Purpose-built cleaning/working area outside?
Hello,
Does anyone have a purpose-built area for cleaning/working on bikes outside? Somewhere that is good at resisting oil stains or where it doesn't matter? If so what surface/surface treatments does it use, if any?
We've just moved into a house with a garage, and while I'll be creating a small area in there for working on the family's bikes, I'd like an area outside for cleaning / lubing etc.
We're having quite a bit of work done to the house and parts of the driveway are likely to be taken up, so while digging is happening I'm thinking of creating a small area where it won't matter about oil stains, gunk etc (wife won't be keen on stains on the main bit of the driveway). There's also the question of stopping oil etc going into the drainage system, although I tend to use bio-degradable stuff where possible to limit the impact. Obviously could treat the main driveway or just jet wash/get an oil remover on it every so often, but given I've got the chance to actually make a small area designed for the purpose, it seems worth considering. Any advice or experience would be very welcome.
Thanks
Does anyone have a purpose-built area for cleaning/working on bikes outside? Somewhere that is good at resisting oil stains or where it doesn't matter? If so what surface/surface treatments does it use, if any?
We've just moved into a house with a garage, and while I'll be creating a small area in there for working on the family's bikes, I'd like an area outside for cleaning / lubing etc.
We're having quite a bit of work done to the house and parts of the driveway are likely to be taken up, so while digging is happening I'm thinking of creating a small area where it won't matter about oil stains, gunk etc (wife won't be keen on stains on the main bit of the driveway). There's also the question of stopping oil etc going into the drainage system, although I tend to use bio-degradable stuff where possible to limit the impact. Obviously could treat the main driveway or just jet wash/get an oil remover on it every so often, but given I've got the chance to actually make a small area designed for the purpose, it seems worth considering. Any advice or experience would be very welcome.
Thanks
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Comments
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If you're leaving stains on the drive you're using too much lube.
I've never found working on bikes to do more than get my hands a bit mucky sometimes - the ground is fine.I'm left handed, if that matters.0 -
some stone chippings?0
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Yes I have a back yard which isn't good for much else but I can clean the bike there. Oil / dirt goes on the ground when I'm using the likes of the chain scrubber but that washes away with the hosepipe.0
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Don't use stone chippings! If you ever drop that small bottle mount screw or brake cartridge screw you'll never find them again.
Have you considered a tiled area? I'd use black or red terracotta tiles such as these:
http://www.wallsandfloors.co.uk/catrangetiles/quarry-tiles/cava-victorian-unglazed-quarry-tiles/red-quarry-tiles/20587/?gclid=cnccjva_5cccfq4sgwoduvkgyw
Black won't show the oil so much but red is lighter to see dropped screws.
Maybe install a french drain to help sluice away dirty water after washing?
http://www.wickes.co.uk/Clark-Drain-Polypropylene-Channel+Galvanised-Grate-1000mm/p/158937
Be lovely to have such an area. Perhaps with a wall mounted workshop clamp too?
Nic.Sometimes. Maybe. Possibly.
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