks. I've used them for several years and it's no problem getting the wheel on and off without the springs.

http://www.pitlock.com/images/explos...chnung_480.jpg
http://www.pitlock.com/bikerinfos/au...ung/index.html


http://www.peterwhitecycles.com/pitlock.asp

Thanks, Ziemas. i ended up not using the springs. i'm surprised the pitlock website doesn't say specifically not to use them.

another question: i didn't have any grease at home, so i called the LBS and they said it's fine to use wd-40 to lube the skewer instead. is wd-40 an adequate substitute?

oh, i also found that the PIT socket fits perfectly on the gate of a standard carabiner key ring.

I'd get some grease the next time your out.

gear,
that's what i'm thinking. i read on another thread that wd-40 actually disolves grease! i guess i'll have to clean off the skewers then apply the grease. i guess there's no way to get the WD-40 out of the hub, tho.

Use grease! I didn't on one and after a winter of wet and salty riding had to get it drilled out. After that I always use grease and haven't had any further problems.

I searched in vain for the words "do not use the springs", but couldn't find them.

what's the technical term for the springs?

i'm going to e-mail them and ask that they make mention of the springs on the FAQs on their site.

so i went to the LBS and they said under no circumstances should i use the conical springs, or WD-40, when installing pitlocks. the bike mechanics were going to hunt down the employee who told me to use WD-40 on the skewers.

Hunt him down and punish him? That would seem rather severe.