Working on snowmobiles often requires dealing with exhaust springs, which can be challenging and sometimes painful to handle. Many enthusiasts have turned to various tools and techniques to make this task easier and safer. Here's a comprehensive look at some of the preferred methods and tools used by snowmobile mechanics and enthusiasts.
DIY Solutions and Modifications
For those who prefer a hands-on approach, creating your own spring puller can be a rewarding experience. Here are a few popular DIY methods:
- Bent Allen Wrench: Some individuals have found success by bending an old T-handled Allen wrench. It was about 3/16 T handle Allen I used to do it. The handle is similar to commercial tools, but the tip is modified.
- Modified Screwdriver: Another easy one to make is take an old broken/damaged/cheap large straight blade screw driver and put a notch in it with a cut off wheel. X2 on Using old Flat Screw Driver! Make Two.. Long..
- Coat Hanger Creation: A simple tool can be fashioned from a piece of coat hanger. Small hook on one end, a looped handle on the other and twisted it around.
- 16 Penny Nail: 16 penny nail bent into a hook clamped in a vise grip.
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.
Commercial Spring Pullers
Several commercially available tools are designed specifically for exhaust springs. These tools often provide better grip, leverage, and durability compared to homemade solutions.
- Harbor Freight Brake Spring Tool: 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.
- Sno Stuff Spring Puller Set: Well the Sno Stuff brand Spring Puller set was at the motorcycle shop today when I got there just after lunch. 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.
- Parts Unlimited/Drag Specialties Catalog: 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. These look really good to me but I have a few others I want to look up too.
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.
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Exhaust springs made easy!
Alternative Tools and Techniques
Besides dedicated spring pullers, some users have found success with alternative tools and creative methods:
- Vise Grips: For heavy-duty springs, like those on drum brakes, some mechanics prefer needle nose vise grips. For heavy duty spring, like on drum brakes, I have found that needle nose vise grips are the best tool ! 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.
- Meat Hook: Former meat cutter here. I've used an old meat hook for these tasks. 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.
- Small Hook Pick: 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 !
- Pennies and a Vise: 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. That is a damn good tip, and very creative. I should mention, it does kind of chew up the pennies. That is pretty cool, but I would have to use a long flat head screwdriver in that situation.
- Bootlaces or Rope: Bootlaces or similar can't be beat. Little 4-6mm rope etc... yep, shoe lace does the trick.
If you need more reach, add a few springs in series to reach the hard to reach ones.
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tags: #snowmobile #exhaust #spring #tool