There are thousands of new tools made by hundreds of tool manufacturers. Some of these tools are extremely specific, some work on a variety of parts, others are straight out of a catalog, and a few are handmade, but all of them can make your life easier. Each month, STREET CHOPPER will feature a new tool that will help builders of all calibers, from garage to professional, get their bikes finished faster and with less hassle.
Few materials are needed to...
Few materials are needed to make this tool: an old C-clamp, a half-inch spacer, and a piece of hard rubber.
Throw the spacer into a vise...
Throw the spacer into a vise and cut a 90-degree section from the circumference with a cut-off wheel.
Cut the tip of the end of...
Cut the tip of the end of the vise at a matching 90-degree angle.
Smooth the cut surfaces with...
Smooth the cut surfaces with a Dremel tool.
Use a flap disc grinder to...
Use a flap disc grinder to remove the coating on the C-clamp and (if necessary) the spacer to prep them for welding.
Most C-clamps are pretty cheap,...
Most C-clamps are pretty cheap, and the metal is often questionable, so don't expect a perfect weld every time.
A little Super Glue or other...
A little Super Glue or other adhesive will work to attach the rubber to the adjustable end of the clamp. The rubber will protect the valve when compressing the spring.
Position the clamp in a table...
Position the clamp in a table vise and put the head in the clamp with the valve against the adjustable end and the valvespring retainer under the solid end with the spacer. Tighten the clamp to compress the spring.
Once the clamp has compressed...
Once the clamp has compressed the spring and retainer past the bottom of the keeper, remove the keeper with a pair of needle-nose pliers. Reverse the process to install springs.