Ignition systems these days are so pointless as to be almost existential. Okay, bad joke, but thanks to the proliferation of electronic engine management, points-switched ignitions are virtually non-existent on modern motorcycles. Lots of us out there still ride old machines that use points, however, either with battery-and-coil ignitions or with magnetos. Why, I’m fortunate [...]

When using a tap or die to cut new threads or clean up old ones in certain small components, it sometimes is better to hold the tap or die in a vise instead of the part being threaded. Otherwise, the part might be damaged or distorted if clamped in a vise tightly enough to remain [...]