Two Useful Tools for Piston Rings.
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WE have received from Aug. E. Menuge, Worplesdon, Surrey, examples of two interesting tools which should prove most useful to all those who have to deal with the removal and replacement of piston rings, or who find any difficulty in entering pistons into their cylinders. One is quite a simple device consisting of a small screw clamp carrying a blued-steel band of a size to suit the piston on which the device is to be employed. When a piston has to be slipped into its cylinder, the band is tightened round the rings, care being taken not to apply undue pressure, and as the piston enters the cylinder the band is automatically pushed down the piston, although without releasing the rings until they enter the bore, after which one end of the band can be slipped out of its holder and freed from the piston or connecting rod, as the case may be.
To assist the cylinder properly to eatch the band, a small projecting bar is riveted to the band at one side, whilst at the other the projection of the clip is sufficient.
When removing piston rings there is always a danger of breaking them unless great care be exercised or a special tool be employed. Such a tool is the second of those with which we are dealing. It is equipped with two sets of jaws, which are so arranged that, on pressing the handles of the device, the jaws first close together and grip the ring at each side of the gap, further pressure causing the two sets to move away from each other, thus expanding the ring, which can then be slipped into or out of its groove, according to which is desired.
For the piston-ring tongs, as they are called, the retail price is 7s. 6d., and for the clamp for assisting the insertion of pistons into cylinders the price is 28s. per set of four, which are provided with 16 interchangeable bands taking pistons from 75 ram. to 110 ram. diameter.
There is no doubt that many garages are very inefficiently equipped with tools by which the work of stripping and ren42 assembling chassis can be facilitated. Many possess little beyond the ordinary fitter's kit, and perhaps a few machine tools, such as a pedestal drill and a lathe, but it is possible to save much time and expense, quite apart from cut or bruised fingers, if suitable devices such as those we have described be employed.
Providing that they are properly looked after, kept in store and only issued on voucher, such tools, once bought, can be depended upon to last for many years.
Only those who have, single-handed, undertaken the task of refitting a block of four cylinders on to its pistons know what an awkward task this usually is, particularly if a suitable hoist be not available.