Spring Pullers

[DFB]

I'm in the market for at least one new one. Anyone have any favorites?


This is what has sustained me for many years. The lightweight one on left gave it up, the hook got bent a couple times then it broke. I think it was sourced thru a motorcycle parts catalog.

Now the one the right I use all the time for mower deck springs and is very strong and hook is very thick so I don't think it will ever break but the handle coating is getting chewed up abit. I can't for the life of me remember where I sourced it Does it look familiar to anyone?

 

[6PTsocket]

No, but if you ever figure it out, I want one, too. I am tired of using small vise grips. I have one for tiny springs found in electronics and other small devices but nothing beefy like that.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[jmcf1949]

Former meat cutter here. I've used an old meat hook for these tasks. I have a few that I've modified a bit.

 

[showags]

Motion Pro 08-0127 Heavy Duty Spring Hook

I have used it for years and turned multiple others onto it. Use it regularly on snowmobile exhaust springs. Haven't found another one that is comparable. You would be surprised how much the little offset it provides makes a difference.

I only wish they also made a longer version for some of the new sleds.

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I have two types. The first is a KD that is a hook type and is good for heavier springs. My second one is a Snap on push/pull. It's much lighter duty but is nice for pushing springs with it's nose.

https://www.finditparts.com/product...MIp7PO79aO4QIVk4TICh2mwA12EAQYBSABEgL9z_D_BwE
https://store.snapon.com/Push-Pull-Spring-Tools-Spring-Tool-Push-Pull-9-9-16--P772776.aspx

 

[theoldwizard1]

I use a small hook pick for small springs. I also have a medium size 90° hook, but you have to be careful to keep the angle right ! Both are HF.

For heavy duty spring, like on drum brakes, I have found that needle nose vise grips are the best tool ! If I had to do it a lot, I would probably take a file and make a small "V" notch in the jaw so it had a better grip.

 

[bwringer]

Yep, those are commonly used for exhaust mounting springs on motorcycles and powersports.

Any moto shoppe will have these, or you can look for brands like Motion Pro, Pit Posse, BikeMaster, etc.

This one has a somewhat different style of hook that is a little beefier and allows you to add a little twisting action if needed:
https://www.amazon.com/Woodys-Spring-Tool-Long-Spr2-Tool-L/

 

[milwaukeephil]

I'm sure someone invented this long before me, but I invented it after I shot a spring at my head years ago. I just put the end of the spring in a vise, bend it back and forth, and add the pennies. Then just place it where you want it and pull out the pennies with a pliers.

 

[OccupantRJ]

That is a damn good tip, and very creative. I normally use old school brake spring pliers with the groove in the handle to lever the spring on.

 

[1foxracing]

Harbor Freight use to sell a Brake spring tool for like $3, I bought around 6 of them at the time but I can't find it on their site now. They work great and I've never broke one in use that is mainly motorcycle exhaust springs.

 

[usdemt]

I bent an old t handled Allen wrench after rounding off the end. It was about 3/16 T handle Allen I used to do it. Didnt have much faith in it due to losing the temper (heat it don't just cold bend it) but its still my go to. Used the **** out of it when I had snowmobiles. the handle is the same as your picture but the tip is much different (larger). I never had to use it on small springs so with the smaller tip you posted my idea may not be applicable if thats what you need.

 

[DFB]

Harbor Freight use to sell a Brake spring tool for like $3, I bought around 6 of them at the time but I can't find it on their site now. They work great and I've never broke one in use that is mainly motorcycle exhaust springs.

Your saying that one in your photo come from the HF?

Interesting, Does look serious enough.

Searching online images I see plenty like that mostly on Ebay, though I still haven't found an exact match to my original heavy duty. I could actually use one with a slightly longer handle that would help with the reach

Have some motorcycle catalogs to look thru today at home and down at the shop later.


Plenty of the smaller ones around and they are generally ok but they wont take the stress of larger springs like mower decks

Not even thinking about about screwing around with vise grips though doing something like those big springs. Never mind slipping off, it just be messing up the spring end with the teeth. Right tool for the right job here I say.

