HF drum brake tool kit

[HanShotFirst]

All,

I still have one car with drum brakes and I need to do a brake job on it. Was wondering if the HF drum brake tool set was at least passable to do a couple of jobs. Anyone have this, or used this?

https://www.harborfreight.com/3-piece-brake-spring-pliers-kit-97804.html

 

[Zapp Branigan]

I have a drawer full of drum brake tools and use them occasionally, but most of the time I just use a pair of large slip-joint pliers and a pair of needle nose. The HF brake tools will be fine for occasional use. Don't skimp on eye protection.

 

[Richard Cranium]

They will work for a few times.

 

[HanShotFirst]

Thanks Zap...That's kinda how I always did it too, but a friend of mine said the drum brake tools were really helpful...so maybe I'll give it a try.

 

[Tonyuk]

I've gotten by with a large set of pliers, slip-joins and a set of right-angle needle noise.

 

[timgr]

I've done a lot of these ... The brake spring pliers are useful. If it were for me, I would just buy good quality pliers like GearWrench, Lisle, OTC, or Kaydee, and skip the kit.

If you want another tool, get the resetting gauge. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20 This is what the pros use. Most drum brakes are self-adjusting, and if assembled correctly do not need to be adjusted with the brake spoon. Back up, apply brakes, back up, apply brakes, the brakes are adjusted and you are done - as long as they are installed close enough, using the gauge.

 

[bcradio]

Honestly if you only have one car with drum brakes, I would probably just take it into Brake Masters and get the $99 lifetime drum brake special. They'll machine your drums replace pads and get everything ready to go with lifetime warranty. No need to buy tools for just one job.

 

[astroracer]

Honestly if you only have one car with drum brakes, I would probably just take it into Brake Masters and get the $99 lifetime drum brake special. They'll machine your drums replace pads and get everything ready to go with lifetime warranty. No need to buy tools for just one job.

^^^ This. Besides, having done drum brake jobs for 40 years without special tools, I can say you don't need them for one job... Skip it.
Mark

 

[zendriver]

I don't have this particular set, but they look like brake tools and brake tools make the drum brake job easier.

For 14 bucks I would.


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[kythri]

If you're worried about the HF kit, then step up to the Astro Pneumatic kit:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00061SGO0/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jacked_72]

Look what is in the kit. Two tools are stationary pieces of metal with no moving parts and one has one moving joint. I think you'll be fine with the HF tools.

 

[454ragtop]

I've done a lot of these ... The brake spring pliers are useful. If it were for me, I would just buy good quality pliers like GearWrench, Lisle, OTC, or Kaydee, and skip the kit.

If you want another tool, get the resetting gauge. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SQUJ0/?tag=atomicindus08-20 This is what the pros use. Most drum brakes are self-adjusting, and if assembled correctly do not need to be adjusted with the brake spoon. Back up, apply brakes, back up, apply brakes, the brakes are adjusted and you are done - as long as they are installed close enough, using the gauge.

I gotta disagree, a tool to remove the hold down springs and either a tool or the brake pliers for the return springs will make drum brake jobs a lot easier. As far as the gage, you already have one, it's the brake drum. Just adjust the shoes to where they're just barely touching the drum and call it done.

 

[sberry]

I grind the lip out with a 4 1/2, I make a couple passes and can get it smooth and flush. Then slipping the drum off and checking the adjuster, the adjustment and wheel cyl for leakage is just part of a tire rotation. It makes it super easy to adjust brakes and slide the drum on. I don't own a gage but the pliers and the hold down tool are worth having when they are needed although a pair of 9/s work too.

 

[JRC3]

Honestly if you only have one car with drum brakes, I would probably just take it into Brake Masters and get the $99 lifetime drum brake special. They'll machine your drums replace pads and get everything ready to go with lifetime warranty. No need to buy tools for just one job.

There's a catch to those warranties...It does not cover the labor.

 

[gungatim]

I have that set, and about a dozen other pairs of pliers and spring drivers and levers from snap-on to mac to craftsman.

honestly the HF set is pretty sucky, the hand driver for the pins/springs does not fit or grip well, mine is molded crooked so the ends aren't in the handle correctly.

craftsman is my go-to pair, and mac or snap-on for the handle driver. I'm sure the HF will get you by, but if you do a lot of break jobs, you'll want a better set. I find them used so often I don't even look at them anymore...good ones are for sale every fleamarket and yard sale for cheap, which is what I would recommend you try and find if you can wait.

 

[bcradio]

There's a catch to those warranties...It does not cover the labor.

The warranty doesn't even matter for rear drum brakes. My last set 320k miles on them and they were still ok for another 100k. I bet OP will likely trade in that vehicle long before replacements are needed.

 

[Tim C]

This is the only brake tool I use other than an adjusting spoon. Been a mechanic for 20 years. I hate the plier tool, its never worked right for me. I use needle nose visegrip pliers to stretch the springs if i cant use the pictured tool. I use regular needle nose pliers to install and remove the hold down springs and pins.

For one drum brake job once every few years, Id wing it with pliers and a big sraight blade screwdriver.

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[theoldwizard1]

If you don't have one, get a Vice-Grip needle nose pliers. You might not need them, but it is a worthy addition to any tool box.

Expensive (and most parts store don't have them for rent), but this IS THE TOOL for removing stuck brake drums OTC 6980.

 

[Dennis Leigh Henry]

I see good used ones all the time at the flea market.. typically Craftsman.. if you can wait....

 

[Boilerhouse]

There is probably nothing wrong with that set, but for rear drums, in 25 years and 4 vehicles, the main tool I have used are needle nosed vise grips.