Finish Line’s spinner tool

[Voyager]

I’m in the process of ordering a “wheel removal kit” for my new car (lead hammer, safety wire pliers and safety wire).

Question – understand lead hammers are “consumed” during use. Any thoughts on Finish Line’s spinner tool? It’s pricey, but I like to remove the wheels while working on/under the car (which is frequently). The tool seems simple, convenient and long term. Anyone recommend it?

Bob

[dont]

i have one but the lead hammer works a lot better.

[vipertocobra]

Bought it.....sent it back ! Get a nice heavy lead hammer!

[Got the Bug]

Bob,

Here's a link to a thread that has a video tutorial by Olthoff regarding spinner installation and removal.

New NW Owner needs Spinner Socket

I tried using a removal tool, but found that using a 6 lb lead hammer directly on the spinner was more effective.

[anchor2]

I have the spinner tool. It dose not work. Get the lead hammer.

[cdnus]

I have one of those usless P.O.S. paperweights.

They look pretty but do not work, if you try one, it will mark the crap out of your spinners.

Craig

[Bob In Ct]

If you guys would quit putting the spinners on like they're falling off all the time, you would have a lot less trouble removing them. Get them snug, give the spinner a couple of firm hits, wire the spinner and go for a ride.

Does anyone really know of an owner who had the spinner come loose?

Bob

[Voyager]

ok...will get the lead hammer.

Thanks

[cobrarob]

My spinners were on so tight when I bought the car that we almost wore out a lead hammer trying to get them off

Heat and cold on the spinner did not help

The only thing that worked to get my spinners off was the tool from Finish line if used correctly and used with a long bar through the hole for leverage

[rodneym]

I don't know who designed that tool but they must LOVE us

My Autokraft MkIV came with a steel version of said tool. Tried it. POS.
Some Liquid Wrench and a few minutes and it finally gave with the old lead hammer.

And I agree with Bob. Most guys beat the hell out of those things. The nut doesn't take the torque, just keeps the wheel 'on'. Give nice firm whacks and use your ears. They'll tell you when you're done.

rodneym

[Excaliber]

My spinners were on so tight...

Which of course leads to the question:

How tight were they?

[Ant]

Once the spinner stop moving I use the weight of the hammer and forearm movement only and the sound changes to a "tink tink" sound, and I have never had one come off!
Then once I have done a few miles give me a another knock, and check between races.

Speedway shops sell the nuts with the same thread then get a flat sided socket, torque wrench etc and do them like the race teams do, I dont think you need a torque wrench just a bar, as you will be able to cross reference the bar with the torque achieved by the hammer.

There is also a firm that makes stainless steel spinners which do better than alloy on the rear when there is a lot of wheel offset.
http://www.cobraracing.com/

[elric]

I got a steel tool from one of the members on this site. Works awesome; I welded a socket on the end to connect the torque wrench to it. Now you can measure how tight the nut is instead of just pounding it on until it seems ok.

[twobjshelbys]

Do not put the spinner back on without anti-seize on the nut and on the flat spinner to wheel mating surface. Oxidation will build up on that flat surface. The anti-seize will make it easier to remove. After two or three of them you will recognize the "ting" sound. Sounds like a bell. Use the safety wire. My wheels are painted yellow so I bought some yellow insulated wire, removed the wire and inserted the safety wire through the insulation. The insulation will help the wire from rubbing the finish off the wheel. The color matches very well, so it looks right.

[rodneym]

@ twobjshelbys:
Woah, woah, woah. Hold the damned phone.
You removed wire from the yellow insulation and inserted the safety wire through it? My hats off to you.
We've got to come up with a thread on the craziest things we do to/for our Cobras.
rodneym

[Silverback51]

Originally Posted by rodneym

@ twobjshelbys:
Woah, woah, woah. Hold the damned phone.
You removed wire from the yellow insulation and inserted the safety wire through it? My hats off to you.
We've got to come up with a thread on the craziest things we do to/for our Cobras.
rodneym

I do the same thing. Why destroy the finish on the wheel?

[cdnus]

I use the smallest clear vinyl tubing I can get from Home Depot. Being clear you have to look closley to see it, easy & works great.

Craig

[Igofastr]

I just used electrical "shrink" tubing of the apropriate size (not shrunk, of course). Slipped the safty wire through it. Never left a mark on my wheels.