A Clean Little 69 Cent Mod.

[2017EX_imp]

I like doing clean little mods that do not detract from the original look of the bike. I got to wondering why there is no cap on the left side of the front axle. The front axle is hollow, the right end capped with a nut, but the left side is an open 17mm Allen hex. Being open and hollow all the way through the axle, it occurred to me that water could get into, and crud might build up inside over time.

The closest fraction to 17mm is 11/16". I put a 17mm socket in my pocket and went to the local Ace Hardware. Low and behold, I found some black nylon 11/16" hole caps. On trying them in my 17mm socket, perfect and snug fit! Bought 2 for 69 cents each, one to use and one spare. Went home and installed, perfect fit and very clean looking. To remove, get under the edge with a razor blade and gently pry enough to expose the locking tabs. the locking tabs are directly across from each other ( think 6 and 12 oclock ) . A small flat blade screwdriver on both sides pushing simultaneously inward, gently, releases the tabs and the plug will pull out.

[Rocky_imp]

very neat

[LongRanger_imp]

Nice touch, I like it. I did something similar to plug the holes on the horizontal slats of the Honda rear rack.

[Stichill_imp]

Nice! Would not have occurred to me. Ace is great for getting those odds and ends. When opening our pool this year, I had a couple of broken plastic mounting bosses on the ladder. With nylon bushings and spacers and some stainless steel fasteners from Ace, it’s better than original.

[PowerDubs_imp]

I like it. Will have to check my local ace. Wouldn’t happen to have a part #?


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[2017EX_imp]

No, I dont have a part number, which is one of the reasons I posted a picture of the part. They are in the fastener aisle, in one of those pull out drawer specialty part
boxes, divided inside by size. The one you want is fits hole size 11/16". People frequently take a part out, but then put it back in the wrong size section in the box, so just take a 17mm socket with you to make certain you are getting the right one. They are a little tricky to remove without damaging them, but at 69 cents each, having one or two spares for the infrequent need to remove is no big deal.