My Tool

[emu]

... Why oh why would Kawasaki put slots in the oil cap and the final drive filler cap? That has to be if not the only ...at least the most irritating feature on the Nomad. Since the beginning of (my) time with the Nomad I have used all sorts of things to fit the slot without damaging the caps. Big screw drivers can dent and chip the cap and have it looking shabby in no time. So a specialty tool to meet and exceed the requirements of both caps was needed. So after years of gerry-rigging odd ball pieces of scrap metal ... I wanted a tool ... A real tool for the job.

While killing time at a Canadian Tire store, I was perusing the tool section when I noticed the 7 inch steel wrecking bars. The size and shape ... with a little modification ... was perfect. Using a bench grinder I rounded and ground the claws at both ends to fit the slot of the two caps. The tool fits the caps like a glove and fills the whole slot area. The hooked end gives leverage to remove the final drive cap with ease. ... Tomorrow I'll solve global warming or faster than light space travel ... But for now, I'll just play with my tool ...

[paul]

While playing with your tool, try to stay away from open windows, and , for that matter open flames.

BUT, for goodness sake, BE CAREFUL PUTTING YOUR TOOL IN THE GRINDER!!

[strobe]

Was a bit concerned about the subject

I use a wood chisel...fits perfectly and does not damage the cap, and I had it here, so no shopping required. :)

[dkdixie]

place a cotton towel over the filler cap, insert large screwdriver, works pretty well!

I use a Loonie or a Toonie to tighten the filler cap, works excellent. I always just snug it up hand tight.

[ringadingh]

I made this from a piece of 1/2" rod and a large flatwasher. it works great.

[dabull]

Originally Posted by "dk dixie"

place a cotton towel over the filler cap, insert large screwdriver, works pretty well!

thats what i was thinkin....

[pagemastr]

I had my bags off for the first time cleaning the bike a couple days ago. I looked at that and thought the same thing, that a screwdriver would mess that up as it is probably an Aluminum cap and it would damage easily.

Thanks everyone for the tips on how not to mess it up!

[oldbikers]

Originally Posted by Ringadingh

I made this from a piece of 1/2" rod and a large flatwasher. it works great.

Looks just like mine

[reaper]

Originally Posted by strobe

Was a bit concerned about the subject

I use a wood chisel...fits perfectly and does not damage the cap, and I had it here, so no shopping required. :)

NOOOOOO!!!!!!!! not a woodworking chisel
Oh, be still, my woodworking heart

[coacha]

I use a big @ss screw driver and a pair of channel locks...no, I don't over tighten, just easier to grip that way.

[ndbigfish]

I use a large washer in both caps. If the cap is a little tight then a flat blade screwdriver angled through the hole will give adequate leverage to open it. The washer then goes in my windshield bag and can be used out on the road when I ride. The washer has a diameter of 1.750" or 44.45 mm. I keep a second in my tool chest.

[mrfuni]

try a large flat washer..works for me

[pirate]

I too was concerned when I read the title to this thread. Whew, I can breathe easier now!

[rickmeister56]

i took the easy way out. i purchased a screw in cap from dennis kirk made by cobra for the crankcase.