Tab washer bender tool

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rjk40
750 GT
Posts: 194
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 10:54 am
Location: Malabar, Florida

Tab washer bender tool

Post by rjk40 »

Hi All,

Getting ready to re-mount the timing wheel and gear on the crankshaft on my 860GT, am looking for a source for a good washer bending tool. Most I see on the market are for electrical applications, and I don't believe that they are up to the level of "robustness" necessary on the crankshaft nut tab washer, a pretty stout piece. Most auto suppliers don't show this tool, not often seen by most customers.

Any recommendations are appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

Regards,
Richard Kovach
Malabar, Florida USA
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Craig in France
Paso 906
Posts: 972
Joined: Tue Mar 23, 2004 3:58 pm
Location: Montpellier, France

Re: Tab washer bender tool

Post by Craig in France »

Hi Richard,

See what others say, but ...

I know that Tony Brancato uses a par of vise grip (mole grip) pliers to fold up tab washers. Saw him do it once, and have since done the same myself.

All you need to do is to start the bend using a lever - a screwdriver for example. And then using an appropriately sized and adjusted set of vice grips, put one jaw under the washer, the other against the nut on the opposite side, and squeeze the handles together to complete the bend.

Done carefully, this brings the tab up nice evenly and tight against the nut - and no need to bash away with a hammer and drift.

HTH

Craig
rjk40
750 GT
Posts: 194
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 10:54 am
Location: Malabar, Florida

Re: Tab washer bender tool

Post by rjk40 »

Yeah,

Thanks, Craig,

That idea had popped up in the cobwebs of my brain as well.

I was just trying to avoid putting a lot of torque on the facet of the nut, since the bending tools I have seen have a "pin" that centers on the shaft that the nut is screwed onto, thereby avoiding said torque.

But, I'll heed your good advice.

Best Regards,
Richard
wdietz186
Cagiva Alazzura
Posts: 707
Joined: Sun Sep 10, 2006 5:40 pm

Re: Tab washer bender tool

Post by wdietz186 »

I start by bending the tab slightly 180 deg. from the locating tab and usually use a pair of Channel Lock type pliers to pull it up to the flat on the nut after torquing.
rjk40
750 GT
Posts: 194
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 10:54 am
Location: Malabar, Florida

Re: Tab washer bender tool

Post by rjk40 »

Got it; thank you.

Tried both my channel locks and one of my Vise Grips, and they will both fit, so that's a relief.

Regards,
Richard
ducadini
860 GT / GTS
Posts: 296
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2004 9:54 am
Location: Antwerpen

Re: Tab washer bender tool

Post by ducadini »

Just imagine this : how would Guido have done it in the 70s ?

Still searching after the pistonpinringfittingtool as steen in one of the 80s Ducati movie.

Ciao
Ducadini
Nego i ricordi peggiori
Richiamo i migliori pensieri
rjk40
750 GT
Posts: 194
Joined: Thu Dec 05, 2013 10:54 am
Location: Malabar, Florida

Re: Tab washer bender tool

Post by rjk40 »

Yeah, Guido would either have done it with his bare hands, or have had a hired hand who would have done so.

As for your other comment, I found the ultimate bore-specific fitting tool from Summit Racing; if you want details, please let me know, and I will gather the info and send it to you. Price was $38. U.S. plus shipping from Ohio U.S.


Regards,
Richard
ducadini
860 GT / GTS
Posts: 296
Joined: Sat Jul 31, 2004 9:54 am
Location: Antwerpen

Re: Tab washer bender tool

Post by ducadini »

Hey Richard,

Yes, still looking for it (didn't find it but up in the Alps my internet isn't on Duc-speed :shock: ).
Mind You : it is a tool where You fit the pistonpinclip on and then just push it in the piston.
No fuss with pliers, screwdrivers and rags pushed in the crankcase and SILENCE in the garage (so you can hear them drop).

Thank You in advance

ciao
ducadini
Nego i ricordi peggiori
Richiamo i migliori pensieri
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