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Post by staciared2 on Aug 18, 2004 12:54:23 GMT -6
Hi! I would like to poll your collective fencing knowledge. What items do you carry in your bag for foil maintenance? I have seen lots of people with little tackle boxes full of stuff but don't know what is a "must have". I have tip tape ordered, anything else?
Thanks! Stacia
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Katman
Squire
[ss:Default]
Posts: 269
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Post by Katman on Aug 18, 2004 15:00:03 GMT -6
Go check out this thread at fencing.net www.fencing101.com/vb/showthread.php?t=6637&highlight=ToolMy favorite tools are outside/inside hex tools for tightening grips, adjustable wrench for barrels (needlenose pliars just ain't as good), and those tiny screw drivers. Spare point parts are also useful.
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Post by saberbobcat on Aug 18, 2004 22:14:36 GMT -6
You will outgrow your tackle box soon. You might get a small magnet and put it in the container that the small screwdrivers are in (You can get small screwdriver sets at the Dollar General Store for a few bucks). This will enable you to pick up the small point screws more easily, and if you can not see very well, make sure you have your glasses or cheaters handy. Those little screws are hard to see! You could carry things to rewire a weapon, like glue, tips, wires... but chances are you will not have time at a tournament to rewire a weapon. Furthermore, I do not suggest you try to do so without experience or help. You should carry a can of neutral shoe wax and a small rag in your box. You can carry an abrasive sponge to clean your weapon, and if you wipe down your weapon everytime you use it with wax, it should not rust so badly. The problem I have is that my kids forget... and we live near the coast where it is very humid, so I am always fighting the rust. You could carry your own weight set and shims to check your equipment before entering a tournament, too. Of course a lot of this is just not necessary, but nice to have.
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Post by MTD on Aug 25, 2004 23:38:55 GMT -6
Katman, don't forget there are four flavors, not two flavors, of nut: French and saber pommel nuts (adjustable or correct size of open-end spanner), monster screwdriver (only sometimes also accepting Allen), 6 mm Allen wrench, and 8 mm outside hex (and often requiring a thin-wall rather than regular socket). staciared2, you'll find there is no single right answer. The answer depends on how much work you want to be prepared to do yourself. An entirely different way to go about this would be to say "I work with foils and I already carry thus-and-such; what would be the logical next thing to add to my kit, and how much good will it do me to have that?" I am grossly overprepared compared to you probably should be. I carry enough that if you hand me a new bare unwired blade, guard, pad, socket, grip, and nut, I can hand you back an assembled weapon. My guess is that you don't want to be prepared to do that. Saberbobcat, are you suggesting I should stop carrying these items which are in my standard kit? - LED flashlight
- insulation stripper for wire wrap wire
- soldering iron
- vise
- hacksaw
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Post by LongBlade on Aug 26, 2004 2:34:40 GMT -6
staciared2: Don't let Matt scare you! Between Matt and I, we carry enough to do most anything but forge blades! *L* I do NOT suggest that you carry this amount of stuff on the strip; Which is what I think you are really asking about here. You will customize your "Strip Kit" as you see fit after doing it a few times. These are just some very basic items you will need. First, You will need a pouch or purse of some kind to hold these things (get them at Walgreen's, Eckard's, or WallyMart for a couple or five dollars). Think bank bag, clutch purse, or fanny pack size. With a zipper! A wrench or screwdriver to tighten your pommel nuts is a must (whatever fits what you have), and a jeweler's screwdriver set to tighten point screws and body cords (Get them at the Dollar Store or Home Depot or the discount bin at the local hardware store). If you use Metric equipment, it may take some time to find the right size - but they are out there. I loathe SuperGlue, but in an emergency, you can't beat it! MUCH better glue is available when you have the time. Not on the Strip! (Dollar Store, Walgreen's) A set of weights and gages, a test box, and an extra body cord so you don't have illegal weapons (use this EVERY time between bouts). I clip my extra body cord on the outside of the pouch with a mountain-climber's hook ($ .99 at Walgreen's). I use this as my spare and for testing. I carry an extra set of screws, springs, and an extra tip in a 35 mm film canister. A few six-inch strips of tape pressed to the inside of the pouch will help for foil. A sharp knife or razor blade to trim the wires and all kinds of other things! A Band-Aid or two will help. A couple of thick rubber bands. I also carry quarters in a 35 mm canister. A bottle of water or GatorAid is another must in that final bout! (No time to look for change!) And, put in a couple of snack-size plastic bags (for stray parts), a pen, and a 50-cent notepad (You will need these to keep notes of your results, and the numbers/e-mails of vendors...where the party is... new best-friends, etc.). I also carry a handful of paper towels. I wear glasses & this is part of my customization. Helps to wipe sweat out of your eyes. AND, a white towel!!! Until you spend an hour looking for a spring, screw, or point... you will not know how important it is to spead this between your knees as a work station! Also great for the sweat on your face! I'm sure someone else will tell you about their "Must Haves", but everybody has their own. You'll fill out your kit as you do it. And, most people will help you, if you ask, until you figure it all out for yourself, and by then, you'll be helping the next beginner kid! Just e-mail me if you need help! Happy to do so! Kyle
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Post by LongBlade on Aug 26, 2004 2:42:30 GMT -6
Rub your tools on a magnet so small items stay on (point screws). Magnets are at the Dollar Store, Walgreen's, WallyMart, etc. Five or six hard strokes (in the same direction) will do it. Kyle
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Post by saberbobcat on Aug 26, 2004 23:17:18 GMT -6
LOL! MTD, you made me think of some things I forgot to mention and some that I had not considered. I truely admire you and Longblade because you are both so well organized and prepared. Cheers to the Boyscouts and thank God they are around to help blondes like me.
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