home made tools and equipment...

[klutchmaster427]

So, this is not my idea, but rather I got the idea from another thread here on the H.A.M.B. and decided to build one myself. I posted pics on the thread I got the info from, and someone suggested I post them here on the homemade tool thread. So here I am! This is the thread where I found the info --> http://www.jalopyjournal.com/forum/s...32#post6743432

It's a leaf spring spreader to make installing leaf springs WAY easier.
I decided to do the threaded rod method, and it worked wonders. About $13 for the tube, allthread, nut, and washer. not bad for a tool that is so incredibly helpful with a difficult task.
I did just as described in this thread. I bought a piece of 5/8" all thread, and a piece of square steel tubing just slightly larger than the all thread. 3/4" I believe. Used a couple whacks of a hammer and steel chisel on two opposing sides of one end of the square tubing. basically making one end of the tube look slightly like an hour glass. The point of this was for the two side walls to fold inward instead of outward when I flattened the end. Then I beat the end relatively equal on the other two sides the create somewhat of a chisel tip on one end of the steel tube. Then I used a grinder on one end of the all thread to accomplish the same thing. Thread the nut onto the all thread, stick the washer on it, and slight it inside the tube. Now you have yourself a handy dandy leaf spring stretcher that will save you lots of time when trying to remove or install leaf springs. Just put either end of the stretcher in the crevice near the eye of each side of the leaf spring, tighten the nut, and voila!

Now here come the pictures.
The first few pictures show both ends of the spring spreader so you can see how they were made.








The next two pictures show how both ends are positioned on the leaf spring itself.




And the last two pictures are a before and after, if you will, of the spreader in action.
The first is before the nut has been tightened. The spreader has been extended just long enough to hold it on the leaf spring. In the second picture, the spreader has been extended enough to spread the leaf spring out at least a couple of inches. I didn't measure but you can tell just by looking that the difference is clear. The nut wasn't even getting difficult to turn at this point. This is definitely a great tool to make and keep around.

[LIFESTYLZ]

Damn. That's a cool tool.

[mrjynx]

Theres a combo machine someones making on metal meet.



http://www.metalmeet.com/forum/showthread.php?t=7208

[Wardog]

Oh yeah bring that combo shit on!!!
I've allready built an english wheel and beadroller after reading this thread. I also have a air chisle to make a planishing hammer out of.
Realy keen to see this built.
How about incorperating a mechanical louvre punch as well like the williams one?

[captmullette]

I did not make this, as you can see, but while in the process of running my fuel line on my sedan the square tubing is 1/4 in. wall i finally ran out of drill bits and i didnt really have room for my angle drill and bit, so i got one of these self drilling screws, works great in that 1/4 in. steel for a pilot hole, am i dumb, or did all you guys know this.....plus you get a full box for 5 bucks..

[onemintcaddy]

Originally Posted by captmullette

I did not make this, as you can see, but while in the process of running my fuel line on my sedan the square tubing is 1/4 in. wall i finally ran out of drill bits and i didnt really have room for my angle drill and bit, so i got one of these self drilling screws, works great in that 1/4 in. steel for a pilot hole, am i dumb, or did all you guys know this.....plus you get a full box for 5 bucks..

Ya,,,, Found out about them back in the 90's. There the Cat's Ass Man.

[nexxussian]

Originally Posted by captmullette

I did not make this, as you can see, but while in the process of running my fuel line on my sedan the square tubing is 1/4 in. wall i finally ran out of drill bits and i didnt really have room for my angle drill and bit, so i got one of these self drilling screws, works great in that 1/4 in. steel for a pilot hole, am i dumb, or did all you guys know this.....plus you get a full box for 5 bucks..

Originally Posted by onemintcaddy

Ya,,,, Found out about them back in the 90's. There the Cat's Ass Man.

Yeah, they make great taps too.

I've used them when installing clamps or hold downs in tight locations to be able to drill and tap the hole, then replace it with a better screw (I can't seem to get the self drilling / taping ones tight enough, the heads twist off before it happens ).

