Drum brake tools

[Tommyups]

Are drum brake tools beneficial or should I just use the standard tools?
If recommended, which kit would you buy for my 67C 10, I’d like to buy quality
Tools?

[jocko]

Star wheel adjuster curvy wrench and the shoe retainer spring compressor (looks like a fat nut driver) are worth having on hand. They’re all about the same, I’d just pick them up at a local auto supply. If plan on doing lotsa brake jobs, there is also an emergency brake spring compressor widget that makes it a little easier to remove the e brake cable. But that’s not normally necessary for a standard brake job.

[rpmerf]

The spring tool for removing and installing the return springs is nice too. Usually on the handle of the E Brake tool.

I wouldn't hesitate to buy a Harbor Freight set. Whatever you get at the local auto parts store should be good.

[OldBlue70C10]

I bought the Harbor Freight set, it was $12, I think, it worked just fine for me

[jcwren]

The brake pliers from Horror Fright need modification to be useful. The spring removal tool on the end of the HF needs to be ground down about 50% (not shorter, but less circumference). The picture is how it ought to be. The little nubby part on the HF goes around about half way.

[Stocker]

^^ I have a brake tool like that, don't use it often but it does the trick.

[demian5]

Harbor freight is fine since you wont be using daily as a professional.

https://www.harborfreight.com/drum-b...-pc-63640.html

[jocko]

Oh yes, definitely need the spring stretcher - forgot about that one, glad someone added that above. I bought my stuff individually at auto parts store(s) so i could pick out the ones I wanted, but they are pretty much the same everywhere. If I had to pick a brand name, I’d have a preference for Lyle.

[kazoocruiser]

I use a pair of needle-nose vise grips ( I think Irwin's 4LN) to remove the hold-down retainers. Clamp the retainer just tight enough to hold it, push down and turn 1/4, while holding the pin from the back side of the backing plate.

The only other tool I have needed on a "normal" Bendix system is one of these:

https://www.google.com/imgres?imgurl...act=mrc&uact=8

My current truck (1981 C-10) doesn't have an access hole on the backing plate so a brake spoon is worthless to get to the adjuster.

I would suggest really good eye protection.

Take pictures before you take stuff apart, so you can refer to something if you get distracted like can happen.

Long shoe to the rear on the rear axle for the emergency brake.

And if you are kind of new to brake repair, be advised that other people's lives are dependent on a mistake-free repair. I always swatted the replaced stuff with a hammer and pulled on it to make sure nothing was loose afterwards, before reinstalling drums.

[72c20customcamper]

I have the craftsman set. Good quality and even when Sears goes out Ace and Lowes sell craftsman. I have the old 3 piece and the 15 piece sets

[Tommyups]

Thank you for all the advice