Lead Hammer vs Dead Blow

Sargie · #1 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 06:01 AM

Put a new set of sneakers on ERA2045. Went with Cooper Cobras replacing 8 year old Avons. Having seen a post or 2 mentioning use of a dead blow rather than lead hammer I decided to try dead blow then use the lead hammer. Got an additional 1/8 turn out of each spinner with the lead. It was clear the last bit locked the wheels tight like an impact. I’ll continue to use lead and believe it’s better than a dead blow.

Argess · #2 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 06:16 AM

Yes, I found the same thing. Also, you don't hear the noise change with a dead-blow. At least I don't.

Of course, since the spinners shold self-tighten.....

CobraResurrect · #3 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 06:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sargie

Put a new set of sneakers on ERA2045. Went with Cooper Cobras replacing 8 year old Avons. Having seen a post or 2 mentioning use of a dead blow rather than lead hammer I decided to try dead blow then use the lead hammer. Got an additional 1/8 turn out of each spinner with the lead. It was clear the last bit locked the wheels tight like an impact. I’ll continue to use lead and believe it’s better than a dead blow.

That's a comparison that is real. Thank you for that.
But it begs the question; "was the weight of each the same?".

Sargie · #4 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 09:54 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CobraResurrect

That's a comparison that is real. Thank you for that.
But it begs the question; "was the weight of each the same?".

No it was not. Dead blow is 4lb 3oz lead hammer 6lb. As Argess said no noise with the dead blow while lead let me know it was done. Just came back from a 20 mile test drive with new rubber. No movement on the spinners. No noticeable difference between Avons & Coopers at cruising speeds. Didn’t try to push the new rubber at all. Also worth noting anti seize is messy stuff.

CobraResurrect · #5 (**permalink**) 10-22-2022, 10:31 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sargie

No it was not. Dead blow is 4lb 3oz lead hammer 6lb. As Argess said no noise with the dead blow while lead let me know it was done. Just came back from a 20 mile test drive with new rubber. No movement on the spinners. No noticeable difference between Avons & Coopers at cruising speeds. Didn’t try to push the new rubber at all. Also worth noting anti seize is messy stuff.

Now you need to do a comparison with a 6 lb dead blow.

DanEC · #6 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 10:20 AM

A big lead hammer is the best approach to avoid losing a wheel.

patrickt · #7 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 10:39 AM

For some reason, using a lead hammer to take a wheel off is twice as hard as it is to put it on.

twobjshelbys · #8 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 12:06 PM

The lead conform to the shape on the strike and is therefore more efficient at transferring more energy to the target

novasscnc · #9 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 02:58 PM

Lead hammer for the car show, buy a puller

patrickt · #10 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 03:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by novasscnc

... buy a puller

No, make your own puller.

CompFi · #11 (**permalink**) 10-30-2022, 11:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, make your own puller.

New to the spinners. So is the puller the preferred approach for both wheel install and removal?

Or better for one than the other?

Thanks for another great thread!

patrickt · #12 (**permalink**) 10-30-2022, 11:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CompFi

New to the spinners. So is the puller the preferred approach for both wheel install and removal?

Or better for one than the other?

Thanks for another great thread!

Only use a puller to take your spinners off. Never to put them on. Supposedly that torque multiplier you see me with can apply a ridiculous amount of torque, like 4,000 ft/lbs or something. I would never use it to tighten anything up. Ever.

CompFi · #13 (**permalink**) 10-30-2022, 11:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

Only use a puller to take your spinners off. Never to put them on. Supposedly that torque multiplier you see me with can apply a ridiculous amount of torque, like 4,000 ft/lbs or something. I would never use it to tighten anything up. Ever.

So now back to the crux of this thread then.

Owners strike the spinners of their shiny wheels with a lead hammer? I didn't expect that.....

CompFi · #14 (**permalink**) 10-30-2022, 11:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by patrickt

No, make your own puller.

New to the spinners. So is the puller the preferred approach for both wheel install and removal?

Or better for one than the other?

Thanks for another great thread!

DanEC · #15 (**permalink**) 10-31-2022, 07:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CompFi

New to the spinners. So is the puller the preferred approach for both wheel install and removal?

Or better for one than the other?

Thanks for another great thread!

I also have a C2 Corvette with KOs and chromed steel spinners. I use a 6 lb lead hammer on them and after 30 years they still don’t have a mark on them. Just keep the hammer clean. Don’t lay it on the bare floor or work bench where it can pick up dirt, sand or metal shavings.

incoming · #16 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 03:15 PM

IMO, going from Avons to Cooper Cobras is a huge step down in both cost and performance. Please be careful.

Sargie · #17 (**permalink**) 10-21-2022, 06:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by incoming

IMO, going from Avons to Cooper Cobras is a huge step down in both cost and performance. Please be careful.

Agreed….I don’t plan to push the car hard. Avons are really a track tire and dislike anything cold or with moisture. If I ever track the car I’d get an appropriate tire set. Replacement was a decision based upon age. The tires had plenty of tread left.