Knock off hammer

[chrisd0729]

Dumb question... I need to get a lead mallet for the wheels and see a bunch of feedback on different weights and different hammers marring the spinner, some are too soft and trashed after a few uses, etc.
What's everyone using as far as weight and vendor?

Also, how about a safety wire kit?

thanks,

[jimbo01]

A spanner wrench works best to remove the wheels. You would need the hammer to install the wheel. Depending on the wheel size you would need to modify the spanner wrench to fit the 18" wheels. Chance of damage to the wheels is almost none using the spanner wrench also.

[jimbo01]

I purchased the spanner wrench from Shell Valley and modified it to fit the 18" wheels.

[Mark IV]

We use and sell the 6# American Hammer lead "knockometer". It has a steel shank with an aluminum grip and best of all when it is pounded to h#ll and back, it can be sent to them to recast the head. $59.00 in stock.

Some of the tools will work to remove a knock-off, but the "shock" of the hammer is needed for proper tightening. Don't trust a wrench unless you are using a hex nut rather than an eared spinner.

[CSX 4133]

From Vintage Wheels site.

TOOLS : Vintage Wheels, Mustang, Hot Rod and Muscle Car


Dennis Olthoff on how to remove/tighten spinners.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X8kCWG3d1Cc

[twobjshelbys]

American Hammer 6lb lead hammer worked great with no "marring" on the wheels. They are good for about 5 or 6 R&Rs of all 4 wheels and can be recast by American Hammer for a nominal fee.

For the safety wire just buy the Harbor Freight pliars. They work great and are excellent quality. You'll never wear them out in your lifetime and they cost less then half of the others.

[mln385]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

We use and sell the 6# American Hammer lead "knockometer". It has a steel shank with an aluminum grip and best of all when it is pounded to h#ll and back, it can be sent to them to recast the head. $59.00 in stock.

Some of the tools will work to remove a knock-off, but the "shock" of the hammer is needed for proper tightening. Don't trust a wrench unless you are using a hex nut rather than an eared spinner.

Yep can't beat the American Hammer deal and made in USA. I have gone through 4 over the years I have two on hand at all times. That way when one needs to go in for recast you still have the other. Their turn around is great too.

[Mark IV]

Originally Posted by twobjshelbys

They are good for about 5 or 6 R&Rs of all 4 wheels and can be recast by American Hammer for a nominal fee.

Five or six??? Good God man, what are you doing! The hammer in our shop box is going on 30 R&Rs and is still recognizable as a hammer!

[twobjshelbys]

Originally Posted by Mark IV

Five or six??? Good God man, what are you doing! The hammer in our shop box is going on 30 R&Rs and is still recognizable as a hammer!

It was an estimate after two cycles 6 years ago. I removed the wheels twice to clean brake dust off the insides. Probably could have been more. Bottom line is that anyone except a shop will never wear it out.

[HI Cobra]

I have found I can take a ball peen hammer and pound them back to shape and
keep on going. Haven't sent mine back yet. I got it for $35 with the $25 recast
deal - don't know what the recast cost is now. Of course the mailing cost doesn't
help! LOL. Also - I second the Harbor Freight pliers and wire deals.

[kevins2]

I also have the American Hammer and have used a torch to melt it back into shape before it got too bad. I just invested in the Shell Valley removal tool so hopefully won't be wearing it out anytime soon.

[snapier]

Spinner Removal Tool from Cobra valley is the way to go for spinner removal. And a lead 6lb hammer to install. Both are available at Cobra valley...

[jimbo01]

The spanner tool makes the job of removing the wheel easy. No beating on the spanner.