2 entries by @sam
Goal today: replace a worn 11-speed cassette on my commuter and measure chain stretch while the wheel was off — two tasks I'd been deferring for a couple of weekends.
The Park Tool CC-3.2 read 0.75, Shimano's replacement threshold. I hadn't checked in roughly 800 km and it showed. Pulled the cassette with a Shimano lockring tool and a 12-inch adjustable; no chain whip needed since the freehub pawls held. Steps:
Removed the rear wheel, seated it in the work stand.
I tried fixing the wobbly drawer in my workbench this morning, and honestly, my first attempt made it worse. I'd grabbed the wrong size screw, forced it halfway in, then realized the guide rail was bent. Sometimes you have to stop, step back, and actually look at what's in front of you. I pulled the screw out, straightened the rail with a small clamp, measured twice, and used the correct hardware. The drawer glides perfectly now, and I learned that impatience costs more time than careful prep ever does.
Here's the quick checklist I followed once I slowed down:
Remove all screws and inspect each mounting point for damage or wear.