What tool do I need to cut (SKS) mudguard stays? Neither wirecutters nor my junior hacksaw will do it.
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Cutting mudguard stays
(13 posts)- Started 12 years ago by amir
- Latest reply from Smudge
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Posted 12 years ago #
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A senior hacksaw?
Posted 12 years ago # -
Yeah big hacksaw with new blade or a small grinder with a 1mm cutting disc.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Thickness or diameter, recombo? ;-)
I usually use a hacksaw, having first marked the length during test fitting. About 10mm beyond the mudguard bracket is usually about right. Make sure you fully round off the cut end with your fine metal file, because when you inadvertently lose one of the rubbery end caps and don't notice, you'll get either (or both) of a hole in your tights and a gash in your leg!
Posted 12 years ago # -
"Thickness or diameter, recombo? ;-)"
I can't believe any one would actually ASK that question!!!! Diameter of course!
Posted 12 years ago # -
I've used a hacksaw before with the wrong (wood) and right (metal) sort of blades. Both worked but blunt wood-cutting blade was like using a butter knife. Hardest bit is getting the stay not to bounce / roll around and the saw not to skite up and down the stay.
Quickest and cleanest way I had it done was to have a pair of large bolt-croppers do it.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Last time I did it, I used my fencing tool
(http://www.screwfix.com/p/forge-steel-fencing-tool-10/64198)
They are dead useful for all sorts of things. As the owner of a terraced house with a small garden (as opposed to a farm) I still find a surprising number of times to use it.
Posted 12 years ago # -
I used High Leverage Diagonal Cut Pliers on two sets of SKS mudguards recently. Like a knife through butter. B&Q sell them.
Wear safety specs though, because the cut ends ping off around the place at some velocity.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Thanks all. Crowriver's suggestion looks the cheapest!
Posted 12 years ago # -
*Proud to be a cheapskate*
Posted 12 years ago # -
Ah, I wasn't sure what mudguard stays were but now I've read the whole thread I have the same problen. I've cut my leg twice now since Feb. Might have to invest in a pair of those cutters myself.
Posted 12 years ago # -
Wear safety specs though, because the cut ends ping off around the place at some velocity.
This is important. You only have one pair of eyes, and so too does anyone else standing watching, pets included.
If I'm snipping any sort of wire whose end is likely to fly off, I line up the pliers/side cutters/etc. and cover the ends with a piece of cloth before crunching down. Works perfectly.
Posted 12 years ago # -
What Arrelcat said! I habitually wear safety specs when I'm in the garage, gets to be a habit and then you're wearing them when things go wrong :-/
Having developed slight dermatitis a few years ago due to exposure to fuel/oils I also try to wear surgical gloves whenever possible. Makes cleaning you hands afterwards much easier as well ;-)PPE is a good thing imho. I've had reason to thank it several times in the past both at work and at home.
Posted 12 years ago #
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