Best clutch tool ever ?

Fast Eddie · Jun 25, 2024

I’ve used my ‘normal’ 4 pronged clutch spring compressor many times without really thinking much about it. However, in my recent attempts to cure some clutch slip, I guess I was just more observant than usual.

I didn’t like the way the 4 pronged compressor distorted the spring in use.

I got to thinking about getting a ‘ring’ machined and welding it to the compressor so the spring was compressed in a uniform way.

Then I thought ‘haven’t I seen this kinda thing already’?

Yup! On the RGM website. Delivered today, a very well made and sturdy device that prevents any distortion of the spring.

Top Marks to RGM !

concours · Jun 25, 2024

Fast Eddie said:
I’ve used my ‘normal’ 4 pronged clutch spring compressor many times without really thinking much about it. However, in my recent attempts to cure some clutch slip, I guess I was just more observant than usual.

I didn’t like the way the 4 pronged compressor distorted the spring in use.

I got to thinking about getting a ‘ring’ machined and welding it to the compressor so the spring was compressed in a uniform way.

Then I though ‘haven’t I seen this kinda thing already’?

Yup! On the RGM website. Delivered today, a very well made and sturdy device that prevents any distortion of the spring.

Top Marks to RGM !

View attachment 115026

The good news is, the diaphragm spring will spring back to the original shape

Lineslinger · Jun 25, 2024

My home made spring compressor....same principle... I dug into my scrap materials to put this together...7 years ago? Whoa...

Fast Eddie · Jun 25, 2024

Nice!

My scrap pile does not contain such nice material !

phippsy · Jun 25, 2024

I bought one from eBay just like the RGM 1 a few years later I saw them on there website and wondered if they did a deal because they have not been on since , but you are right a nice bit of kit

marshg246 · Jun 25, 2024

If you want cheap and round:

I used to have this documented on my website (hence the red numbers). Is a 4" PVC pipe cap, a piece of "all thread", and some nuts. I made and gave away three of them and still use one. Since you can't see inside, nut "2" must be tightened to be sure that the "all thread" does not unscrew. The double nut is to hold, and nut "3" operates it.

ashman · Jun 25, 2024

I been using a round steel disk one with a flat piece across and a bolt with 2 nuts for over 44 years I made from scarp steel, still use it to this day, hangs proudly with my other home made tools on my workbench tool board.
The round ones are easier to make if you have any round steel pipe big enough laying around and no bending 4 ends, I have also seen ones made of off cuts PVC pipes.

Ashley

Schwany · Jun 25, 2024

That RGM spring compressor works. I've used it more times than I care to remember. Always works with no fuss.

aussie · Jun 25, 2024

marshg246 said:
If you want cheap and round:

View attachment 115028

I used to have this documented on my website (hence the red numbers). Is a 4" PVC pipe cap, a piece of "all thread", and some nuts. I made and gave away three of them and still use one. Since you can't see inside, nut "2" must be tightened to be sure that the "all thread" does not unscrew. The double nut is to hold, and nut "3" operates it.

What is the centre bolt thread type/size?

marshg246 · Jun 25, 2024

aussie said:
What is the centre bolt thread type/size?

If I remember correctly, it's 1/2" x 20 (UNF). I think I made them 6.5" long - I can check tomorrow.

MexicoMike · Jun 25, 2024

I agree the RGM tool is prettier than the Norton clutch tool.

Fast Eddie · Jun 25, 2024

MexicoMike said:
I agree the RGM tool is prettier than the Norton clutch tool.

Prettier !?

Yes, much prettier in use as it’s much kinder on the diaphragm spring.

Tornado · Jun 26, 2024

marshg246 said:
If you want cheap and round:

View attachment 115028

I used to have this documented on my website (hence the red numbers). Is a 4" PVC pipe cap, a piece of "all thread", and some nuts. I made and gave away three of them and still use one. Since you can't see inside, nut "2" must be tightened to be sure that the "all thread" does not unscrew. The double nut is to hold, and nut "3" operates it.

The plastic pipe cap setup is detailed in the Haynes manual.

robs ss · Jun 26, 2024

marshg246 said:
If you want cheap and round:

View attachment 115028

I used to have this documented on my website (hence the red numbers). Is a 4" PVC pipe cap, a piece of "all thread", and some nuts. I made and gave away three of them and still use one. Since you can't see inside, nut "2" must be tightened to be sure that the "all thread" does not unscrew. The double nut is to hold, and nut "3" operates it.

Greg
Why 4"?
The "ugly" tool is closer to 5". Do they make 5" caps?
Cheers

baz · Jun 26, 2024

I now have anxiety that my clutch spring compressor may not be pretty enough!

ntst8 · Jun 26, 2024

Have anxiety no more ...

Fast Eddie · Jun 26, 2024

concours said:
The good news is, the diaphragm spring will spring back to the original shape

It should. It might not. I see no benefit in NOT compressing the spring uniformly though IMHO. Not saying it should be law though !

marshg246 · Jun 26, 2024

Tornado said:
The plastic pipe cap setup is detailed in the Haynes manual.

Didn't know that - I have no Haynes manuals. I was going to put it back on my site but won't bother then.

marshg246 · Jun 26, 2024

robs ss said:
Greg
Why 4"?
The "ugly" tool is closer to 5". Do they make 5" caps?
Cheers

AFAIK, 4" is the largest size available. At least it is in hardware stores here.

MexicoMike · Jun 26, 2024

Fast Eddie said:
Prettier !?

Yes, much prettier in use as it’s much kinder on the diaphragm spring.

Does it need to be? Have there been issues of failed springs caused by the standard tool? I've used the standard tool since the 1970's when I bought my first Commando and I have never had an issue with the tool adversely affecting clutch springs. Admittedly, I am only one person and that's not much of a statistical data base!

Best clutch tool ever ?

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