Prmary cover tool

Chester · May 1, 2011

Just gotta see if this works

Chester · May 1, 2011

Re: Primary cover tool

I just happened on some way past threads on buggered cover insp plates.

I don't know if this has been stunbled upon yet or not....but I took a small piece of 2" X3" X 1/4" AL angle and ground it down
to snugly fit the 2 sizes of insp caps. There's enough leverage on either end being used as the grip to sufficiently tighten or open the covers. Just a handy thing to have in the custom tool arsenal.

swooshdave · May 1, 2011

Re: Primary cover tool

Chester said:
I just happened on some way past threads on buggered cover insp plates.

I don't know if this has been stunbled upon yet or not....but I took a small piece of 2" X3" X 1/4" AL angle and ground it down
to snugly fit the 2 sizes of insp caps. There's enough leverage on either end being used as the grip to sufficiently tighten or open the covers. Just a handy thing to have in the custom tool arsenal.

Very nice.

grandpaul · May 2, 2011

I've got a couple of the original steel shock preload adjustment hook tools that have a half-moon lip on the handle that is designed for the job.

I also have one of those cool all-in-one Norton tools, but that aluminum lip will snap on a stuck inspection cap.

Chester · May 2, 2011

Like a welded shut inspection cap?

Hobot · May 2, 2011

Welded caps excepted I use various thing to twist the wide slots, often a large thick washer ground if needed finger to wrench can twist w/o marring much. In too large unattented corroded caps I use Hi heat then wait a bit as that flow out to expand surround and shrink cap. I'm trying to figure out dual-triple use tools so minimize tool kit carried. Examples appreciated.

ZFD · May 2, 2011

Taking the fun out of fiddling things yet again:
Andover Norton Part # 06-7245. Made in laser-cut stainless in Germany (sorry Anglophiles). See http://www.andover-norton.co.uk/SI%20Se ... 0Tools.htm
Joe

DogT · May 2, 2011

I just happen to have a tappet wrench that fits perfectly into the larger plugs. I forget what I do for the small one, but I have something.

Dave
69S

maximini · May 2, 2011

I'm going to give Dave's tappet wrench method a try - I've tried all sorts of implements over the years but never thought to try a tappet wrench. I usually use a tri-tipped tool similar to the one in the picture. It came with some other misc. British bike tools that the previous owner of my '70 'S' gave me. Mine is is older and is smaller than the tools they are selling now. I may be wrong, but I don't think it was originally made for use on Nortons. Seems to fit the slots well, but there is a very small amount of slop in the large plugs.

Tim_S · May 2, 2011

I use the rounded end of my norton oil drain plug wrench for the big slots and a thick fender washer for the smaller slot.

Tim_S

grandpaul · May 3, 2011

That tri-tipped tool is the absolute correct tool for the job. The difference in thicknesses is more appreciated on Triumphs & BSAs.

Skyguyz · May 3, 2011

Anyone have a Old Britts or other non home made tool for this job for sale? I can paypal.

Thanks.

maximini · May 3, 2011

The hook end of the shock adjustment tool that Grandpaul mentioned also works really well on the Rotolocks on the early bikes if you don't have the little plastic tee gizmo that fits into the Rotolock.

BillT · May 4, 2011

I use the same 'C' spanner I use to tighten the exhaust clamps on the Nortons, and adjust the chain tension on the Speed Triple (rear axle is on an eccentric).

Looks like this:

I wrap the curvy bit with some painter's tape to keep from scratching the plug. The curve fits into the arc of the plug like it was made for it. When used as a C-spanner, the ratchet adapter works great for torquing stuff up.

I can't remember where I got mine - I've had it 20+ years.

Prmary cover tool

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