Incredibly easy way to put springs on drum brakes

[Prflyer1]

I thought I post a picture of the way I put the springs on the drum brakes, after almost 3 hours trying many ways without the proper tools, I came up with a way and it took me less than 3 minutes to put all of them in place. By simply clamping a locking plier on the spring side where you are trying to attach, and then use any long metal piece for leverage. I used a long chisel from a chisel set I had and by pressing the end of the chisel on the tire hub I was able to leverage the pliers and put the spring on almost effortlessly. Yes, I agree, the correct tools are always better, but i figure pads can last 50k miles so I did with what I had

Have a great weekend!!!

Dan

[Praxiss454]

I did a similar method w/ a vise grip but just he-man'ed it on there. Took a few tries. Hope I put the brakes back together correctly!

[chevylookin]

I sport a gnarly scar on my nose from the first time I changed brakes on my 64. I was trying to pull the spring back on mine years ago when it let go and took a piece of the bridge of my nose with it. Glad it wasn't my eye. I have since learned about the wonders of leverage!

[63burban]

There is a tool for that, it's cheap at any parts store and it takes seconds to install the spring without injury. B<}

[Prflyer1]

Originally Posted by 63burban

There is a tool for that, it's cheap at any parts store and it takes seconds to install the spring without injury. B<}

Agree, there is always a perfect tool for everything, but when you are a newbie like me you realize you need that special tool at the moment you need it

[Brad54]

A brake tool is one of those tools EVERY person who owns and works on their own vintage cars should have. I'm not being a tool snob, but even the cheap Taiwan ones at Autozone are worth having, if you don't have one.
Good ones from Snap-on, Mac and Craftsman turn up all the time at swap meets, too.

And they turn at 40 minute job into a 15 minute job.

-Brad

[Prflyer1]

Originally Posted by chevylookin

I sport a gnarly scar on my nose from the first time I changed brakes on my 64. I was trying to pull the spring back on mine years ago when it let go and took a piece of the bridge of my nose with it. Glad it wasn't my eye. I have since learned about the wonders of leverage!

lol! I did keep thinking if this springs gets loose....I am in trouble

[Prflyer1]

Originally Posted by Praxiss454

I did a similar method w/ a vise grip but just he-man'ed it on there. Took a few tries. Hope I put the brakes back together correctly!

that makes 2 of us, its working so we will see

[Prflyer1]

Originally Posted by Brad54

A brake tool is one of those tools EVERY person who owns and works on their own vintage cars should have. I'm not being a tool snob, but even the cheap Taiwan ones at Autozone are worth having, if you don't have one.
Good ones from Snap-on, Mac and Craftsman turn up all the time at swap meets, too.

And they turn at 40 minute job into a 15 minute job.

-Brad

Completely understand, but my experience has not been with vintage cars, so I am learning as I go, I figured out I needed the special tool at the exact moment I needed it so I had to make do, yes we have pretty much all the auto stores here in PR, AutoZone, Pepboys etc... I am paying my dues on my learning curve

[Brad54]

Originally Posted by Prflyer1

Completely understand, but my experience has not been with vintage cars, so I am learning as I go, I figured out I needed the special tool at the exact moment I needed it so I had to make do, yes we have pretty much all the auto stores here in PR, AutoZone, Pepboys etc... I am paying my dues on my learning curve

Hey, even WITH the right tool, stupid things can happen! I was using it wrong, and was somehow trying to stretch a spring, it slipped off, and when it did, I rammed the tool into my face--because I was pulling it toward me.
That's not the bad part--the bad part is that the round shaft leg of the tool is what I was working with, and THAT part is what came hurtling towards my face at about 116mph... and went straight up my right nostril. And bottomed out.
I think it hit my brain. It damn sure felt like it did.

That wasn't a good day.

-Brad

[mud.man.rj]

I have used a locking vise grips and muscles for about 35 years, only slipped a bit once, found a med set works best to fit down on the spring, slipped w the big set once. So far I have my nose, eyes and fingers.
Mudman.

[chevylookin]

Originally Posted by Brad54

Hey, even WITH the right tool, stupid things can happen! I was using it wrong, and was somehow trying to stretch a spring, it slipped off, and when it did, I rammed the tool into my face--because I was pulling it toward me.
That's not the bad part--the bad part is that the round shaft leg of the tool is what I was working with, and THAT part is what came hurtling towards my face at about 116mph... and went straight up my right nostril. And bottomed out.
I think it hit my brain. It damn sure felt like it did.

That wasn't a good day.

-Brad

I am a firm believer in using the wrong tool, right but I will never NEVER use the right tool wrong again!

[Brad54]

Originally Posted by chevylookin

I am a firm believer in using the wrong tool, right but I will never NEVER use the right tool wrong again!

Agreed! I simply wasn't paying attention and pulling that spring toward me. Never again.
Never, ever again. My eyes water just thinking about it.

-Brad

[Lugnutz65]

This tool has been very effective for me. Hood springs too.

[mud.man.rj]

Brake springs are fine, hood springs make me shiver..