To add a couple thoughts...
We often use the 'lid on jar' example for explaining right hand and
left hand threads. I find this to be very useful when teaching wheel truing,
as I'll often say the spoke is like an upside down jar and the nipple is like
the lid. Many people, before hearing/seeing this, will say/think that
the spoke nipple
is a left hand thread. I'll take the time to demonstrate with a spoke
in my hand
and put the nipple on, emphasizing it is a 'regular' right hand thread.
We use the sharpened spokes ('spokers') for many things also, like pointing
at parts, showing ware lines on sprocket teeth, gently checking for
pits in cups
and reaming open freshly cut housing.
-Bob Giordano Free Cycles Missoula (community bike shop) Missoula Institute for Sustainable Transportation (our research, design and advocacy arm)
On Tue, Dec 18, 2018, 7:08 PM <wormsign@gmail.com wrote:
At times I ask what word they use to describe certain things. I often say “we call this...” then describe its function. Also using “like tightening a lid” for clockwise and vice-versa.
Loconte
On Fri, Dec 14, 2018 at 11:36 AM Cyclista Nicholas cyclista@inventati.org wrote:
Yes, definitely. Words are seriously magic. I remember just the other day I figured out that using the word "hinge" would dramatically fix an annoying inability I had in conveying a particular process to participants (I can't remember which process, just the word >_<!).
Something else I do is demonstrate along with the words, usually by pointing as I describe. At every workstand and throughout the shop we have a tool we call a pokey spoke (literally just a shortened, sharpened stainless spoke) that we use for a wide variety of pokey-oriented things, not the least of which is pointing to parts with extreme specificity. Pointing out the set limit screws, for instance, or the lock ring on the adjustable cup as distinct from the cup itself. It's easy to forget how baffling and disorienting these shapes and parts are for those not trained in what to look for. The spoke is superior to a finger because fingers are way fatter than a lot of the things that need pointing at.
I've trained myself to hunt for the right words at all times. I'd rather pause in a description than blurt out generalities and hope for the best. Typically I'll load someone up with a precise description coupled with pointing and usually also some articulation of the components in question, then leave the participant on autopilot (self-pilot!) while I move to the next person. More often than not, they've made various kinds of progress by the time I check back in with them. Any mistakes they've made are useful in further framing of the issue.
But yes, words are just as much a challenge as any mechanical system.
cyclista Nicholas