Control Shaft clamps...

[Sal]

I am wondering if anyone out there knows what type and where I can get clamps that will fit around my Segway's control shaft. I got for free (at a promotion at a local bike shop) a water bottle holder, it's plastic, but it doesn't look like stock water bottle holder, it has 2 slits on one side of it's "backbone" and 2 holes for screws. I was thinking I would get some strong velcro, and thread it through the slits, around the control shaft, but then I was thinking about wire ties through them as well.

Anyone know of any reliable metal or plastic clamps, maybe not specifically made for bicycles or segways but would d the trick?

Not just for the water bottle holder, but maybe for other items, like a little tire pump/guage and a light in the near future. I don't want to crowd the control shaft, but I also don't want to clutter my 12.0 bag and leave no room for incidentals.

Thanks,
Sal

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[fireballfive]

I would use plastic zip ties. They come in various lengths and strengths. Automotive or electrical suppliers should have them.

[Sal]

Thanks Fireball, I have been searching for them, but none that are long enough to go completely around the control shaft.

I'll keep my eyes peeled.

-Sal

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[pam]

Somewhere on the site, there are photos of handmade clamps that people came up with for lights, before Segway came out with their lights and clamps. You might do a search on "clamp" or "light" and see what pops up.
Pam

[fireballfive]

Ya, Sal, check on Ebay, there's lots of em there, cheap too, I just looked to see and I can buy them there cheaper than from my suppliers.

The main thing with zip strips/tie straps is to get them very tight if you are clamping around a hard surface,otherwise, put tape around your surface first.

Tensioning /gripper pliers are available, [I have one] but they are speficic to the size of the tie.

You can get any size very tight by using a pliers or vise grip and a screwdriver and use basic leverage techniques.

Fireball Five

[terryp]

2" grey plastic pipe clamps from the plumbing department can be made to work nicely on the upper shaft if you have a few tools. Try this: Use a Dremel tool to remove the ribs inside the clamp (this makes it conform more smoothly in the next step). Use a heat gun (or toaster oven?) to heat the clamp until it's pliable. Quickly wrap it around the top shaft and hold it until it cools. Remove the clamp and reheat the ends, then press it against a flat surface so the flanges are in the same plane. Make two of these clamps, and mount one at the top and bottom of a strip of aluminum (or Plexiglas, or whatever). Use wing nuts on one side of each clamp for easy removal. Mount your water bottle bracket to the aluminum strip. To keep the clamps from slipping, use a narrow strip of thin rubber under each one. A piece of an old bike innertube works fine.

Practicing safe Segs in Seattle

[Sal]

Thanks for all the tips, it's Friday, so I should have some time after work (leacing early, I hope) to head down to the Home Depot, and grab what's needed!

I'll keep you all posted on my progress.

-Sal

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