Extreme Temperatures and Long Storage of the Giustaforza

Now that the full fury of winter is upon us, I thought this would be a great time to talk about using the Giustaforza at extreme temperatures, and using it after long storage periods.

The only element of mechanical click-type wrenches (like the Giustaforza) influenced by the storage temperature is their lubricant. While the elastic properties of the spring are largely unchanged at temperatures between -20 and +100°C, grease can lose its lubrication properties below a certain temperature ('freeze') or become very fluid and 'migrate' at high temperatures.

Effetto Mariposa tries to avoid any kind of problem using a grease with a very wide range of use (from -20°C to +90°C!), but clicking the wrench-head once or twice after a long storage at 'extreme' temperatures won't hurt.

In Cold Weather

The Giustaforza aluminum is a good thermal conductor, and its small body can be quickly heated by just keeping it in the hand. This will cause the grease to return back to its full range of operative capacity.

After a Lengthy Storage

Effetto Mariposa recomends that you, "wake the wrench up," after a long storage period. Therefore, after a long storage period it is important to make sure the grease is working properly and is in the proper locations (back to the joints). This is accomplished by making the wrench 'click' a few times at the lowest setting before using it. To make the Giustaforza click try pushing the head on the side with the thumb. This is also the recommended procedure to reverse the 'migrations' caused by high temperatures.

Just For Fun: Ice Bike Video

I found this YouTube video and some good information about Cycling on Ice over at the Commute by Bike website. Being a year round bike commuter I thought I would share it with you. The video is great, looks like they are having a blast.