Space age clothing line driver#
Space age clothing line pro#

Not only does it seem to be shop quality, but it solves a much bigger problem. Notwithstanding shaving issues with some hardware, the Needle Driver™ is a much nicer tool to have. While it’s not essential, the Space Age 2.0 hydraulic line cutter sure is nice to have.

Space age clothing line driver#

For this reason, a free-spinning driver makes up my wish list for a Needle Driver™ 2.0. To be fair to Jagwire, I haven’t had the same problem with OEM Magura or Formula needles- and I’ve been looking out for it. I was able to flush them out of the hose by pushing on the caliper pistons (attached to the far end of the hose), but nobody wants shavings in their brake system. As can be seen (just barely) to the right, the hard turning actually produced some fine brass shavings in use. My only concern came when driving one of Jagwire’s own HyFlow needles into their hose.

For me, avoiding even a couple of unnecessary bleeds is well worth the price of admission. Though nearly twice the price of the Space Age 2.0, I find the Needle Driver™ to be a much more valuable tool. A few turns of the T-handle will drive the needle in easily, displacing fluid as it goes. Slide any cosmetic boot, nut, and olive over the brake line, start the needle by hand, and clamp the hose in place. Made of sturdier plastic than the Space Age 2.0, the Needle Driver™ has a nice adjustable hose holder and a chain tool-like driver. The $40 Needle Driver™, on the other hand, is really easy to use and tends to leave fluid where it belongs. Though largely effective, enough fluid is usually lost that a brake bleed is needed. I’ve long known that my technique of clamping hydraulic lines in little plastic blocks with ChannelLock while hitting hydraulic needles with a hammer was less than optimal. It’s not an essential tool- but as it makes an occasional job easier and safer, it’s been a welcome addition to my workshop.

Space age clothing line pro#

Made of relatively inexpensive plastic, the Space Age 2.0 isn’t intended for professional shop use (the Space Age Pro is) and after about a half-dozen uses I’ve managed to tweak the blade enough that it needs a little push from the hose to find its slot in the far side of the body. The replaceable blade is plenty sharp, pulling its victim against the cutter’s body as it cuts. The little cutter is shaped so as to be easily held in one hand while the hose is held in the other. But after countless sessions with a bike in the stand and a 2×4 balanced on my knee and a sharp knife in my hand, I have to say that the $24 Space Age 2.0 is a big improvement. They might even do it cleanly and without spraying carcinogenic DOT fluid all over (remember your safety glasses, kids). Sure, anyone with a block of wood and a box cutter can trim a hydraulic line. After several months using the pair, I’ve had the chance to shorten the lines on brakes from a number of manufacturers- and it’s become a much cleaner job. Given the decent number of hydraulic disc brakes that come through the Bikerumor workshop, I was excited when Jagwire sent out their consumer-oriented Space Age 2.0 hydraulic hose cutter and their Needle Driver™, um, needle driver. There are certain jobs that, while they don’t necessarily require them, get a whole lot easier with dedicated tools.