Mystery tool
- Thread starter bobkentnova
- Start date
Stuart in MN
Well-known member
It's for removing and installing the springs on a drum brake assembly.
edit: here's a link to a new one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P5DZCQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
edit: here's a link to a new one. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B079P5DZCQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20
tool to release spring pressure on non disc brakes. The hook on the RH leg of the tool engages the spring while the hook on the LH side digs in the brake shoe to keep the tool from slipping. The round cup shaped part of the tool with uneven surfaces around the edge is to engage the washer holding the spring that keeps pressure on the brake shoe. After the tool is engaged you push against the tool and rotate the washer until it escapes the notches locking it in place. To install new shoes hold new shoes loosely in place and install spring. Move assembly apart under spring pressure and reinstall washer and spring that goes behind it. This probably is a little confusing, it has been years since I have done it. After one successful brake job you feel like an expert.
The brake drum will have grooves worn in it. If not too deep the drum can be turned smooth which adds to brake life. In an emergency or empty walletitis reuse old brake shoe.
KEH
The brake drum will have grooves worn in it. If not too deep the drum can be turned smooth which adds to brake life. In an emergency or empty walletitis reuse old brake shoe.
KEH
OP
bobkentnova
Well-known member
Thanks for the info folks!
nadogail
Well-known member
We called those Brake Spring Pliers.
Another brake problem: I had a 1956 GMC 2 ton truck. One of the rear brakes got a leak in the wheel cylinder and brake fluid got on the brake linings. This stuck the brakes. If I kept the truck going, I was sure there would be a friction fire. I found that I could get the brakes to release by backing the truck up. Local experts suggested heating the brake shoes. I used a torch on them with no good results. I tried to buy new brake shoes but the parts stores said they were no longer availiable. The truck was probably 20 -30 years old at that time. I lucked out and found a set of new old stock shoes, installed them, and drove happily until I happily sold the truck. The truck had a rebuilt big six engine and ran like a top.
KEH
KEH
4xdog
Well-known member
My dad had a pair of those pliers when I was a kid. They were around forever, but I haven't seen them in probably forty years. I'm still looking for them as I clean out the folks' old house, 'cause I could use 'em.
steaks&anvils
Well-known member
I still have the brake tools set (in the original deluxe vinyl pouch) that my Dad bought from the JC Whitney catalog in the 1970s.
Hope you find the old ones, I just had to buy a new set for my new truck and I'd love to have the pair my grandfather had. So much more well built and sturdy than the new ones I ended up with.
Milton Shaw
Well-known member
- Joined
- Feb 11, 2011
- Messages
- 4,835
Using it as a pair of pliers was to stretch the bottom spring at the self adjuster. The handle with the round with tab was to twist and remove both of the top shoe springs one at a time, put over center post that springs are attached and twist. The handle with a slot in the end was to stretch the springs back onto the top post just over the wheel cylinder. You also needed a screwdriver with a tapered socket to fit the hold down springs to remove them. Used those for 20 years until I got out of auto mechanics work, still use them occasionally, not many cars come with drums anymore.
rburke65
Well-known member
Post #2 has it!
Jagmandave
Well-known member
It seems odd to think of things bought in the 70's as "old", but OMG that was 50 years ago already and I still remember it like it was last week! Of course, I can't remember last week at all so I guess it all evens out.... 
65ranchero
Well-known member
Got mine in the '70s just used them last month to reinstall the return spring on a 2.25 t jack
Doug
Well-known member
As I recall, the big round thing on the end of the handle (upper left in the picture) was for installing the washer over the locating spring on the shoes. It was easier to use a pair of pliers (or fingers if the springs were weak).
The round thing is for removing the return spring from the post. Slide it in the pin and then rotate the tool for 189* and slide the spring off.
lg
no neat sig line
Doug
Well-known member
Since you've jogged my memory I can say this. You are correct!
onetonbb74
Well-known member
I still have the power craft brake spring pliers from the 70s. Definitely handy.
LS6 Tommy
Well-known member
I thought everybody over the age of 30 had a pair of brake pliers...
Tommy
Tommy
Desertskyy
Well-known member
Brake spring pliers and drum brake service is a lost art now a days
I remember using them when I turned wrenches many many years ago
I have 2 Ford Rangers with rear drum brakes so the 2 pair of pliers that have along with my drum brake adjuster and keeper remover still gets normal use
The tool is actually designed pretty good to cover all you need to replace drum brake shoes/springs etc. I am over 30 BTW
Nutria
Well-known member
Handy for releasing return springs on floor jacks too. Plus other spring-related jobs around the shop.
glchandler
Member
Actually yanked my pliers off the wall this AM to remove brake springs from rear of 1975 Jeep J-20. Pliers so old I had to use a screwdriver as a wedge to get the springs rotated off. Tomorrow the backing plate, wheel cylinder and then rebuild same brakes. Did I mention this vehicle was parked over 14 years when previous owner died and just recently moved in with me?
Walkers
Well-known member
Hmmm, I wonder if drum brakes ever have pad deposits?
sorry, I couldn’t resist
sorry, I couldn’t resist