kimg57•5mo ago

Heard a guy at the co-op say he uses a zip tie as a chain wear gauge

I was picking up some bearings in Tacoma and this older mechanic was telling a new volunteer how to check a chain. He said if a 12-inch ruler shows the chain is past 12 1/8, it's shot, but a zip tie can work as a quick check too. I mean, I've always used the proper tool, but it got me thinking about field fixes. Has anyone else used a zip tie for that, or is it a bad idea that could mess up the reading?

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3 Comments

the_felix5mo ago

Tacoma? That's a long way to go just for bearings. Honestly, the zip tie trick sounds like it would slip and give you a bad reading.

7

hannah_wright5mo ago

Remember when we used a bent paperclip for that.

4

gracea195mo ago

Used to think the zip tie trick was junk too, until I saw a guy check his truck wheel bearings with it. He put the zip tie on the axle nut, marked it, drove a full loop around the lot. Came back and that mark hadn't moved a hair. Did it three times, same result. Changed my mind on the spot. It's not for everything, but for a quick check it can be solid.

2