Equivalent brake spring tool?

[Holmesx10]

To start off I’m a forklift technician and I’m wondering if one of you guys knew of an equivalent brake spring tool to the snap on BT12. Most smaller forklifts can use the smaller automotive brake spring tools such as the snap on BT11 or any auto parts store tool but some of the bigger trucks can only get by with using the larger one which I believe is made for semi trucks.

If anyone knew of an equivalent tool brand that maybe was a little cheaper than the 70 odd something bucks snap on wants for it it would be much appreciated. If not I’m not totally against forking over for the snap on but I only seldom do brakes that require that tool and I can’t always be borrowing from a fellow technician who so happens to be the only one in our shop who has one.

 

[Holmesx10]

I’ve always told myself 3 times and I should own that tool. Well guess what... Today was number 3 hence the post. I’m just not the guy who HAS to own top quality snap on everything so was hoping for maybe a Taiwanese or quality Chinese brand one before going to mr snappy.

 

[cjarvis]

is this it?

https://www.lowes.com/pd/KD-Tools-Automotive-Bendix-Drum-Brake-Spring-Tool/50164863?cm_mmc=SCE_PLA_ONLY-_-ToolsAndHardware-_-SosHandTools-_-50164863:KD_Tools&CAWELAID=&kpid=50164863&CAGPSPN=pla&k_clickID=6310d3f3-54bf-401a-b5bd-03025515b516&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI5vzImqKc2wIVW7jACh1d3g5YEAQYASABEgKLWPD_BwE

 

[Zewnten]

There are Mac equivalents on ebay called S13B, don't appear to be USA made but they are less than $20.

 

[bonneyman]

My auto brake tools are a mutt set I put together including old Bonney, Proto, and Indestro IIRC. Don't do brakes often but those tools seem fine, old as they are.

 

[Holmesx10]

I think that’s a regular size for automotive. This brake tool is larger and deeper for I’m assuming larger trucks but it also works on certain forklifts.

 

[WWheeler]

Looks like none there now but looking through the completed listings on ebay just in the last month several have sold for under $20, and many more in the months previous. Looks like something you could keep an eye out for.

 

[ChaseDE]

oh

sorry

I thought you said spring break tool

 

[Wamsutta]

I have the BT11. It's fantastic tool for removing and installing drum brake springs on 1978 Cadillacs.

 

[L.Cheapo]

I have the BT11. It's fantastic tool for removing and installing drum brake springs on 1978 Cadillacs.

I have the BT11 also. I had a cheap import I bought in a jam when I was in high school. The difference is night and day. The import's divot that goes over the spring anchor was poorly formed, and the angle of the handle was very small. I don't squint and pucker up when I use the Snap On one. Makes life easier and safer.

 

[Zewnten]

Ya not sure, says it fits heavy duty bendix brakes, but the mac site is down so I can't look up the specs.

 

[nelstomlinson]

There's a bt11 on fleabay right now, going fairly cheap. Nobody else bid, lets give the OP a chance at it.

 

[WWheeler]

There's a bt11 on fleabay right now, going fairly cheap. Nobody else bid, lets give the OP a chance at it.

There's a bunch of BT11s on there, but the OP already said the Snap-on BT11 won't work. Holmes is looking for it's bigger brother the BT12.

 

[Holmesx10]

Yes the BT11 is your average automotive brake spring tool. I have a few of those. Only looking for the larger one. I’ll give the MAC Ebay one a try as posted earlier and if not I’ll just go through snap on. It’ll be worth it in the long run. Thanks everyone.

 

[dwasifar]

If you borrow it twice, you should buy one.

I've borrowed Home Depot's truck twice. But I don't have room to park one.