Tool Tip

I have a Dremel Moto-Tool that I use occasionally for small cutting or grinding jobs.

When buying a Dremel tool it usually comes with a few miscellaneous bits and wheels.  The cutoff wheels that are supplied are normally the stone type. (above left) These are very inexpensive, but are so fragile that they are almost useless. The fiberglass reinforced type that is shown on the right is more expensive, but works much better.  They cut almost anything and last a long time.

If you stack three or four of them on a mandrel the wider surface works great for grinding. I use this trick occasionally to grind a welding job that needs great precision or is in an awkward location.

ATV Brake Bleeding How To

Most modern ATVs have hydraulic brakes that rarely need servicing, but once in a while I do have to work on them.  I have found that they can be stubborn to refill with fluid and bleed if the system has been opened up and all fluid drained out.  These photos show the brakes on a Yamaha Grizzly, but most machines work the same way.

After reassembling the system I connect a hand operated vacuum pump to the brake bleeder using a piece of clear tubing.

Fill up the reservoir with fluid, put a little vacuum on the bleeder, and slowly open the bleeder.

The vacuum will pull the brake fluid and any trapped air through the system.  The clear tubing will show the air bubbles escaping.  When the bubbles stop and there is only clean fluid coming out the brakes are properly bleed.

It is possible to bleed the brakes without the vacuum pump, using only the master cylinder to push the fluid through, but I have found that it can take a very long time.  The hand vacuum pump is an inexpensive tool that speeds up the process.

Tool Tip

I resently came across a rusted bolted with a stripped out head.

I decided to use a a new tool on it.  It looks like the opposite of an "easy out". 

The curved teeth on the inside dig right into the bolt head.  The set I have are made by Irwin and cost around $20.  Worked great.

Tool Tip

Today I have a tool tip.  When I need to clean rust or crud from parts this is what I reach for.  This is a wire brush that is made for cleaning the inside of copper pipe fittings before soldering them.  You can find them in a few sizes in the plumbing section of any hardware store.  They have very stiff bristles that scrub well and they also fit into holes and small spaces. 

I also have a few that I have cut the handles off.  If you put them in a drill they make parts cleaning fast and easy.  The photo shows the end of an axle that I cleaned using one of these brushes.