12 replies to this topic

[Danpolk]

Hi im collecting tools for my mini project i have seen some ball joint spllitters but there are 3 different types. Scissor type, fork type and cup type. Do they all do the same job or will i need all of them for different jobs? Sorry if its a silly question but i dont want to buy a certain type tto find out that i needed another! what does everyone elsem find best to use? Thanks

[lrostoke]

So far scissor type as split any ball joint I've needed to on the mini.

[Spitz]

Another vote for scissor type.....work great.
I've never used the cup type.
I have used the fork type. They can be awkward and you have to pound the crap out of them....good for heavy duty equipment I guess.

[dklawson]

This is a second vote for the scissors type.

However, with any screw-type splitter like this, don't expect tightening the bolt on the splitter to do all the work. Loosen the ball joint nut but leave the nut on the ball joint stud to prevent damage to the threads. Tighten the splitter up very tight, then use a hammer to "whack" the bolt on the splitter. The mechanical shock to the joint under tension will usually separate the parts. Tightening the splitter without the hammer blow may just frustrate you.

[me madjoe 90]

A big hammer is best a good hard bash on the side. If this dosent work i usualy get a long bit of box section or bar and leaver on something and hit it helps with more than one person to do this, failing that a big hammer and lots of heat or combination of the three. Dont think i have ever used or needed a spliter.

[l_jonez]

i always use the scissor type, make sure you buy a decent quality one, the first one i bought was cheap and for good reason it snapped the first time i used it, bought a more expensive one and you can see the difference in quality, better casting etc and its been faultless

[mike.]

I've got a cut type one. It can be a bit of a pain because the ball joint rubber can stop it getting in under the suspension arm properly and it can slip when you tighten it up. I Just clamp it round the swivel pin with some mole grips though and its fine or if i'm replacing the ball joints, i just cut the rubber dust cover off and it sits in there fine then.

[sparkey]

Yet another vote for the scissor-style. Another advantage of this type is that it can be used to apply pressure to the ball joint if/when the nut starts spinning the central pin instead of coming off.

[Adam101]

I have recently used the scissor type. As already mentioned, go for a quality one.
I used a company called PVR Direct.co.uk and bought a Draper Ball Joint Splitter part No 63770 cost was £11.32 + VAT.
Also bought the double depth socket to undo the ball joint. Draper part No 26916 £8.23 + VAT.
With PVR Direct your first order was delivery charge free if you sign up. I could not find the tools cheaper elsewhere.

[chrisandsarah]

A big hammer is best a good hard bash on the side. If this dosent work i usualy get a long bit of box section or bar and leaver on something and hit it helps with more than one person to do this, failing that a big hammer and lots of heat or combination of the three. Dont think i have ever used or needed a spliter.

i second the big hammer

[Danpolk]

Scissor type with a hammer it is then! Anyone used the draper ones? would that be good enough quality? Thanks for all the help guys!

OOps sorry adam101 didnt read your post fully! looks like i wil be ordering a draper one up then!

Edited by 206boyracer, 31 August 2010 - 08:36 PM.

[S2000Steve]

I used fork type from halfords and it was only £6.99.

Worked no probs as well.

[Darkscamp]

The scissor ones are great, just be ready for when it does pop because even though your expecting it, the damn thing can make you jump.

I dont think my mate enjoyed falling backwards onto all the tools behind him the other week when he borrowed mine

Edited by Darkscamp, 31 August 2010 - 10:55 PM.