Disc brake pad spreader

[Guns R Tools]

I use this

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/PS7034/DISC-BRAKE-PAD-SPREADER/

It is bit slow and sometimes I have to stack other old pads to push pistons back into caliper, not enough spread.

But it worked on 4 piston Brembo style.

 

[rlitman]

Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Have dual pistons on my Sierra, using an old pad flexes too much, doesn't seat both pistons.

Huh? The backing on most pads is thicker than the plate of steel that the spreaders use. What's flexing?

The only issue I've had with dual pistons, is one piston going in, while the other wants to go out. That's just a matter of getting the clamp centered well enough (and opening the bleeder screw, helps a bit too).

 

[ajchien]

Wound up getting the lisle hand twist version in the original post. Unhappy to say that there is no USA stamp on the packaging or the tool. I don't see th coo anywhere.

 

[Drew_flux]

Crack the bleeder and use a small prybar.

 

[nmk_61802]

I broke the AZ one with the plastic handle on first use. I can remember if the handle cracked or stripped, but it was junk.

Bought this one from Harbor Freight:

http://www.harborfreight.com/disc-brake-pad-piston-compressor-34304.html

All aluminum and steel. A little hard on the hands but much more durable than the AZ version. The first one you linked to a least seems to have a steel insert in the plastic handle.

 

[dledinger]

Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I just use a C-clamp and use the old brake pad to spread the load. Works well with 2 piston calipers like my truck has.

Me too.

 

[Steve_P]

the old-school approach of a c-clamp work fine, but is obviously a no-no on fancy painted calipers. This has been discussed before with links to some quality all-steel spreaders.

I believe I have this:

http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/main.asp?action=PROD&PROD=MK-BRK-J&CTMP=1

 

[yasha32]

i usually use pliers, small prybar, etc. never bothered with the proper tool if I can get away without it. Its hard to make time having to worry about another tool.

 

[KCarGuy]

I have a Flat steel bar that I put across the Piston or Pistons, then Use a Large C-Clamp.
Been doing it that way forever.
I remember using a prybar a long time ago, as I was sitting on the ground, It slipped and I smacked myself in the forehead.
After the Stars went away...I went out and bought the big Red C-Clamp that I still use today. (It matched my big red lump)

 

[keithwvd]

I used to use a C clamp, but when I started doing brakes multiple times per week I switched to 16" channel locks, just picked up a nice new shiny set this week actually

 

[DrkMtnDew]

This is what I use. works very well.

Dual Caliper Press

 

[SpiderGearsMan]

C Clamp made me a lot of money

 

[yasha32]

Regarding cracking the bleeder, if you arent opening that up and pinching off the line your pushing just into your abs module (which it doesnt like). it takes another 25 seconds to pinch off and open and makes things happier and last longer.. Just a thought to some of those out there who have been doing it old school for a while... and it makes push back easier.

 

[glenmore]

Regarding cracking the bleeder, if you arent opening that up and pinching off the line your pushing just into your abs module (which it doesnt like). it takes another 25 seconds to pinch off and open and makes things happier and last longer.. Just a thought to some of those out there who have been doing it old school for a while... and it makes push back easier.

Anything special to do in pinching off the line?

Same as pinching off gas lines when working around fuel pumps?

 

[glenmore]

Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Recently I bought this Blue Point tool:
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=&item_ID=651225&group_ID=675710&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I haven't had a chance to use it, but I like that it's a little more space efficient that the redesigned caulk gun.

\

Let us know how that thing works. Looks like an ideal design.

 

[yasha32]

Anything special to do in pinching off the line?

Same as pinching off gas lines when working around fuel pumps?

they make pinch off pliers for the job; they dont close down all the way so you dont damage the brake hose. if it cant be pinched off (hose too rigid) most manufacturers of the hoses will call it a bad hose.

 

[plinker]

That's why I made the switch from a C-clamp to a C-clamp and a flat piece of bar stock.

That's what I do as well.
I had not really thought to use an old pad instead though. (duh moment in progress)

 

[Vettedrmr]

I always crack the bleed screw and use a C-clamp with an old pad backing plate; works for both single and dual piston setups, which works great for the typical floating (i.e. slider pin) calipers.

