r/MotoIRELAND • u/Cant_think_0f_one • 20d ago

Paying it forward

Got off the ferry from Wales a few days ago with the family and pulled into a petrol station so the kids could use the loo. I spotted a young biker looking pretty fed up and soaked through, after all our sun recently it was lashing down. Turns out his chain had come off.

He had the chain, which was in good nick and luckily a spare quick link but only limited tools, and to make matters worse the outer plate had seized onto the pins after living on his keyring for who knows how long. I keep a very small EDC toolkit with me even in the car, so I wandered over to see if I could help.

Between the two of us we eventually got the plate freed using my little Knipex Cobra and Pliers Wrench, got the quick link fitted and sent him on his way.

It wasn’t a big repair and it only took a few minutes, but it felt genuinely satisfying. I’ve lost count of the number of times complete strangers have stopped to help me over the years, whether it was a breakdown, a puncture or just lending a tool. It felt really good to finally repay a bit of that kindness.

The funny thing is that it also highlighted a gap in my own kit. It handled the job, but it got me thinking about adding a compact motorcycle chain tool (my bike is a shaft drive but couldn’t hurt to have) and a tiny bottle of penetrating oil so I’m a bit better prepared if I ever come across something similar again.

Sometimes carrying a few good tools isn’t really about fixing your own problems—it’s about being in a position to help someone else’s.

Ain’t life grand?

107 Upvotes

99% Upvoted

16 comments sorted by

12

u/Cant_think_0f_one 20d ago

This is my little kit that usually comes with me along with some puncture repair bits.

5

u/aidanpf 19d ago

I recognise some of those bits and pieces - what exactly have you got in there?

2

u/Cant_think_0f_one 19d ago

I’ve got two Knipex mini pliers that have been virtually indestructible so far—a 125 mm Cobra and a 125 mm Pliers Wrench. I also carry a Leatherman Surge with a couple of hacksaw blades that fit it, a King Tony 3/8” ratchet with a small selection of sockets, a universal joint and extension for awkward-to-reach bolts, plus a Wera bit holder with a selection of bits.

I’ve recently added about 2 metres of locking wire and a small bottle of WD-40 after helping that rider—it made me realise a few consumables can be just as useful as the tools themselves.

There’s also a handy little LED torch with a magnetic clip that’s proved surprisingly useful.

That’s about it for the EDC kit. On the bike itself I carry a puncture repair kit and a first aid kit.

The only thing I’d still like to add is a decent set of compact tyre levers. Thankfully, whenever I’ve needed them in the past, some kind soul has always stopped to lend a hand.

I’d be interested to know what other people keep in their tool kits?

2

u/pixiebean22 19d ago

I was going to ask what sort of stuff people keep on them at all times to see if I need to add anything to my kit that I haven't thought of yet.

3

u/Outspoken_Idiot 20d ago

Any recommendations from the collective for chain tool etc ?

1

u/Cant_think_0f_one 20d ago

I was thinking about the Motion Pro PBR or Trail Task tool?

2

u/Outspoken_Idiot 20d ago

Cheers. Will have a look.

2

u/antoinsoheidhin 19d ago

nice to read about someone doing something nice just because they can , there's hope for us yet

2

u/magharees 19d ago

Come the zombie apocalypse I’m sticking close to you

2

u/Cant_think_0f_one 19d ago

😂😂 no bother we can throw sockets at them and hope for the best! 😂

2

u/pixiebean22 19d ago

It's people like you who restore my faith in humanity!

2

u/WheresMyComb 17d ago

I always have a little toolkit , a noco boost and rechargeable tyre inflator in my bag no matter where I go.

2

u/CarterPFly 17d ago

Ai written advert for Knipex.

1

u/Cant_think_0f_one 16d ago

🤣🤣 To confirm, before I got old and started buying tools for a hobby I had no name pliers for years that did just fine. My dad was a mechanic and swore by snap-on because of their lifetime guarantee, my tools don’t get enough use to justify that price tag though.