Knockoff/on spinner tool

[mac5777]

Hi all,
I finally finished my first "working" proto type, two eared spinner knockoff tool. It will fit 42mm MG and others and the larger Jaguar type 52mm spinners. Much more complicated to grip a two ear spinner without breaking or slipping off. It is very thin but long enough to fit the larger spinners and will not hit the wheels or the wheel wells. AGAIN " NO HAMMER"
The spinner is protected with an aluminum block that slides over the spinner's ear with a tightening screw wheel. The other side slides into an aluminum pocket. The aluminum protects the chrome from scratches and dents. Available soon with pricing.
I'm going to offer to all of the lotus owners that have purchased the lotus knockoff tool, a steel 1/2 inch drive wrench, 14 inches that extends to 22 inches long for about $20.00. I am going to offer it with the two ear knockoff tool with a tool bag.
Pictures of the tools and my elan with the new stripe.

Thanks, Sarto

[seaandmoor]

Hi Sarto,
Thanks for post.
Yes please, count in for one of your two eared tools!
I've got one of your Elan 3 eared tools. It works very well on the minilite type wheels.

However, on the Lotus alloy wheels, I've unfortunately trashed mine (just brand new as well ) as the three steel ears on the tool score the raised polished fin sections of the wheel before the spinner is torqued up. I've concluded that I need a slight modification to the tool but I'm also investigating whether my ears have been bent too close to the wheel with previous malleting. I'm also looking into whether the circular steel pressure disc can be made thicker so that the spinner tightens sooner before the tool scores the polished fins of the wheel. I don't know if any one makes these discs any thicker than standard other than minilite and they only sell them with their wheels!

May take some time to come up with a solution but will let you know if I do.
Has any one else had my experience and if so what was your solution?

Thanks

[seaandmoor]

Hi Sarto,
Thanks for post.
Yes please, count in for one of your two eared tools!
I've got one of your Elan 3 eared tools. It works very well on the minilite type wheels.

However, on the Lotus alloy wheels, I've unfortunately trashed mine (just brand new as well ) as the three steel ears on the tool score the raised polished fin sections of the wheel before the spinner is torqued up. I've concluded that I need a slight modification to the tool but I'm also investigating whether my ears have been bent too close to the wheel with previous malleting. I'm also looking into whether the circular steel pressure disc can be made thicker so that the spinner tightens sooner before the tool scores the polished fins of the wheel. I don't know if any one makes these discs any thicker than standard other than minilite and they only sell them with their wheels!

May take some time to come up with a solution but will let you know if I do.
Has any one else had my experience and if so what was your solution?

Thanks

[mac5777]

Seaandmoor, i think you are on the right track with a spacer. That would make my knockoff tool work on more of the alloy wheels and spinners.
Let us all know if you can make it work.
There were some spinners that the ears were shaped back for safety??? I can't imagine that just beating the spinner on and off could bend the ears back into the wheel.

Thanks again, Sarto

[mac5777]

Seaandmoor,

I have re-read your note and if your alloy wheels are the same ones on some +2s, you might grind off the end of the tools edge. That will keep the metal off of the wheel.
One other lotus owner had a +2 with lotus alloy wheels and he said that the tool just touched the wheel when fully tighten. He was going to shave off a little.
But before you change the tool, let me know how much would be needed to clear your alloy wheels. If it is more than a little, I'll grind an un-chromed one off here and test it for straight. If your alloys are the same as his, a little off will not hurt. Some alloy wheels do not have very much space between the spinner and the wheel. I have the panasport type and it works fine.

Let me know, Sarto

[CBUEB1771]

I don't know if any one makes these discs any thicker than standard other than minilite and they only sell them with their wheels!

Spyder lists the thrust rings as a separate item on their pricelist at something like 16 or 17 GBP each. They are intended for their Minilites and I have no idea regarding compatibility with Lotus alloys, worth asking however.

