Brake spring pliers should they be in my box?
- Thread starter rodm1
- Start date
jkeyser14
Well-known member
Unless you're doing drum brakes jobs on a regular basis it's probably a waste of money. I've always just used needle nose pliers the few times I've worked on drum brakes.
Outlawmws
Well-known member
I have them, but I've had them for decades. Many newer cars are 4 wheel disk, so gradually becoming an artifact. If you work on older cars, then they are nice to have, but honestly, I would take your time and pick up a set at a yard sale, as they are a cheap/glut on the market...
When I did without way back, I used lineman's pliers, as you could get a better grip.
When I did without way back, I used lineman's pliers, as you could get a better grip.
greasemonkey44
Well-known member
i still use mine once or twice a week; there are alot of drum brakes still out there
and gm has been putting them on the back of alot of the newer trucks lately
and gm has been putting them on the back of alot of the newer trucks lately
I wish someone would show me how to work them. I have a pair and tried to remove a spring on a bonded set of shoes. I removed the spring, but also cracked the shoes and had to buy a new set. I think they might work properly for riveted shoes, but not bonded because there is no place to brace the pliers for removing the springs. (And I'm talking about the kind shoes without the post at the top or bottom.) I think this might be the most under understood tool. I certainly don't understand it. I do better with my vice grips. No damage to the shoes that way.
Toolhorder
Well-known member
I had to replace all the brake shoes and wheel cylinders on a 50's truck that I have and I used a Snappy spring tool. It's this style, http://buy1.snapon.com/sep/catalog/item.aspx?sku=BT11&Name=Brake+Tools&group=18
Works great. To remove a spring just put it on the post and turn counterclockwise. A little lip grabs the spring and leverage pops it right off. Flip it around to install the springs. The lip on the end grabs the post and you move the tool up to let the spring slide onto the post.
Works great. To remove a spring just put it on the post and turn counterclockwise. A little lip grabs the spring and leverage pops it right off. Flip it around to install the springs. The lip on the end grabs the post and you move the tool up to let the spring slide onto the post.
I use my vise-grips too.
Charles (in GA)
Well-known member
Thats not the tool he is referring to. The pliers he is referring to has the same features but also is a plier with a hook and pincher to install the lower spring (the one that runs from shoe to shoe across the adjuster starwheel). Vice grips work much better for that spring. I gave up on the pliers years ago and use the tool that Toolhorder is referring to for the upper springs.
Charles
ken w.
Well-known member
I have both brake spring pliers and the SO BT-11.I use the BT-11 tool most of the time.Its made with the correct angles to remove the springs with ease. The cheaper imported ones that you find in the auto parts store don't compare at all. For bottom springs I use the vise grips or a screw driver that I notched out to install the spring. If your looking for a SO brake pliers I have a few extra ones. PM me if tour interested.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
I had to replace all the brake shoes and wheel cylinders on a 50's truck that I have and I used a Snappy spring tool. It's this style,
I have these
On the "pliers" the spring remover/installer are on end of opposite arms.
I actually have never used the "pinching" end of the pliers. I think you need them for some parking rake return springs.
They are in my bottom roll away, along with my pickle fork, drum brake shoe retainer pin tool and some other seldom used tools.
EDIT: Also next to my collection of distributor wrenches !!
BTW, I have not used them in more than 15 years !
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Toolhorder
Well-known member
I have these
On the "pliers" the spring remover/installer are on end of opposite arms.
I actually have never used the "pinching" end of the pliers. I think you need them for some parking rake return springs.
They are in my bottom roll away, along with my pickle fork, drum brake shoe retainer pin tool and some other seldom used tools.
BTW, I have not used them in more than 15 years !
It's the one time you need it though that makes the difference
greasemonkey44
Well-known member
i rarely use the pincer portion
normally the lever and the round uninstaller are enough
for the lower i just take both shoes off and install it on the ground
normally the lever and the round uninstaller are enough
for the lower i just take both shoes off and install it on the ground
littletoes
Well-known member
I've had mine for decades too, and almost never use them. In fact, just looked at them tonight, and was amazed how new they looked.
kc-steve
Well-known member
I have both new and used for sale, but haven't posted them yet. At roughly $10 for new and $5 for used, I would rather have a pair on hand than find out down the road you can't find them anymore. 