Just make sure to get screws the same size and thread pitch.

[Truxx1956]

Originally Posted by onemintcaddy

Ya,,,, Found out about them back in the 90's. There the Cat's Ass Man.

I just love it everytime that you post man, I get to see your avatar

[atomicjoe23]

Originally Posted by Garage Dweller

Here is my wood cutting table saw/medal grinding disc grinder. I bought a 9" grinding wheel that is 1/4" thick and has a 5/8" threaded arbor at Ace Hardware for $6.49. They are for the big 9" hand held grinders like Milwaukee brand. I removed the wood cutting blade from my table saw which has a 5/8" arbor and in installed the grinding wheel. It works great for shaping brackets. I can also grind nice angles by tilting the table and square up edges by using the saws T square. With a course wheel it really eats up the metal. I had to run a 5/8" drill bit through the mounting hole on the grinding disk to remove the arbor threads and then install it on my saw arbor with the saws locking nut.

Hey that's a great idea and I just happen to have an extra table saw. . .can't believe I never thought of that before. . .

. . .just found this thread via a link from Race-dezert.com. . .thanks for posting all the great ideas!

[tooljunkie]

Originally Posted by nexxussian

Yeah, they make great taps too.

I've used them when installing clamps or hold downs in tight locations to be able to drill and tap the hole, then replace it with a better screw (I can't seem to get the self drilling / taping ones tight enough, the heads twist off before it happens ).

Just make sure to get screws the same size and thread pitch.

the next thing to this is when you chuck the screw (1/4 hex ones)directly in the drill.for one,its hard to drop,especailly if theres a ring terminal and wire on it-great for under dash ground wires.also makes great short bit when an angle drill is all the room you have.

[niceguyede]

Originally Posted by captmullette

I did not make this, as you can see, but while in the process of running my fuel line on my sedan the square tubing is 1/4 in. wall i finally ran out of drill bits and i didnt really have room for my angle drill and bit, so i got one of these self drilling screws, works great in that 1/4 in. steel for a pilot hole, am i dumb, or did all you guys know this.....plus you get a full box for 5 bucks..

I've been using those for years instead of clecos cause theyre cheaper and no one steals em!!

[Wardog]

Here they are.

[Wardog]

Also an 18" brake and a 12" anvil

[vividlyvintage]

Originally Posted by Wardog

Also an 18" brake and a 12" anvil

Is that anvil made from a rail road track?

Also do you have tge building plans for the 18" brake? I like the simplicity of that one you have there.

Makes me wonder where you can buy surplus rail road track now days?

Thanks,
Skrach
www.VividlyVintage.com

[Wardog]

The brake is a mixture of what came out of my head and looking at the six footer at work.
Yes the anvil is rail road track. A guy i work with gave me three foot. Ask around, Now I have some every one seems to offer it to me!

[Voh]

Originally Posted by Wardog

Also an 18" brake and a 12" anvil

do you have a back shot of that brake? I would like to see more on the clamp setup. I built a break a bit back, but neet to improve on the clamp. That looks good.

[Wardog]

I'll try to get a couple more shots up soon for you guys.

[Jon1953B4]

Not as much homemade as pieced together w/ free parts but I think its cool and it serves its purpose.

[rockable]

Originally Posted by Pitts64

I use a piece of all thread with washers and nuts to remove and replace front coil springs.. Works like a dream...

I hope it was grade 8, Jeff! Run of the mill all thread can be pretty soft and you can't imagine how quickly you will jump/jerk or whatever when that sucker let's go. I've had my coil spring comressor turn loose on a compressed spring and it's scary!

[niceguyede]

Originally Posted by rockable

I hope it was grade 8, Jeff! Run of the mill all thread can be pretty soft and you can't imagine how quickly you will jump/jerk or whatever when that sucker let's go. I've had my coil spring comressor turn loose on a compressed spring and it's scary!

x2! I like a block of wood and the weight of the car, with the motor in of course!! It's not always possible, though. I have seen several "quality" spring compressors let go without warning and its not fun!!