clutch spring tool parts

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bluto

bluto

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I had a hard time finding a suitable bolt to make a clutch tool (like many others here) as every store I checked had bolts with only 1.5" of threading regardless of length and only carried 1/2" threaded rod in coarse thread.....but finally found a fully threaded 1.75" 1/2-20 tpi inch bolt at Napa Auto and got it to work with a standard 3" ABS pipe cap after cutting it (the cap) down by about an inch with a hacksaw, also used the lock nut from the clutch adjuster to gain a little more length as it is thinner than a standard nut and used a washer between the nut and the pipe cap. Anyway the combination works great and the parts are cheap (about $10 or so) and easy to find....

clutch spring tool parts
 
Re: clutch spring tool parts found and hacked

swooshdave said:
Just how strong is that ABS?
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seems plenty strong enough, it is fairly thick and there really is not all that much force on the nut...also the washer helps to support the load. I'd guess it would take a few hundred pounds to break the cap, waaay more force than what the spring exerts. I considered using a metal pipe cap but went with the ABS since it was much easier to drill and cut.
 
Everyone's a critic. I think you did a fine job. It looks good, and you saved a lot of money, even if you count the gas and wear and tear on your car. Even if you count your time at say 8.50 an hour, you probably are ahead. Then there is the loss of income from a sale of the tool, which would help our economy. However, I would be proud to watch you use the tool, though I would not necessarily want to stand right next to it, not that I think it isn't strong enough, which I am sure it is.
 
Diablouph said:
Everyone's a critic. I think you did a fine job. It looks good, and you saved a lot of money, even if you count the gas and wear and tear on your car. Even if you count your time at say 8.50 an hour, you probably are ahead. Then there is the loss of income from a sale of the tool, which would help our economy. However, I would be proud to watch you use the tool, though I would not necessarily want to stand right next to it, not that I think it isn't strong enough, which I am sure it is.
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I should have stepped aside for the professional critic. :mrgreen:

If it fails, and I'm not saying it will, I believe you'd have 3in circular ABS projectile. Since it doesn't have too much mass it probably won't break any bones.

Granted the spring compressor that I have might be overkill but it is one heavy steel mofo.
 
The factory tool is way overkill. There is really not much pressure needed to flatten that spring.

(Although, there was a report of modern day tuna tins not being up to the job. They are no longer tin - they are a very thin aluminum.)

Russ
 
I have made and have ben selling tools made from thick PVC 4" plumbing caps. I have used mine several times with no signs of failure. I purchased all thread from grainger. Works a treat. I also aquired a NOS andover clutch tool. I am selling it, I like my PVC one better. If anyone wants either one PM me.
 
batrider said:
The factory tool is way overkill. There is really not much pressure needed to flatten that spring.

(Although, there was a report of modern day tuna tins not being up to the job. They are no longer tin - they are a very thin aluminum.)

Russ
Click to expand...

clutch spring tool parts


http://atlanticgreen.com/ndnsclutch.htm

Apparently 300+ lbs of something. Pressing against a hole drilled in some ABS. Not an engineer (if you hadn't guessed) and don't know the properties of ABS. Perhaps it's better than tuna cans. :mrgreen: And I think that was just in an emergency.

I vote for a bigger washer.
 
that chart is interesting but the key is that the spring only needs a very small amount of deflection from the tool until it spins freely and the retaining circlip can be removed (and the spring has some preload too of course)...the linked article says disengagement is complete at 0.050" and the maximum force of 300 lbs is at about six times that amount, 0.3"....it could be that the tool would be overstressed at 300 lbs. but it might be OK, the cap seems like it would easily stand up to that much...like a fat guy standing on it for example :wink: It only took a few turns of the nut at a fairly light torque until the spring turned freely and the circlip could be removed and it was clear by feel that the force was not high and there was no need to go any further. I'm well aware of how dangerous compressed springs can be (and have heard a few horror stories) but in this case the tool seemed nowhere near failure. The top of the cap is domed so a larger washer would need to be too. The ABS itself has some spring to it and would probably give plenty of warning before it failed, it definitely is not brittle.
 
While nothing is "overkill" when aimed at ME, Bluto is probably right, and I will probably not stand near it. Plastic hardens with age, and deforms with use, not unlike me.
 
I was IN NO WAY! criticising anyone!, I was just letting folks know that there was an alternative, (I feel like $40.00 shipped is reasonable).

Vince
 
Relax Unclviny, this forum can be brutal. The worst is when I ask a stupid question or give an equally stupid response, several others chime in and L.A.B. posts a link (usually from the manual) we should have known about, without comment. Thus making us all feel, well.....you know.

P.S. how can you have half of a BMW? You have the half with the engine?
 
This thread reminds me of a story in Norton News many years ago about making a clutch compressor tool out of a coffee can and a lawn mower blade. I certainly hope that held up. Me, I like home-brewed tools!
 
Diablouph said:
P.S. how can you have half of a BMW? You have the half with the engine?
Click to expand...

It's the "highly desirable" late 1973 Long Wheel Base model, I love it but compared to a Commando it's an "Old Man's Bike" (The PC term is "stately").

Vince
 
I too have a PVC cap for my tool. A cap that big is usually a schedule 40 grade item good for about 600 psi or more. However, the factory tests bursting pressure. I would recommend a larger diameter washer next to the cap though. I use a narrow 1/8" thick aluminium plate across the top to spread out the load.
Someone posted in the norton news built one using a 4 inch square electrical box too.


Tim_S
 
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