Right tool for the job, is my motto.
Steve
Right tool for the job, is my motto.
Steve
chevy.stroker
Well-known member
Epsteins has them for $4: http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WildeChrome/427.html
Now about the pliers type. I have never used them. I generally get around using them in one of two ways:
Those with the spring and adjuster across the bottom attach the shoes to the backing plate, shove the shoes together at the bottom, hook the cross spring in place and stretch the shoes apart by hand to snap the star adjuster in.
Those with the spring across the top attach one shoe to the backing plate, attach the cross spring to the mounted and unmounted shoe, and stretch the unmounted shoe in place.
For the spring retainer tool get it from a flea market.
Seanbev24
Well-known member
I have other brake spring tools in my box including the plier type, but the only 2 I ever use are the Snap-on BT11 and the specialty tool for those stupid horseshoe springs.
mattwgrizwald
Well-known member
I have two pair a old vaccuum grip and a matco and haven't used either in years but the day will come i have to do a brake job on my 90 chevy pick up
RCStocker
Well-known member
I have all the break tools in at leat 5 brands. Craftsman **** and don't release the spring when you put it back on.
I have the Snap-on different types and they work the best. I have been supprised and how poor some brands work. It takes years to find all the things cheap but they are out there.
I can't believe GM is putting drums back on turcks. That is just plain stupid!
I have the Snap-on different types and they work the best. I have been supprised and how poor some brands work. It takes years to find all the things cheap but they are out there.
I can't believe GM is putting drums back on turcks. That is just plain stupid!
If you have the above tool Snap-on BT11 (I do) is the pliers ever needed? Where would the pliers be needed that the Snap-on BT11 won't work? I guess that is what I'm asking.
Doing a search I think this is a good example where you probable would won't them. I don't think a Snap-on BT11 would work on this. I think you probable would have to use brake pliers or regular ones.
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Gary S
Well-known member
I use my Vise Grip too. I have a brake spring pliers, but I hate it so I never use it. The straight jaw vise grip works so much easier.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Why shouldn't they be? It's better to have them and not need them than need them and not have them.
Yes, brake spring pliers may be gong the way of the dodo bird (extinct), and carburetor adjusting tools but, they can be useful even though some don't work well on bonded brake shoes.
Below is a picture of two pairs of brake pliers and a wilde brake tool. The wilde tool was like $3.00 at Epsteins and is a great investment.
Back to the pliers, the larger set was a limited run KD made update to the age old design. Instead of the large c shaped fulcrum jaw ending in a point, KD added a red rubber coated pad for use on bonded brake shoes. On the old style pair the point of the fulcrum jaw would go into the rivet hole to provide leverage as you stretched the spring. The little rubber coated pad prevents you from damaging the friction material. There are also two different sized replaceable hooks on the other jaw. A nicely designed pair of brake pliers that I have never seen anywhere else beside the flea market i bought them at years ago for a few bucks.
I can't find my extra set of Kent Moore spring pliers made for the single heart shape spring found on late model GM vehicles. They have j shaped handle for pulling outward on the spring, a pointy handle for the small spring, and long notched jaws for spreading shoes for wheel cylinder replacement. very handy.
On a side note, although everyone has done it, you want to be careful using side cutters or vise grips on brake springs. The vise grips create a flat spot on the round wire spring, and dykes leave a small nick or notch. Both areas are weak spots that may lead to spring failure down the road. think of how many time those springs expand and contract during the life of the brake shoes and you'll replace them at every brake job.
Yes, brake spring pliers may be gong the way of the dodo bird (extinct), and carburetor adjusting tools but, they can be useful even though some don't work well on bonded brake shoes.
Below is a picture of two pairs of brake pliers and a wilde brake tool. The wilde tool was like $3.00 at Epsteins and is a great investment.
Back to the pliers, the larger set was a limited run KD made update to the age old design. Instead of the large c shaped fulcrum jaw ending in a point, KD added a red rubber coated pad for use on bonded brake shoes. On the old style pair the point of the fulcrum jaw would go into the rivet hole to provide leverage as you stretched the spring. The little rubber coated pad prevents you from damaging the friction material. There are also two different sized replaceable hooks on the other jaw. A nicely designed pair of brake pliers that I have never seen anywhere else beside the flea market i bought them at years ago for a few bucks.