Sure people have modified tools or fabricated home made ones over the years. I have even seen some here on TGJ in the vintage tools section. Essential it just is a strong hook though it can't be too big or wont let the spring latch and then be removed easily.

Thanks to those that all that responded so far here with all the ideas. tool leads and suggestions

What we did before the internet hey

 

[fang123]

Harbor Freight use to sell a Brake spring tool for like $3, I bought around 6 of them at the time but I can't find it on their site now. They work great and I've never broke one in use that is mainly motorcycle exhaust springs.

Yep I have the same one from HF. Motorcycle exhaust springs is all I have used mine for. I home engineered one for my daughters trampoline springs.

 

[fang123]

I'm sure someone invented this long before me, but I invented it after I shot a spring at my head years ago. I just put the end of the spring in a vise, bend it back and forth, and add the pennies. Then just place it where you want it and pull out the pennies with a pliers.

That is pretty cool, but I would have to use a long flat head screwdriver in that situation. I don't have that kind of money.

 

[milwaukeephil]

That is pretty cool, but I would have to use a long flat head screwdriver in that situation. I don't have that kind of money.

I should mention, it does kind of chew up the pennies. Gets kind of pricey!

 

[fang123]

For size comparison for the HF spring tool. The top one was a quickie make up for the trampoline spring tool that's on the bottom when I asked my wife where it was and got a *I don't know whats it look like?*.
I use the HF one a good bit but I still close one eye, squint with the other, and turn my head to the side when I pull on the spring.

 

[DFB]

Well in between giving out a few new inspection stickers this afternoon down at the motorcycle shop I went thru the latest Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties catalog and came across this set that I can get at a dealer price. They run between 5.5 inches and 12.25 inches. I probably really don't need all 5 of them but pretty much 1 or 2 plus shipping will cost me just as much.

https://www.denniskirk.com/sno-stuff/deluxe-spring-tool-multi-pack-725-903.p283941.prd/283941.sku

These look really good to me but I have a few others I want to look up too. There was whole page full of tool options in the catalog

though still none like my original on the right in the 1st post

 

[Mr Ratchet]

I home engineered one for my daughters trampoline springs.

I used my KD that I posted a link to for my daughters tramp when I put it together and took it apart to sell. The couple that bought it work with my wife. I asked him if he wanted to barrow it to help put it together. He was hesitant and I told him he might really want to. When he dropped it off at my wife's desk a few days later, he said he was going to buy one for himself.

 

[Indexmill]

Why not make one to your liking, or several for different jobs? This is Garage Journal...

 

[toplessHO]

I made one with a spare washing machine spring and a piece of PVC for a handle.
Just use the hook part of the spring,drill a hole in the PVC to slide over the curved end of the spring.

 

[1foxracing]

Your saying that one in your photo come from the HF?

Interesting, Does look serious enough.

Yes I purchased them through Harbor Freight. I can no longer find them on their website but it looks like you can find it under different brands.
Here it is at Walmart under the Performance brand.
It is great for motorcycle exhaust springs.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Performa...l_w59a7lzujSFoBnL4swpcJEMpq2NIxEaAhNxEALw_wcB

Thanks for that Dennis Kirk link! Guess what I just ordered....

 

[DFB]

Well the Sno Stuff brand Spring Puller set was at the motorcycle shop today when I got there just after lunch. Actually 2 sets because my bud the shop owner decided to buy one too

Geez he only called in the order before 2pm yesterday afternoon

So clearly one can see the cut steel hook tips are welded on (not a single formed piece) though it is extremely nice work and I can't foresee that as being any point of premature failure. My pal wondered if maybe they were also case hardened but I can't say. The loop is also good sized for larger springs. One of the questions at one the online retail sources asked if the loop was large enough to handle large truck brake springs, hmm thinking here they probably could.

I am impressed with the many different handle and tip configurations along with the assorted lengths.

Anyone that went ahead and already bought these I think you be well satisfied with your purchase.