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Walking Stick Features And Add-ons

If you have ever owned a walking stick you understand how helpful they can be. When you get tired or hurt you can use one of these tools to help assist you in moving around. However, you may not have known about all the add-ons that can be purchased for your walking stick.

One nice accessory for the walking stick is the rubber “boot” made for it. This attachment will slip over the end of your walking stick and allow you to get better traction on the ground. A lot of walking sticks have this included because of how valuable it can be.

The next good accessory is a strap that is attached to the handle of your walking stick. This helps you hold onto it and if you lose grip it won’t fall to the ground. Normally these are attached through a hole in the stick and not tied around it. This allows for the strap to have a tighter grip.

Another cool thing to add to your walking stick is a spike for the end. This spike is designed so that you can get a better grip in ice and snow or even in mud. By shoving the spike into the ground you assure yourself of even better footing.

Some people also like to add stickers and buttons that help personalize their walking sticks. These can either show some places where you have gone or just be used to make your walking stick a little more colorful.

There are also many other add-ons and accessories for your walking stick. You can even decorate it to make it more personalized. The best thing to do is figure out what you need and then add on some of the wants afterwards. This will ensure that you are ready for your next hike!

Fixing Your Portable Generator

So, you've brought your generator out of storage, filled the tank, pulled the cord, and nothing. Hopefully, you are finding this out BEFORE the power outage or camping trip. This article will help you fix some common problems you may encounter. Before attempting any repair, remove the spark plug to prevent accidental starting while you are working on the unit.

If the generator will not start or won't stay started, check the muffler exhaust for an foreign debris. Once that is clean, check the gas and oil to make sure you have appropriate levels of both. Finally, make sure the spark plug has a good connection.

If the alternator fails to excite, it may be running at too low of a speed. Adjust the rpm. This can also result from a faulty capacitor or windings, which must be replaced and tightened.

If the voltage is running high with no load on the generator, you may need to adjust the rpms to a lower speed or replace the capacitor. Conversely, if the voltage is running low under no load, you may need to adjust the rpms to a higher speed or replace the capacitor with one with a higher rating. In addition, for low voltage, you should check your winding resistance and replace your rotary diodes, if needed.

If your voltage is ok with no load, but drops when you add a small load, you may need to increase your rpms or remove some of the load. You could also need to replace your rotary diodes.

If the voltage drops when you add a high load, you probably need to adjust the rpms or remove some of the load.

Finally, if the voltage fluctuates, it may be the result of loose or dirty connections. You may also need to regulate the rpms to solve this problem.

Bike Survival Kit

Ride Safe (The Tools Every Biker Should Have Along for the Ride)

It’s actually quite easy to do routine maintenance on your own bike. And having the right tools for the job can mean the difference between enjoying an all-day ride and having to pack your bike up and head back home when something goes awry. So, what tools do you need to take along for the ride? First and foremost, you should have the tools to repair a flat fire. Next, invest in the tools needed to maintain your chain and brakes.

Bike Survival Kit

A basic bike survival kit should include:
Tire patch kit
Pump
Chain tool
Screwdriver
Spare tube
Wrenches in various sizes

A more extensive bike survival kit would include:
Chain cleaners
Solvents specifically designed for bike chains
Lubrication

Things to Check for Before You Hit the Road

Brakes: Ensuring your brakes are working well is vitally important. Make sure you check your pads often to prevent rim damage and to ensure that your bike actually stops when it is supposed to. Adjusting the tension is also important.
Chain: Degrease the chain and re-lube it. Clean rear sprockets with a brush tool.
Gears: Check derailleur gear action and cables. Degrease chain and re-lube. Clean rear sprockets with brush tool.
Pedals: Make sure the axle spins freely. Check bottom bracket axles for looseness.
Steering: Make sure handlebar and stem is tight.
Frame: Check for damage. Make sure the seat is adjusted appropriately for your height.
Wheels: Make sure spokes and nipples are tightened and wheels are trued.
Check tire pressure and condition. If your suspension fork is quick release, make sure they are tightly fastened, and don’t forget to check tire pressure.