I received several excellent off-list suggestions. Here they are (with some slight editing).
- Don Gillies San Diego, CA, USA
Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011 9:47 AM From: "Bob Freitas" <freitas1@pacbell.net> To: "Donald Gillies" <gillies@ece.ubc.ca> Subject: Re: [CR] Rear Weinmann Centerpull Setup
I think [The 3rd Hand Tool] is a basic tool for our hobby. Alternative is to grip the cable where it comes through the cable hanger (triangle) using pliers and twist, this will pull the cable through and tight. Best to use something with a wide jaw not 'needle nose' as the cable will just wind around those. Bob
Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011 10:02 AM From: "billydavid13@comcast.net" <billydavid13@comcast.net> To: "donald gillies" <gillies@ece.ubc.ca> Subject: Re: [CR] Rear Weinmann Centerpull Setup
Hi Don. Channel-Lok makes a decent side cutter available at Menard's for under $10.00. In setting up brakes it helps to make sure everything is well seated.
If you typically end up w/ slop, you might try tightening the triangle w/a lever QR open. A vise grip lightly clamped to the end of the cable helps keep tension in the system while you tighten the triangle. A Quik Grip type clamp can make an effective 3rd hand. You could also, and this is a bit extreme, try fasteng the triangle w/ the wheel removed and the pads actually closer together than the width of the rim hoping the slop will take it out to the correct spacing. It's really not so hard and 3rd and even 4th hands make it easier and are not so expensive. Best of luck.
Billy Ketchum, who doesn't like adjusting cantilevers, in Chicago.
Sunday, February 20, 2011 10:06 AM From: "Ted Williams" <tedwilliamsdesign@sbcglobal.net> To: gillies@ece.ubc.ca Subject: Re: [CR] Rear Weinmann Centerpull Setup
A 3rd hand really helps for working on brakes! You could improvise from a c-clamp I guess.
Weinmanns are hard to setup... I hate them! It helps if you have an adjuster in the cable stops and at the levers.
With the brakes clamped to the rim, slide the triangle up as tight as possible while pulling the cable with a pair of plers, then use your toes to tighten the bolt in the triangle...
Maybe someone can help?
Ted Williams
Date: Sunday, February 20, 2011 10:15 AM From: "Anthony Taylor" <ajft1942@yahoo.com> To: "donald gillies" <gillies@ece.ubc.ca> Subject: Re: [CR] Rear Weinmann Centerpull Setup
Don,
I use Channelock cutters from Home Depot. They have a good edge, and hold it for a good time. Also, they are not expensive. The Park cable cutter is more than twice the price.
Tony Taylor
Manchester, NH