[jmesh]

Sarto,

What are the details of the 3-eared knock-off tool? I might be interested. I have panasports with 3-eared knock-offs.

BTW-your car looks great. I like the stripe.

Jason

[mac5777]

Hi Jason, If you look in the business and vendors listings at the knockoff tool post you will find a somewhat history/story of the tool. Then try this site for pictures of how it was made.
http://homepage.mac.com/sarto1/PhotoAlbum7.html
Dave Bean Engineering has them available in the US on the West coast and rdEnterprises has them on the East coast for $130.00, the same that I was selling them for.
Also look back and you will see a 14" breaker bar that extends to 22" that will fit a 1", 1/2 " drive, 12 point, socket. Both for about $20.00 So far the sockets have not arrived yet but the breaker bars are available. It will work with the lotus tool as a emergancy tool kit.
If you want more information, we can talk [email protected] or 707-481-6700 This tool was made to protect our panasport wheels and spinners from dings and other horrible OOPS!!
Let me know if you can not access the above information.

I bought one of Brian Buckland books. A book that I wish I had when I started my restoration. A great book!! I was told that Dave Bean had shown Brian one of my tools and he took one home with him.

Thanks for looking! Sarto

[mac5777]

Seaandmoor, I found this picture of a +2 wheel,. Is this what your alloys look like that gave you a problem?

Sarto

[paros]

To be contoversial!
Why bother - with Minilate wheels on my S4, I made a 20swg aluminium plate to go between the Minilte and the 3 eared knock off. Then when you miss you hit [ the now battered ] sheet of aluminium
Happy Christmas
Richard

[mac5777]

Richard, can you post a picture of what you were able to come up with? The other use of my tool was to be able to know what torque was applied to the spinners. I don't understand how you are able to shield the wheels.

Have a happy holiday!!!!
Sarto

[seaandmoor]

Hi Sarto,
thanks for replies... yes the photo of the alloy wheel which you posted asking if it was like mine is correct. I simply find that the ears of the tool are cutting through the spokes of the alloy wheel before it is torqued up.

I haven't had a chance to investigate a solution any further but as you say it might work if the ears of the tool are just ground away by about 5 millimetres. I'm still going to investigate the possibility of a thicker thrust ring but don't want to risk reducing the threads of the spinner which are in contact with threads on the hub.
Regards Seaandmoor.

[seaandmoor]

Hi Sarto,
thanks for replies... yes the photo of the alloy wheel which you posted asking if it was like mine is correct. I simply find that the ears of the tool are cutting through the spokes of the alloy wheel before it is torqued up.

I haven't had a chance to investigate a solution any further but as you say it might work if the ears of the tool are just ground away by about 5 millimetres. I'm still going to investigate the possibility of a thicker thrust ring but don't want to risk reducing the threads of the spinner which are in contact with threads on the hub.
Regards Seaandmoor.

[mac5777]

Hi Seaandmoor, before you grind off the chromed tool tips, I found an unchromed one and I'll grind it down 5 mm and send it to you to try. If it works I'll redo the next run so that the tool will also fit that type of lotus alloy wheels.
Can you send me your mailing address either by a private message or [email protected] I lost some of the addresses when my computer messed up.
Let me know if you are able to find a thrust ring that will work. But just a little off the tool sounds a lot easier.
One other lotus owner will be interested in how much needs to be removed.

Sarto

[seaandmoor]

Oh Hi again Sarto,
Thanks for the quick reply. Hope you had a good Christmas and wish you a Happy New Year.
I'm away for a few days just now but when I get back I will check all the wheels with the existing tool which you sent me (just to see if there are any differences which are not immediately obvious) and check/measure the clearance which is needed for the spinner tool to clear the fins of the alloy wheel and then report back to you. I'll enclose a photo as well if I can to show what I'm talking about although I think you have got a pretty good grasp of it.
Thanks again for your ongoing help with this. Much appreciated.
Best regards, Seaandmoor.