FAQ: Toolkit for Equipment Repair

[Windsor]

Where does one go about getting a 5mm wrench, doesn't seem like a common size but are they available at general hardware stores?

[Swordmaster]

5mm is not a common size. You might find one in a metric ignition wrench set. But here is a tip, 13/64 is close enough to do the job, and that is in an ignition wrench set at Sears. Of course you have to buy the entire set, but you have your wrench.
On the other hand if you can wait a month or so, I am having 5000 of them made that will have have 5mm on one end and 6mm on the other end.
Double Happiness!
Scott

[Zelda]

Hmm, fail safe tool kit....
Maxi swiss pocket knife (one with a baby screw driver perfect size for tip screws)
4 colours of electrial/tip tape
2 allen keys
strip magnent
test weight
test box
various wires and tips in tiny ento bottles
q-tips
sandpaper block
cloth
clear nail polish
It all fits in a small bag tied with ribbon!

[broncofencer]

Dental floss
It is stronger than most thread especially if that stupid tab with the rings on the back of the jacket comes off and you can't fix the strap anymore.
I find it easier to use for the less domesticated or those with large hands. Plus it is free with every dentist visit.

[Almightynoitall]

after an armory class to learn how to rewire/reconnect electrics, I've found my wire strippers to be quite useful as well.

oh yeah... and windex... it may make your lame blue... but it usually does the trick on dead spots if you haven't cleaned your lame recently.

[PeterGustafsson]

Hi!

Originally posted by broncofencer
Dental floss
It is stronger than most thread especially if that stupid tab with the rings on the back of the jacket comes off and you can't fix the strap anymore.
I find it easier to use for the less domesticated or those with large hands. Plus it is free with every dentist visit.

A quick-fix solution to this:

a safety pin. Let the sharp go in and out of the two pieces of textile before it is put into the slot - presto! fixed!

Have a nice time!

Peter Gustafsson

[hscoach]

Ted Li, USFA Armorer,has a video on what equipment you need and how to repair equipment. It is easy to understand and very clear pictures.

[fencinman89]

2 questions where can i get Ted Li's movie, and what r the Q-tips used 4
-Tre

[Mergs]

Can't say where to get Ted's video, but the Q-tips are for cleaning out barrels while they are attached to the blade.

[hscoach]

You can purchase Ted's video from Get The Point for $29 includes postage

get-the-point@comcast.net

[fencinman89]

Thanx all
-Tre'

[pkt]

Originally posted by Mergs
Thanks Rich. I like the idea about the velcro straps.

I cary around a length of double-sided velcro which can be used to replace the missing widget holding the body chord plug to the reel chord or inside the weapon, or to fix that collar that won't stay closed.

A sabreur would be remiss if he does not have the basic tools:
~ 6mm hex wrench;
~ multi-headed screw driver to tighten or fix the body chord;
~ tape - I use white cloth hockey tape which in a pinch can be used on your person as 'medical tape' or to keep your knee socks up or fix a rip in your uniform without the obviousness of a piece of silver duct tape.
~ lots of cash or a credit card to buy anything that you can't fix or ran out when you know there are arms dealers at the tourney.

PK

[Inquartata]

Bah! I don't use hex pommels, I have a knife blade for body cord screws, and duct tape has a cachet nothing else can match!

[fencinman89]

1- this is a damn old thread, who brought it back to life?
2- For all of those who are going to nationals, ill show u what a 15 y/o armourer carries to all of his major meets, a LARGE craftsmen tool box, with everythign except a propane torch. it weighs approximatly 60 pounds, because i am young and too damn stupid to bring the bare essentials, which is why im always ready for Everything.
-Tre'

[mollusk]

... duct tape has a cachet nothing else can match!

Bubblegum and baling wire, perhaps?

[Inquartata]

Hey, thanks for revivifying this thread. It affords me an opportunity to observe that the poll was flawed....

[mrbiggs]

What I have in my toolbox can, I beleive, solve any blade problem you could encounter in the middle of a tournament:

Ohmmeter with alligator clips
Needle-Nose pliers
Pliers that are not needle-nose that you grab things with
Medium-sized screwdriver OR Swiss Army Knife (for the big screws in two-prong body cords)
small screwdriver
Allen wrench
Outside hex
glue
boxcutter
Parts

[oso97]

My repair kit - note this is for sabre only, since I no longer have to worry about foil or epee students I have that stuff at home in a box reserved for when/if I start having to worry about the silly weapons again. hehehehe.

hex tool
small sized adjustable crescent wrench
medium sized adjustable crescent wrench
multi-screwdriver with 2 sizes each of philips and flat head for body chord repairs
larger screwdriver to help with tightening body chord sockets
swiss army knife
wire stripper
ohm meter and lame tester
assorted parts for repairing body chords
hockey tape
paint pen
couple of other assorted pieces of wire
rust eraser
sewing kit

[mrbiggs]

What I have in my toolbox can, I beleive, solve any blade problem you could encounter in the middle of a tournament:

Ohmmeter with alligator clips
Needle-Nose pliers
Pliers that are not needle-nose that you grab things with
Medium-sized screwdriver OR Swiss Army Knife (for the big screws in two-prong body cords)
small screwdriver
Allen wrench
Outside hex
glue
boxcutter
Parts

Since this post, I've narrowed it down somewhat. You can solve nearly all fixable problems in a tournament with the following:

1. A small screwdriver (small enough for tip screws, yet big enough for body cords and sockets)
2. Needlenose pliers
3. Something to tighten the grip with

The only things you can't do are (from what I can think of...) glue a wire, test the stuff well, take the insulation off a wire, and replace parts.

[Monkeyboy]

repair kit - note this is for sabre only since I no longer worry about foil or epee

1. Hairbrush (Hey, I'm a Sabre fencer-I gotta look good)

2. Backup Hairbrush (in case the first one gets lost)

3. Hairspray (Hey, I'm a Sabre fencer-I gotta STAY look'n good)

4. Mirror (see #1)

5. Backup Mirror (see #2)

6. Stunning girlfriend (Blond preffered, but a surly, rude brunet is OK)

7. Psychiatrist's home number (in case the ref gets it totally wrong and I lose)

hee hee Epee RULES, folks.