[CR]Funny toothed MAFAC tool

(Example: Racing:Wayne Stetina)

Date: Sat, 26 May 2007 17:48:14 -0400
From: "Harvey Sachs" <hmsachs@verizon.net>
Subject: [CR]Funny toothed MAFAC tool
To: dankasha@yahoo.com, fred_rednor@yahoo.com, Classic Rendezvous <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>


1) I'd be quite certain that the notch-toothed wrench Dan asks about is a field cone spanner, to be used in desperation.

2) I've seen lots of Mafac wrenches, but never the aluminum versions Fred refers to; all mine have been dull-plated or shiny steel. At least that's what the magnet thinks.

3) I've rarely seen the spoke wrench pictured (lowest tool, two large hex fittigs, ends like screwdriver, and flanges bent up for (two different?) spoke guages. I've spent a some time using the "pacman" version, though. A circulat tool, notchy edges and a long V-groove that just slides on until it finds the spoke nipple flats that are just about right. I can't remember stripping a nipple with one, so it's a nice tool for club rides &c. One size fits all.

4) Until a couple of weeks ago, I hadn't figured out the double-ended sheet-metal socket, and then it hit me while working on some Campy bar-end shifters. Unlike the later Suntours, these use a hex nut as the stop nut, and it is recessed, so you need a thin socket to reach it.

5) This must be a later set; I have some tire irons with a couple of different flat punch-outs, and can't remember bike parts that used these instead of hex.

All in all, I still carry on in my under-seat bag, and still enjoy it. One of the things that I like is that the edges of the wrenches are not well rounded. Lots of feedback if you try to overtighten things. :-) Human factors designed in.

harvey sachs mcLean va

+++===+++++++++++ Date: Sat, 26 May 2007 09:36:36 -0700 (PDT) From: dan kasha <dankasha@yahoo.com> To: CR <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org> Subject: [CR]Funny toothed MAFAC tool Message-ID: <361578.63564.qm@web38904.mail.mud.yahoo.com> Content-Type: text/plain; charset=iso-8859-1 MIME-Version: 1.0 Content-Transfer-Encoding: 8bit Precedence: list Message: 6

I've been wondering for a while about one of the tools in the 70's mafac tool kit. You can see one on ebay at

http://ebay.com/<blah>

or item number 130118476693

The tool to the right, with the teeth. It looks mighty important, but I just can't see what it is going to do for a bike.

Thanks in advance, Dan Kasha Seattle Wa

Dan,
      I had one of these tool kits and the "toothed" tool was a kind of open-end wrench that fit multiple sized nuts. Perhaps it was meant as a cone wrench?
      Although other cyclists have reported good results using the tools in this kit, I had nothing but problems with them. They were made from aluminum and (at least for me) deformed before actually turning the nuts or bolts.
      On the other hand, a Campagnolo T-wrench, an Irega (Spanish made) adjustable wrench and a set of Dunlop tire levers have served me well for the last 40 years...
       Cheers,
       Fred rednor - Arlignton, Virginia (USA)