Exhaust spring tool

[Outlander]

Greetings,

My ATV is due for a muffler change. Had a quick look and realised that an office guy trying to grab the springs with pliers was an accident waiting to happen. Once the plastics are off, I should have decent access, but, I was wondering what you guys use (besides pliers) to get the springs on and off safely.

This looked like the right approach - homemade tools
http://whatsintheshop.blogspot.ca/2012/02/exhaust-spring-tool.html

In particular, the modified screwdriver which allows for pushing or pulling.

Yes, I know the spring puller tools are $10 or less online. However, I was not sure whether being able to push was a desired feature or not.

This thread took longer to write that making the tool and replacing the springs

Cheers

 

[wild cowboy]

I use this one: www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000RG5UMA

 

[1foxracing]

$5 at Harbor Freight before coupon. They advertise it as a headlight and brake spring tool but I have been using them for exhaust springs for over 12 years and haven't broken 1 yet.

http://www.harborfreight.com/spring-hook-95757.html

 

[hackwelder]

A bunch of pennies or dimes (depending on the spring) between the coils might work...works great to safely and easily remove or install MC kickstand springs.

 

[supra90turbo]

I use a Snap-on Headlight Spring tool.

 

[JohnK007]

A bunch of pennies or dimes (depending on the spring) between the coils might work...works great to safely and easily remove or install MC kickstand springs.

That is F*-ing ingenious!

 

[hackwelder]

That is F*-ing ingenious!

True, but I can't take any credit for the ingenuity, first saw that trick at advrider awhile back...
Anyway, it does work really well, otherwise dealing with kickstand springs can be very difficult

 

[Zedexseven]

In a pinch you can use a strong piece of electrical wire, it's flexible enough to go around obstacles and gives you something to pull with, I use this method a lot when a spring puller won't fit.

 

[bob15]

I know they are pliers, but these seem to work the best for replacing exhaust springs:

This tip really work well in holding the spring wire:

A Leatherman will also work in a pinch or on the side of a trail.

 

[scooternut]

I used to use vise grips. I now use the tool exactly like the HF one, except I probably paid twice as much. It works great, but no push feature. Id vote HF for just a few bucks with a coupon

 

[juiced10]

In a pinch I have used a shoelace.

 

[1foxracing]

I like that penny/dime trick but I don't think it would work to well with my preferred Akrapovic brand.

 

[Outlander]

Great responses guys...who would have thought of coins in the spring? Even cheaper than the HF hook with a coupon

Just noticed I could join the Harry Epstein fan club for $2.00 http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/WildeChrome/545.html

 

[Outlander]

I had some quiet time in the garage today so I had a look at what was required to change the muffler. First, impossible to do the exhaust springs without removing plastics. The springs are just visible enough to lure you in.

I fabbed up a hook, and ground an old screwdriver. The hook worked fine, the springs are easy to access once the left side plastics are removed.

Photo on white background would have bee better