Page:Popular Science Monthly Volume 88.djvu/759

 Popular Science Monthly

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��A Tomahawk Grease-Gun

COMBINING the advantages of a grease-gun with that of a spring- separating device, the tomahawk spring lubricator is a most interesting new tool. As the illustration shows, it is a small steel tomahawk, the hollow handle of which is filled with soft graphite lubri- cant. By a turn of the wrist, this lubri- cant is forced through a canal into the "edge" of the tomahawk, and thence be- tween the leaves of the creaking spring. The directions for this tool are the simplest: Hold the edge of the hatchet against the spring to be lubricated, strike a blow with a hammer on the striking butt and turn the handle with the left hand. A goodly quantity of lubricant is promptly forced between the spring leaves. Although the tool is particularly intended for small cars, it can be used on any sized spring on automobiles or trucks. All that is necessary is a heavier hammer and a stronger blow.

A Socket-Protecting Knot

AMONG the essentials required in L the electrical element of factory operation is the convenience of the adaptable extension lamp. Considerable trouble is experienced in making plugs and sockets last more than a few weeks.

����This switch grounds the magneto and makes automobile thievery impossible

��Here is a device that saves hours of time in greasing the leaves of automobile springs

Hence the scheme of putting a knot in their terminal wires, near the socket, be- fore attaching to the cord. This serves for relieving strains and excessive bend- ing of the wires, which in a short time break off, if left straight. Thus the life of the plug or socket is lengthened ten- fold. This is a simple expedient, but it works.

Device Prevents Automobiles From Being Stolen

ANEW device intended for the safety of people who leave their automobiles standing on the street or in a public parking space f6r long periods, has been invented. This is merely a switch which, when the plug is removed, grounds the magneto and prevents the engine from being start- ed. When the plug is pushed in as far as it will go, the switch does not make contact ; consequently the mag- neto is free from grounds. When the ])hig is pulled even part way out. the switch makes contact and the magneto is grounded, thus stopping the engine. This condition, of course, continues when the button is entirely removed. No other type of plug could pos- sibly be used to start the car. A ring on the plug can be attached to one's key-ring so that it will not be lost or misplaced.

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