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Repair and Technical Info -
Name That Tool
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 #5
 Time to name that TOOL. This is a very handy tool found in most reputable repair shops and we bet many home mechanics collections. The Name That TOOL #4 only produced one correct answer... so we hope this edition proves a bit easier. We need the correct use of the tool and any other information you can provide. A winner has been crowned in a very tight race.
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With an overwhelming number of correct answers this edition came down to a photo finish. In the end only one answer can win and Bikeman has chosen his favorite from the bunch.
WINNER - Greg Overton: "That's a Campagnolo dropout alignment tool set. Used to align the dropouts on those old, old obsolete steel frames of yesteryear. Wait! I still ride those frames! The rings on the large ends adjust to accomodate different dropout spacing from MTB rear to any front. You just locate the rings and slide a tool into each dropout so that the "bells" are close to touching in the center. Then, using the handles for leverage, and with careful force you cold set -bend- the dropouts until the bells line up. tada! The universe is realigned."
RUNNER UP - Michael Cummings: "Campagnolo dropout alignment tool. It is used to align the dropouts so that they are even and parallel. The handle parts are unscrewed partially from the cup shaped parts and each one is tightened to a dropout with the cups facing each other. The handles and cups are pushed and pulled to bend (er, cold-set) the dropouts to align the two sides. This is best done with two mechanics, and is really best for steel frames. When the alignment is correct, the two cups are directly apart from each other and the distance between the cups is the same all the way around. There are spacers on the tool so that it can be used for the front or rear dropouts. Park has made a similar tool for years, and there is now a Czech company making a one"
RUNNER UP - Jake Morton: "Sure looks like a Campy H tool for aligning the dropouts of your frame or fork for both width and centering. The washers slide to allow for adjustment for front and rear spacing. Line up the two cups, make sure that there isn't a signifigant gap between the cups, and your dropouts faces are now parallel."
RUNNER UP - Telford Crisco: "Those are Campagnolo dropout alignment tools. The tools are used to ensure the dropouts are both parallel and inline"
RUNNER UP - Tim Sullivan: "Drop-out alignment tools - appear to be Campy's"
RUNNER UP - Michael Wojcik: "You used these tools to check the alignment and parallelness (is that a word?) of your rear dropouts. You one of them onto each dropout with the fat part where your wheel would normally go. The large cups have a flat mating surface which gives you an indication of which direction to pull the long handles to correct the dropout alignment.
RUNNER UP - Cole Leslie: "Used to measure the oops factor of a shipping error of a fork or frame. also to measure a major endo mistake with a hint of twist action. with skill it can straighen a steel fork.
RUNNER UP - Darrell del Rosario: "Oh yeah the dropout alignment tool. You would mount it to the rear or fork dropouts and the ends would either line up indicating that the dropouts are parallel or they would be off indicating they are not parallel. the long handles would give enough leverage to bend the frame or fork to make them parallel. this tool is usually used with a caliper to make sure you have correct width for axle spacing."
RUNNER UP - Mike Shaw: "Them things are dropout alignment tools. Way back in the dark ages when bikes were all steel, shop wrenches used em to realign the planets, I mean dropouts and fork tips. I've actually used em to tweak my Battaglin's dropouts after a miscommunication with another rider's rear wheel."
RUNNER UP - Tony Nickel: "That's a drop out alignment tool -- checks alignment of the drop outs and gives enough leverage to tweek 'em if they are steel."
RUNNER UP - Mark: "It's a frame and fork alignment tool. Wish I had one of those when I put together my fixed gear from an old school schwinn."
RUNNER UP - Tex: "It is used to straighten out bent dropouts. I hope this is right so I do not look like a fool."
RUNNER UP - Adam: "Thats a Park Frame and Fork End Alignment Gauge FFG-1 (not to be confused with the Frame Alignment Gauge: FAG) I love these things, pefect for staightening dropouts after spreading an old frame to take modern rear wheels. Or narrowing them to make single speeds and fixies."
RUNNER UP - Chris Clark: "Its a park Frame alignment tool(for dropouts)..now all it needs is the Calipers to complete the set."
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