Whittling to Repair a Mirror

Reader Nick sent along a hack that took me way back to third or fourth grade when I got my first pocket knife. I remember how excited I was, and how quickly my excitement disappeared. The first thing I did when I got my knife was to start whittling a piece of wood.  I have no memory of what I was trying to whittle, but I am right-handed and gripping the knife tightly caused my right-hand to tire after a few minutes.

I switched to my left hand thinking nothing of it and on the first attempt to whittle the wood, the knife skipped off the wood and I whittled my right index finger.  I still have a nice scar that extends horizontally across the width of my right index finger.  I probably should have gotten stitches but did not and I remember the cut taking forever to heal. The pocket knife I had so desperately desired found its way into a shoebox and I am not sure I ever used it again.

So what does this all have to do with bikes? Well Nick, who blogs at Bicycle Obsession!, repaired a broken helmet mirror by whittling himself a replacement part.  Here is a diagram and be sure to check out his site for the full write up.  Whittle safely!

Comments

[MikeMega]

Such a good idea! I never think of whittling my own little pieces but I suppose the possibilities are almost endless. Nice job, nice illustrations too!

[Nick]

Thanks Mike! A good piece of hard wood (they are everywhere!) is wayyyyyyy more durable than the cheap plastic companies use :)