Cycling UK Forum

As a youngster I had a third hand, a sort of spring with a handle to lightly compress calliper brakes while you adjust them. I lost it and have spent the years between using cable ties but have now decided that's seriously non-green. I don't want my grandchildren to inherit a world full of my old cut cable ties. I need another third hand. Searching online I can find them easily enough in the USA but none in the UK. Does anyone know a source? The 4th hand cable stretcher isn't really a good substitute

SJS Cycles:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tools/third-hand-braketool/

Jonathan

Jdsk wrote: ↑29 Aug 2021, 2:04pm SJS Cycles:
https://www.sjscycles.co.uk/tools/third-hand-braketool/

Jonathan

You are better than Safari using google. unless it has downrated SJSC for some website reason. Thanks a million. It's even the same colour as the 3rd hand disappeared

nez wrote: ↑29 Aug 2021, 2:06pm You are better than Safari using google. unless it has downrated SJSC for some website reason.

SJS came third in my Safari/ Google search. Not been down rated here.

Paulatic wrote: ↑29 Aug 2021, 2:13pm

nez wrote: ↑29 Aug 2021, 2:06pm You are better than Safari using google. unless it has downrated SJSC for some website reason.

SJS came third in my Safari/ Google search. Not been down rated here.

Thanks. I think there is something wrong with my Safari. Won't open some windows, gives funny search results, can't use Paypal. I'm better off using my phone

nez wrote: ↑29 Aug 2021, 2:22pmI think there is something wrong with my Safari. Won't open some windows, gives funny search results, can't use Paypal.

That might be fixable.

What device and operating system? How about another thread if you'd like some suggestions?

Jonathan

Thanks for the thought. I think CTC mods might get a bit browned off if I sought computer advice on one of their forums! Moaning, OTOH, goes unnoticed

Makes me wonder if some people just sit looking at this message board all day long, haven't they got a life?

I appreciate the need for good tools of which I have a use for, however in my life I never had nor needed one of these, nor did any of the old mechanics or indeed Sean Kelly 's guy who sold me most of his kit when he retired..I grabbed the blocks usually from under the wheels ensured the cable was in its holder in the caliper pulled the cable as hard as I could tightened the allen bolt or 9mm nut just so, stroked the lever lightly, pulled some cable and retightened..always worked for me, I can understand that chaps who aren't doing or ever did physical work with their hands don't or wouldn't have the grip that mechanics develop over many years and many thousand cables and brake work..no diss intended.. will

Using one is simple, quick, and works well.

In order to fit a brake cable without one, you have to hold the callipers in ......... and some have very strong springs, and some have shallow drops ........... you have to squeeze hard with one hand through the spokes, and then pull the cable inner, and then use an Allen key to tighten the clamp.

Not easy with either my Campag Athena or my Shimano 105.

The Third Hand Tool is a boon the the maintenance of a bike, and I wouldn't even consider NOT using it.

Toe straps work well to hold the brake shoes against the rim. Not always successful if mudguards get in the way. But the postie's elastic bands can work just as well, unless you have shallow button headed Allen bolts on your brake shoes.

When I was fitting cables frequently I always used a fourth hand, though I had a third hand on the tool board handy.
I found it useful to be able to set the brake gap at the same time as holding the cable in place. Mine does not have the setting ratchet in this picture, and I feel no need for it.

I have a 4th Hand tool too (with the ratchet).
Used rarely with the brakes, but it's excellent for the rear mech and getting the indexing almost spot on when fitting a new cable.

nez wrote: ↑29 Aug 2021, 2:03pm As a youngster I had a third hand, a sort of spring with a handle to lightly compress calliper brakes while you adjust them. I lost it and have spent the years between using cable ties but have now decided that's seriously non-green. I don't want my grandchildren to inherit a world full of my old cut cable ties.

Use re-usable cable ties

Seems there are different opinions on here as to the Third Hand tool. I do have one and thought it would be the answer to my prayers but it never really worked out that way for me (unlike the amazing Fourth Hand tool). I might give it another try.