Specialty Engine Tools History
Compression testers, pullers, valve tools and other engine specialty gear.
How did valve spring compressors evolve with engine design?
Short answer: C-clamp style valve spring compressors were standard for decades when cylinder heads came off the engine for valve work.
C-clamp style valve spring compressors were standard for decades when cylinder heads came off the engine for valve work. Overhead cam engines with buckets and recessed springs led to new lever and bridge-style designs, including tools that compress springs with the head still on the engine. Use rated equipment and follow the service manual's safety steps.
How long have piston ring compressors been used?
Short answer: Band-style piston ring compressors have been used for decades to squeeze piston rings so the piston can slide into the cylinder.
Band-style piston ring compressors have been used for decades to squeeze piston rings so the piston can slide into the cylinder. Tapered sleeve compressors sized to a specific bore later became popular with performance engine builders because they compress rings more evenly.
How long have cylinder hones been used in engine rebuilding?
Short answer: Cylinder hones have long been used in engine rebuilding to clean up bores and leave a crosshatch pattern that helps new rings seat.
Cylinder hones have long been used in engine rebuilding to clean up bores and leave a crosshatch pattern that helps new rings seat. Rigid stone hones used in machine shops and flexible ball-type hones used for quick deglazing both have long histories.
Why were cylinder ridge reamers common in older engine overhauls?
Short answer: Engines of earlier decades often wore a noticeable ridge at the top of each cylinder where ring travel stopped.
Engines of earlier decades often wore a noticeable ridge at the top of each cylinder where ring travel stopped. Ridge reamers cut that ridge away so pistons could be pushed out the top without breaking rings or ring lands, and they were standard overhaul tools before longer-lasting engines made heavy ridges less common.
Why did harmonic balancer pullers become standard engine tools?
Short answer: Harmonic balancers on many engines are pressed onto the crankshaft snout.
Harmonic balancers on many engines are pressed onto the crankshaft snout. As front cover, seal and timing work became routine, three-bolt balancer pullers and matching installers became standard tools, since prying a balancer off can damage it.
How long have bearing separators been used in shops?
Short answer: Bearing separators, sometimes called splitters, wedge behind a bearing or gear so it can be pulled or pressed off a shaft.
Bearing separators, sometimes called splitters, wedge behind a bearing or gear so it can be pulled or pressed off a shaft. They have long been used with pullers and presses in transmission, axle and engine work. Follow the equipment maker's safety instructions when using it.
Why did timing belt tool kits become common?
Short answer: Rubber timing belts spread widely on overhead cam engines from the 1970s and 1980s, and many required periodic replacement.
Rubber timing belts spread widely on overhead cam engines from the 1970s and 1980s, and many required periodic replacement. Kits that lock the camshafts and crankshaft in position became common, especially for interference engines where incorrect timing can damage valves.
Why did camshaft locking tools become common?
Short answer: Many overhead cam engines, especially European designs, do not rely on simple timing marks for belt or chain replacement.
Many overhead cam engines, especially European designs, do not rely on simple timing marks for belt or chain replacement. Camshaft locking plates and pins hold the cams in the correct position, and they became common as these engines spread.
Why were pilot bearing pullers part of clutch work?
Short answer: A pilot bearing or bushing in the crankshaft supports the transmission input shaft on many manual-transmission vehicles.
A pilot bearing or bushing in the crankshaft supports the transmission input shaft on many manual-transmission vehicles. Pilot bearing pullers were standard clutch-job tools because the bearing is usually replaced along with the clutch.
How did front-wheel drive increase demand for CV joint tools?
Short answer: Constant velocity joints became common on passenger cars as front-wheel drive spread from the 1970s and 1980s.
Constant velocity joints became common on passenger cars as front-wheel drive spread from the 1970s and 1980s. Shops needed boot clamp pliers, axle pullers and joint separation tools to service the CV axles that came with these designs.
Why did ball joint presses become common shop tools?
Short answer: Many vehicles use ball joints pressed into control arms or steering knuckles.
Many vehicles use ball joints pressed into control arms or steering knuckles. C-frame ball joint presses with adapter sets became common as front-wheel-drive and light-truck designs used pressed-in joints that cannot simply be unbolted. Wear eye protection and follow the manufacturer's procedures.
Why did overhead cam engines increase demand for special tools?
Short answer: Overhead cam engines use timing belts or chains that must keep camshafts and crankshafts in exact relation.
Overhead cam engines use timing belts or chains that must keep camshafts and crankshafts in exact relation. Many need locking tools to hold everything in position during service, which expanded the specialty tool market.
Why did front-wheel drive change shop tools?
Short answer: Front-wheel drive became common in the late 1970s and 1980s and introduced constant velocity axles and pressed-in bearings.
Front-wheel drive became common in the late 1970s and 1980s and introduced constant velocity axles and pressed-in bearings. Shops needed new tools such as CV boot clamp pliers, ball joint presses and hub pullers. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using this equipment.
Why did MacPherson struts require spring compressors?
Short answer: MacPherson strut suspensions combine a coil spring and shock in one assembly.
MacPherson strut suspensions combine a coil spring and shock in one assembly. The spring is held under heavy load, so a proper compressor is needed to safely disassemble the strut.
How did engine rebuilding tools change as engines became more durable?
Short answer: Older engines often needed rebuilding at relatively low mileage, so shops kept boring bars, hones and valve grinders.
Older engines often needed rebuilding at relatively low mileage, so shops kept boring bars, hones and valve grinders. As engines became more durable, complete engine replacement became more common and in-house rebuilding declined. Follow the manufacturer's safety instructions when using this equipment.
General guidance only. Follow the vehicle and tool manufacturer's procedures, and confirm vehicle coverage on the tool maker's list before buying.