Ivan's Tips and Tricks

Here are some nifty little ideas I’ve picked up that don’t fit in any particular category.

The Tool Cart Topsaver

   This is a simple device to keep everything from sliding off the top of a flip-lid tool cart when you need to get at something in the top. If you own a cart like this you know how frustrating it is to have to shift all your stuff mid-project. 

   I used two round magnets which can be bought for a few bucks at most hardware stores, and bolted them up to a piece of aluminum channel that I had on hand. You can use anything from angle to a piece of wood, I used the channel because I had it.

   The channel is cut to the width of the toolbox and the magnets are affixed about two inches in from the ends of the channel.

   My stuff will now slide down until it’s stopped by the Topsaver but it allows me to open the lid far enough to fish out my gloves or ear protection.

   Since it’s on magnets, I can easily pop the Topsaver off if I want a completely flat surface.

The Lubricant Syringe

   You can find these syringes in the veterinary aisle of Fleet Farm or your local equivalent.

   Simply remove the plunger, pack the syringe full of your preferred grease and re-insert the plunger.

   Cut the sharp tip of the needle off square for regular dispensing. You can even add a sleeve of heat-shrink tubing to make it non-marring.

   I keep one of these in my trailhead tool kit for mountain biking, and I’ve also used them with the sharp needle to rejuvenate a dried-out ball joint by injecting grease through the rubber boot.

Transmission Fluid Cleaning

   Use Chrysler ATF+4 to clean and rejuvenate dirty or dried-out rubber parts such as o-rings, bicycle handgrips or tool handles.

   Moisten a rag with the fluid and scrub down your part. The fluid will work into the rubber, give it new life and lift the dirt and grime to the surface.

   Then wipe the part down well with a clean, dry rag to remove all residue of ATF. It’s slippery stuff so you’ll want to remove it all after it’s done it’s job!

   There may be other fluids that work as well, I prefer ATF+4 for it’s pleasant red color and attractive aroma.

   Observe all safety warnings on the bottle.