h2g2 The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Earth Edition

You could try setting it up on a cross-rig with a travelling-awl.

Make sure you lubricate it properly first though, it doesn't take much for it to stick and when it does it's all broken windows and angry neighbours.

I generally rig up 16/25-mesh pallisade netting to avoid breaking windows. You can't usually get it without a bat-netting licence, though.

Like they're going to give me a bat-netting license after that incident with Kerry Katona !

I think I may have over-wound it, to be honest. The oscillator spring looks to have jumped over the elevating trundle, and I can see daylight between the flaps.

I always said "Kerry Katona" was a ridiculous name to give to a parrot. Did the goat die?

I think it hit the fascia bundle before it slid into the lake - could've been worse!

I've never been able to get my hands on an original - rare as hen's teeth, they are. I have heard tell of a modern digital version which comes with an auto-correct feature installed, though. Is this a modification too far do you think?


Geggs

Digital's fine for hobbyists, but really the only way to do it properly is analogue.

Hah! Ever tried digital manipulation of a nipple ring?

I've only ever tried to manipulate a nipple ring with my fingers.

Ah, well that's your problem right there y'see. You need a Hawkins Lipped Protruder to deal with nipple rings. Just ease the flanged lips over the nipple and gently use the sprung protruder to ease the ring off.

I'm so glad you posted that. Usually my mate gets impatient while I'm fiddling around with circlip pliers.

I'm not overly fond of circlip pliers. It's something about the angle. I don't think my fingers are long enough. I prefer of snout nosed badger grips, but you have to get the torsion right.

Ooh, I frequently use my grandfather's badger grips when working on mine. Fantastically made tool, proper craftsmanship, if I were told I could only use one pair of pliers they're the ones I'd choose.

I use my girlfriend’s dads old hammer that when alive he repaired time and time again, it’s very good at bashing screws in, beats using a screw driver

Not much beats tap with a 4lb sledge, eh, winternights. Repairing hammers is a skill. I find it's best to replace the handle first, then when that's settled in you can replace the head. Mind you, you may have to do that two or three times before it works properly.

Ben

Oh, indeed. The biggest mistake is trying to replace both the handle and the head at the same time. You could end up with a completely different hammer if you did that. It just wouldn't be the same.


Geggs

I used to have a full comprehensive tool box but as circumstance prevailed I lost possession of this well equipped array. I am now resigned to using things that break the instant that I employ them. Is the moral of this story that I let my girlfriend use them so as to stop the impending demise of the items in the tool box or do you know of some very strong glue that will keep them together?

Just get your girlfriend a canvas tool roll (from all good camping shops) and fill it with the basic household-repair stuff (screwdrivers, stanley knife, adjustable jamb gauge, universal cotter float, etc)

You want to avoid the proprietary superglues, though. I swear by Milligans Tiptree Bond. It comes in three tubes, 1. oxypriotolunitropetrosilicate, 2. quinine resin, and 3. Epoxypharmokryptotungsten fluid. You'll need polypropylene overalls and an oxyacetylene torch on hand just in case. Mix together according to the instructions.

Yes I use Milligan's too - just a word of warning, keep well away from any dried blood you might have around, causes it to go opaque.