mainshaft lock ring and clutch operating body

Has any one come up with a good method of holding the clutch operating body while tightening the lockring? This is a chore I dread everytime I open the gearbox, it takes several tries to get the lever lined up correctly and rapidly damages the lockring.
Has any one cut a lockring out of hex stock so a wrench can be used? The only problem I can see is the lever hitting the hex. Any ideas how to make this process easier?

And what is the thread of the lock ring?

Watched Mick Hemmings DVD and he uses a purpose made tool on lockring up until the final positioning of the clutch lifter. He turns it CCW back from correct position then whacks the ring with a punch. Clutch lifter moves with it, and if it goes too far, he taps on the lifter to move it back with the punch. The Old brits article show a screw driver blade in the lifter to hold/turn it as needed.
I've made a homemade ring "tool" out of a used shock bushing by trimming with a hacksaw and shaping the tabs with Dremel cutoff wheel. Fits pretty well. Drilled a 1/4" hole across the bushing to allow a bit of rod/allen key etc to provide turning leverage.
Mick suggests the recommended lockring torque seems high and states (non permanent blue) Locktite can be used sparingly if wanted.
Edit: BTW, Mick also shows an improved lockring he designed which has a flanged head with holes bored around circumference which he uses on race bikes. The holes allow a different tool to better fit but says seizing wire to a case bolt can also work. Contact him to find out if these are still available.

The AN tool helped me a lot. I got lucky on my first attempt at lining the arm. Glad to have had that tool.

The right tool makes things easy and nothing is damaged.

Hortons Norton said:

The right tool makes things easy and nothing is damaged.

Click to expand...

MH had the proper tool....yet he mentions it is not really ideal for the job (can't put sufficient torque?) and does use a punch to set final torque and to initially loosen the lockring.

Not for me sorry, I've taken ones off that were punched and wonder why do people do it like that? Using a punch to torque something?

You'll have to ask Mick these questions...he has done hundreds of gearboxes and does know his stuff. BTW, my lockring was also knackered by DPO...and I opted to replace it new...only cost about $12. No biggie....tool cost about $ 50 I believe.

I fought my clutch lock ring for years. Mine was knackered by some young guy in his 20s back in the '70s (me). I was on the side of I-81 near Scranton and I had to use a tire iron and a roadside rock to tighten it.

I bought a new ring and the right tool a couple years ago. It was less than $50 - I hope. Good tools are a big part of being a good owner. Worth it.

No need, the tool works great.