I can't find my extra set of Kent Moore spring pliers made for the single heart shape spring found on late model GM vehicles. They have j shaped handle for pulling outward on the spring, a pointy handle for the small spring, and long notched jaws for spreading shoes for wheel cylinder replacement. very handy.
On a side note, although everyone has done it, you want to be careful using side cutters or vise grips on brake springs. The vise grips create a flat spot on the round wire spring, and dykes leave a small nick or notch. Both areas are weak spots that may lead to spring failure down the road. think of how many time those springs expand and contract during the life of the brake shoes and you'll replace them at every brake job.
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texasprd
Well-known member
+1 on that!
Ed ke6bnl
Well-known member
yep X2
dragonle87
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 10, 2010
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What about these Matco ones....I happened to see it in my Matco Catalog the other day. Have no clue how it works. I used Vise-Grips and strong cutters
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/DBST1/DRUM-BRAKE-SPRING-TOOL/
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/DBST1/DRUM-BRAKE-SPRING-TOOL/
SuzukiGS750EZ
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- Apr 26, 2012
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I've used vice grips on our street stock race car, but prefer the specialized pliers.
theoldwizard1
Well-known member
Same here. There is no good substitute for the brake shoe retainer hold down/spring, but those are cheap.
I have found that a good set of locking needle nose pliers works well on the other brake springs.
Hpozzuoli
Well-known member
sparky7
Well-known member
What about pliers for ebrake cables, i know there are a few out there most get mediocre reviews
sberry
Banned
They are well worth the 5$ to have a pair on hand. Buy used one from the guy above.
cowboy73
Well-known member
I have 2 pair of those pliers. I used them back in November when I replaced the rear brakes on my parents' Ford Windstar.
the gypsy
Well-known member
Hi guys. Has anyone on this thread changed the e-brake on a Jeep wrangler 2007 or morre recent model Jeep? Which of the spring tools have you used? I have had a hell of a time replacing the springs and would like to buy the proper tool to simplify the install.
sparky7
Well-known member
Thats what i was asking about, there is an ebrake cable tool, search on ebay there are a few up for grabs.
They dont get the best reviews though and i cant seem to find any other manufacturers.
This is the tool im referring to; http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thexton-365..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item2c61890e73&vxp=mtr
They dont get the best reviews though and i cant seem to find any other manufacturers.
This is the tool im referring to; http://www.ebay.com/itm/Thexton-365..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item2c61890e73&vxp=mtr
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the gypsy
Well-known member
Sparky this is not the tool I am referring to.
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
If it's anything like my 2005 Rubicon e-brakes and you mean the long skinny spring on the bottom, these works wonders....
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Lisle-LIS45..._Automotive_Tools&hash=item2588542d4d&vxp=mtr
the gypsy
Well-known member
No I do not think the e-brakes are the same. The spring does not have the long straight part the the tool can hook and hold.
I will try to post a picture later, when I can figure out how to resize my photo.
I will try to post a picture later, when I can figure out how to resize my photo.
the gypsy
Well-known member
the gypsy
Well-known member
Coach James
Well-known member
I still have and use my drum brake tools. I have Wilde, old C-man and old K-mart. My 90 Dakota has rear drums.
Some of you must have much better flea markets and yard sales than we have here. Our flea markets have $1 garbage tools and yard sales have a few rusty screwdrivers and that's it. Truthfully, rather than spend 2 or 3 hours walking the aisles of a flea market looking for brake tools, I would spend the additional $5 and go buy them at the parts store and be out in 10 minutes.
I got the Wilde tools from harry Ep. and they are A+.
Coach
Some of you must have much better flea markets and yard sales than we have here. Our flea markets have $1 garbage tools and yard sales have a few rusty screwdrivers and that's it. Truthfully, rather than spend 2 or 3 hours walking the aisles of a flea market looking for brake tools, I would spend the additional $5 and go buy them at the parts store and be out in 10 minutes.
I got the Wilde tools from harry Ep. and they are A+.
Coach