VIDEO: Mechanically-inclined ninja blows our collective mind
You won't believe your eyes – Click above image to watch video after the jump
Years and years ago, we saw punk rock legend Mike Watt break an E-string on his bass during a fIREHOSE show. Without missing a beat, he yanked a new string from beside his amp, slid it through the bridge, tied it around the tuning peg and with a single twist his bass was back in tune. The whole shebang from snapped string to next note took perhaps three seconds and the song never stopped. It was amazing; truly one of the most impressive things we've ever seen. Until today.
You're just going to have watch this to believe it. However, we'd like to take this opportunity to tell you that if you happen to have an old VW Bug and a screwdriver sitting around, you should totally NOT try this at home, as odds are you'll lose a knuckle or three. Why? You sir, are not superhuman. This guy, however, is. Make the jump to watch the video.
[Source: Streetfire]
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
Steve-O 11:14AM (11/14/2009)
somehow I'm not impressed.
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geo.stewart 11:52AM (11/14/2009)
only because of the ease in which he does it
epilonious 11:53AM (11/14/2009)
While it's sort of impressive, with all the hype I was expecting the mechanic to unmount the belt with his pinki finger and slow the pulley down with his tongue.
Tony 1:05PM (11/14/2009)
Let me guess, with a handle like epilonious you can also honk a boats horn with your stick? Give this guy his due, cause trust me you couldn't do it.
ckm 2:23PM (11/14/2009)
I agree. I've seen (and done) the same thing on industrial machinery in far more dangerous settings...
Randy 11:20AM (11/16/2009)
"somehow I'm not impressed."
Maybe if he did it with his finger you would be? I mean WTF.... The nads you got to have to not even fear the possible kickback are epic! I'd be in full body armor if I tried that!
And YEAH I'm afraid of 1200 RPM* flying screwdrivers!!!
*1200 RPM referring to possible idle RPM
SC-Sol 11:16AM (11/14/2009)
Impressive. MOST impressive.
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Matt_Shift 11:25AM (11/14/2009)
the force is strong with this one.
jcar302 11:28AM (11/14/2009)
First off, why exactly would you want to do this?
I don't think the authors comparison to the guitar string is all that relevant either, popping the string on quickly served a purpose, keeping the song on track, removing a belt and putting it back on a properly running engine is pointless.
Second, honestly, i'm not really impressed, a little practice and i bet most mechanically inclined people could do it, i just see no reason to.
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:40AM (11/14/2009)
Belts go faster as the engine goes faster. Just because it's working at 800rpm doesn't mean it works at 5,000.
As I mention below, replacing this belt is very common on air-cooled VWs, so it's good to be in practice (long-time VW owners can do it on the side of the road). As to why changing it in 5 seconds is better than in a minute, I dunno.
CyberRanger 1:39PM (11/14/2009)
Owners of old, tired VW had to get fast at repairs. It took them sooooooooooo long to get anywhere... like the next 'Dead concert. They couldn't waste time fixin' things. Especially when drivin' thru the mountains. Its so disheartening to have that bicycle you passed 2 or 3 miles ago catch & pass you while you're V-Dub is overheating & your waitin' for it to cool off so you can make the last 3/4 mile over the mtn pass.
LOL!
CraigB 11:35AM (11/14/2009)
Look ma', no fingers! Actually quite an impressive feat. I'd say he's done it a few times though...
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why not the LS2LS7? 11:36AM (11/14/2009)
I believe it is called a v-belt. It wears out/snaps a lot and air-cooled aficionados are good at replacing them. Not necessarily this good, but good. Many replace it with a system with a tensioner because these belts stretch and slacken over time and fall off.
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James 11:41AM (11/14/2009)
I remember back then when my old man wanted to change the drive belt on his Type 2 Bus, while I assist him in flipping the key 2-3x to move the crank incrementally while he use the screwdriver teknik on the belt...that was the usual safe albeit slow way.
This video is the FF version!
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Mike 11:59AM (11/14/2009)
Up next vw clutch cable , shoe lace style
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Chris 12:24PM (11/14/2009)
I think the most impressive part of this is how he is able to get it off and have it fly right into his hand...thats the trick in this. Everything else seems pretty easy since there is no tension at all on that belt.
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JDM Life 12:25PM (11/14/2009)
Okay shot me...but i dont understand whats the big deal.....
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lagassejames 12:56PM (11/14/2009)
How many people are going to try this and get hurt? its quite irresponsible to play this up.
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LK 2:09PM (11/14/2009)
By your logic they shouldn't put racing videos bc people are gonna try it and get hurt. Be responsible
Karan Shah 1:57PM (11/14/2009)
To each his/her own. I'm smart enough to know not to attempt this, but it's good to know that someone with such skill exists.