Brake Spring Pliers

[bash_brannigan]

I always seem to struggle with brake springs, so I bought a pair of the Craftsman brake spring pliers (model 45494) in the hope that it would make it easier. Well, I have tried and tried to figure out how to use them, but just can't see how they help! Now, maybe this is because I am working on the brakes of a British car (Triumph Stag), so maybe the pliers aren't compatible? Or maybe it is because I am an idiot... Either way, any help would be appreciated!

Thanks

 

[carterbeauford]

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=168008

 

[pendragon1998]

You catch the spring end with the hooked jaw and use the other jaw to pry while squeezing, using the brake shoe as your fulcrum. Hope that makes sense. I stick a piece of plywood scrap between the brake shoe and the pliers so I don't gouge the shoe.

 

[bobcatdan]

The Wilde made craftsman are the best I own, I like them far better then the SO or Mac ones I own. I never really use the plier part, but the notch on the handle so I use it as a little pry bar. I use to be able to do a side in like 15 minutes. Having done brakes in five years, wonder if I'm any good yet

 

[Wamsutta]

Do your drum brakes have a post at the 12 o'clock position for the brake shoe springs to anchor to? If so, there's a tool for those springs that's way easier to use than brake spring pliers.

 

[wornoutoldman]

You catch the spring end with the hooked jaw and use the other jaw to pry while squeezing, using the brake shoe as your fulcrum. Hope that makes sense. I stick a piece of plywood scrap between the brake shoe and the pliers so I don't gouge the shoe.

Those free paint stirring sticks work good too.

 

[lisiecki1]

Do your drum brakes have a post at the 12 o'clock position for the brake shoe springs to anchor to? If so, there's a tool for those springs that's way easier to use than brake spring pliers.

+1 I can post a picture of mine tonight if you need to see what they look like.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

These are snap on and they work fine. I either use these or some diagonals to grab them and pull them over. The diagonals won't cut them and they are stronger than needle nose.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Watch this video at about the 2:00 minutes mark

Replacing Drum Brake Shoes Part 1 - EricTheCarGuy

Watch this video at about the 3:00 minutes mark


Replacing Drum Brake Shoes Part 2 - EricTheCarGuy

 

[bash_brannigan]

Wow! You guys are great! I posted the question at lunchtime, just got home and look a look and already many replies!

I figured that the hook was supposed to go on the spring loop, but putting the other end on the shoe seemed likely to damage the shoes. Using a piece of wood makes sense - when I first tried that way I figured they wouldn't have made a point where it presses on the shoe. I just went out and tried taking the springs off - turns out that the tool just isn't suited to my old British car - the holes just don't seem to work with the size of the tool. Two of the three hooks go on the back side of the shoes, apart from anything else!

Thanks again for the help