However, that doesn't work for most rear brakes that have integrated parking brake setups. Many of those need to be rotated, rotated and pushed, or some other variation to retract the piston.

And then there are the 4, 6, and 8 piston calipers that have pistons on both sides. My favorite technique on those is to take the old pad (leaving the other pad in place), turn it sideways so the pad material is still in contact with the rotor face, and push the piston in using the backing plate of the pad itself.

Fancy paint safe? Check. Fancy rotor face safe? Check. Easy to do? (a.k.a. "why didn't I think of that before?") Check!

HTH, and have a good one,
Mike

 

[rodknocker]

Re: Disk brake pad spreader

X2..

 

[t100]

best damn thing I've ever used. for years I thought it was a Bessey.

 

[Todd.Brock]

Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I just use a C-clamp and use the old brake pad to spread the load. Works well with 2 piston calipers like my truck has.

This has yet to fail me. I do admit the C clamp is a bit cumbersome at times. But not enough so to buy another once every 3 year tool for a DIY guy like myself., but on second thought, that is about 65% of my tools anyway, so WTH...

 

[brandon523]

Re: Disk brake pad spreader

I have this pad spreader. You can buy a generic version from the OEM that makes it for snapon. It costs less, but I can't remember the OEM name.

But I use this prybar a lot more:

Snapon MPBS11400, $38.

Does anyone know who makes this press for Snap On?

 

[bp460]

I do not own this particular tool and have never used one, but it looks very effective:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079GQKDE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

-Brad

 

[Chris83]

I do not own this particular tool and have never used one, but it looks very effective:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0079GQKDE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

-Brad

This style is the best I have used to date.

 

[84bimmer]

This style is the best I have used to date.

Me too. I got the Cornwell branded one off the truck for around $35. I think Mac has rebadged it also. I've been very happy with mine with daily use for about 3 years.

 

[Chris83]

Me too. I got the Cornwell branded one off the truck for around $35. I think Mac has rebadged it also. I've been very happy with mine with daily use for about 3 years.

The one I have is blue point but identical and right around the $40 mark.

 

[KM223]

I use this on the GT3 for fast pad changes at the track and for the family Cayenne. Good for single, 2, 4, 6 and 8 piston calipers. Also safe for carbon ceramics if your careful. Made by Girodisk.

 

[gungatim]

I just use the jumbo sized pair of channellock pliers. use the old pad on the piston to avoid damage. works on 90% of the cars I do and is super quick and easy. for dual pistons I just leave the caliper on the rotor and squeeze...

the one the OP posted: I got one and the handle broke and the threads stripped. I did weld a Tee on the end for a handle and welded a nut on the plate. didn't want to throw it out as it works for some applications, but channellocks are my favorite.

 

[406Rich]

I use this on gm single piston, works great

 

[Corvette Cave]

I've been using one of these. Stainless Steel cast spreader.

 

[Farmall450]

The lisle one works pretty good, even on big truck calipers. Haven't broke the plastic off yet, and the school has the same one. It's holding up surprisingly well given the frequency and people who use it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

Re: Disk brake pad spreader

Would this cheapo thing work? Lisle 28600 Disc Brake Piston Tool.

Looks like you would stick a 3/8" ratchet in the square and turn to push in the piston.

I bought one. It hit the trash can after about 30 minutes.

 

[imagineer]

I use this on gm single piston, works great

You are a genius!!

 

[PhilMeUp]

This does it all:

And I still use the expensive GiroDisc spreader sometimes:

 

[anndel]

I have the single Speedy Caliper Press by Lisle

http://www.lislecorp.com/divisions/products/?product=105&division=1&category=1

The only thing was that the caliper needed to be pressed farther than the tool's limit so I ended up using a "C" clamp. I was going to return it to Amazon.com but I kept it thinking I may need it for other vehicles but then again, just use the c clamp for the others. The c clamp and a pry bar method works well.

 

[stang2007]

I use this on for front pads. Disc tool