Topic: Need help identifying this tool

[MoMo]

The brakes I've worked on had a light compression spring that held the shoe against the backing plate, so there was never a problem holding the shoe in place while stretching the springs into place. I never needed extra hands, and I don't see how these tools would have helped?

Could be they are for larger (truck) drums. Or very old drum brakes, say 30's-40's.

He wasn't that old, probably in his late 70s to early 80s...Larry

[Stev-o]

The brakes I've worked on had a light compression spring that held the shoe against the backing plate, so there was never a problem holding the shoe in place while stretching the springs into place. I never needed extra hands, and I don't see how these tools would have helped?

Could be they are for larger (truck) drums. Or very old drum brakes, say 30's-40's.

He wasn't that old, probably in his late 70s to early 80s...Larry

Is he still around?  We need a confirmed answer, the suspense is killing me!

[CycleRanger]

The brakes I've worked on had a light compression spring that held the shoe against the backing plate, so there was never a problem holding the shoe in place while stretching the springs into place. I never needed extra hands, and I don't see how these tools would have helped?

Could be they are for larger (truck) drums. Or very old drum brakes, say 30's-40's.

He wasn't that old, probably in his late 70s to early 80s...Larry

Hmm,  Well, we're probably all wrong and they have nothing to do with brakes!

btw, I did a google image search for any matching images and came up with zip.

[MoMo]

The brakes I've worked on had a light compression spring that held the shoe against the backing plate, so there was never a problem holding the shoe in place while stretching the springs into place. I never needed extra hands, and I don't see how these tools would have helped?

Could be they are for larger (truck) drums. Or very old drum brakes, say 30's-40's.

He wasn't that old, probably in his late 70s to early 80s...Larry

Hmm,  Well, we're probably all wrong and they have nothing to do with brakes!

btw, I did a google image search for any matching images and came up with zip.

Did the same thing many times with the same result, which'd be zilch. 



The owner of the shop was at the auction but took off once it started.  Since the building was sold I think it'd be pretty tough to locate him....Larrt

[mark]

I've been through a mess of old auto mechanic tool boxes and never seen anything like what you have there.

 

[71NOVADUDE]

 I asked a friend about these tools and low and behold he found out.

http://www.oldsobsolete.com/products-page/american-motors-parts-for-sale/1957-a-m-c-spring-clamp-tool-kit-nos-3200377/

They are used on Nash/AMC cars to remove the front springs. The spring is between two cups with lips that have holes in them. You jack up the opposite rear corner to compress the spring and hook that tool in each hole. Then you lower the jack to remove spring.

[Stev-o]

There ya go, glad that is solved. 

[CycleRanger]

Huh, so they are spring tools and are apparently worth money.

[ofreen]

The brakes I've worked on had a light compression spring that held the shoe against the backing plate, so there was never a problem holding the shoe in place while stretching the springs into place. I never needed extra hands, and I don't see how these tools would have helped?

Hard to say how many drum brakes I've done over the years.  Just did a '68 Mustang with drum brakes all around.  As with most things, using the right technique makes it easy. No need for extra hands.

[mrbreeze]

I asked a friend about these tools and low and behold he found out.

http://www.oldsobsolete.com/products-page/american-motors-parts-for-sale/1957-a-m-c-spring-clamp-tool-kit-nos-3200377/

They are used on Nash/AMC cars to remove the front springs. The spring is between two cups with lips that have holes in them. You jack up the opposite rear corner to compress the spring and hook that tool in each hole. Then you lower the jack to remove spring.

That makes more sense than brake tools. At $125 per 4 pack....they are pricey.

[RevDoc]

Just found this thread & was wondering if anyone was going to explain when I got to Nova's posting. They, or a similar tool, had another use. Way back in the Dark Ages when I worked in the Mtc. shop of a trucking company I saw them used for coil spring & shock absorber changes. Jack up the A-frame to compress the shock & spring, then hold the spring compressed with that tool. Lower the jack and change the spring or shock. Use multiple ones to be safe. If one of those springs got loose you damn well better not be in the line of fire!

[mrbreeze]

Just found this thread & was wondering if anyone was going to explain when I got to Nova's posting. They, or a similar tool, had another use. Way back in the Dark Ages when I worked in the Mtc. shop of a trucking company I saw them used for coil spring & shock absorber changes. Jack up the A-frame to compress the shock & spring, then hold the spring compressed with that tool. Lower the jack and change the spring or shock. Use multiple ones to be safe. If one of those springs got loose you damn well better not be in the line of fire!

You got that right! I know a guy that took the brake pot on a semi trailer apart without caging the spring. Didn't kill him but hit him in the chest and knocked him on his a$$. Very dangerous to work with if not done properly.