Special Tools
I wanted to put together a section outlining a few special tools
that I feel were designed to make life easier. Some are specialty
tools with one specific purpose and others are pretty basic. I'll
be adding to this list as time goes and I pick up new tools.
Brake Bleeding Tool:
This is a vacuum tool. The tool comes in a kit with several
different fittings and attachments to do just about anything
requiring a vacuum. My only need for this tool, was the brake
bleeding function. With the catch can and one small adaptor, all
you need to do, is open the bleeder, attach the hose and squeeze the
pump. In a way, you will still need a second person, but for the
purpose of making sure the brake fluid reservoir doesn't run dry.
One small problem is that the tool will draw air around the threads
of the bleeder. Usually, this is not a problem unless there is more
air than brake fluid passing through the pump. In this case, a
little Teflon tape will be necessary.
Note: This tool can also be used to bleed hydraulic clutch lines.
Honda's 2-piece valve adjusting tool:
Adjusting valves on any engine can be a hassle...especially on
Honda B0block engines. The purpose of this tool, is to make the job
of adjusting the valves easier by allowing you to easily adjust,
then tighten the valve lash portion of the rocker arm.
The larger of the two pieces fits over the bolt head on the
rocker arm. Then, the smaller piece slides through the larger and
is used to set the lash. While holding the smaller piece steady,
you can tighten the bolt that retains the setting.
Honda's Clutch Centering Tool:
Specifically, this is the B-block's tranny clutch centering
tool. At the time, I did not know of a cheaper alternative to this
factory clutch centering tool. It is a very heavy, well made tool
that could probably handed down generation to generation...given the
amount of use that it will see. A bit pricey, but definitely a fine
piece.
Ball Joint Popping Tool:
Back in the old days, I used to use a pry bar and a
hammer to try and pop ball joints. This tool makes the process much
easier and significantly safer. The tool slips over the arm or
knuckle and the threaded shaft pressed the ball joint out of the
control arm or knuckle in which it is attached. This tool is an
astounding $20 at AutoZone.
Impact Driver:
This tool has very limited use, but when you need it, it makes
all the difference in the world. It helps in a situation when a
normal screwdriver will do nothing but strip the head of the screw.
Using this tool is very easy. Determine which bit fits the screw
head the best and hammer away. Place bit in the offending screw,
and hit the end of the impact driver while twisting in the necessary
direction. This priceless tool is about $25 at Sears.
Spring Compressor:
This isn't the safest way to compress a spring, but it is the
cheapest way. It is most effective when used with an impact gun.
Place the compressor on either side of the springs and alternate
tightening the screws until you can do the work you need to do.
This tool is $40.00 at AutoZone.
Pipe Wrench:
Why do I have a pipe wrench listed? This tool is most helpful
for the removal of a stubborn crank pulley bolt. When an impact
driver is not enough, the use of this tool and a big pipe is going
to work every time. Using this tool is very simple. Wrap the chain
around the pulley and use the hook on the handle to attach the
chain. Then use a normal wrench on the offending bolt. Apply
plenty of pressure and watch your knuckles!
The Big Pipe:
Who doesn't need a big pipe in the tool kit? No one should be
without this tool. Acting to increase the lever arm on any other
tool, this tool can help loosen stubborn bolts. A 1-1.5" steel tube
approximate 2' long will be more than enough. The pipe pictured
happens to be an old jack handle.
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