Data Hacking

112 Part I — Hardware Hacks
The U-shaped bolt that is designed to enable the RAM mount to be attached to a bike frame
or the handlebars is also ideal for the diameters of most walking sticks, both wooden and
metal. Figure 5-34 shows the mount attached to an aluminum ski pole.
FIGURE 5-34: Bike mount attached to a ski pole
Be careful not to tighten the nuts on the U-bolts too much, as that could crush the metal and
damage the walking stick. This is especially true if the hiking stick is telescopic.
To ensure that the U-bolt is secure without having to tighten it too much, put a few layers
of electrical tape underneath the bolt before securing it, as shown in Figure 5-35. This
enables you to tighten the clip against the tape, putting less stress and pressure on the metal
itself.
Never drill into a ski pole or hiking stick to attach anything, as this will dramatically weaken it
and could cause you great harm should it break in use.