5 replies to this topic

[cian]

Are there better ones that others? Not looking to spend loads on a tool that i hope i will only use once

[Cooperman]

Although I now have a 'proper' ring compressor, I did make my own years ago.

I used an old tin can with a diameter of about 3", I cut it longitudinally to make a long slot, then used a big Jubilee clip about 3/8" up from the bottom to compress the rings. It actually worked quite well, although I had to be careful not to cut myself on the sharp can edges. It was not necessary to really clamp up the Jubilee clip tight, just enough to compress the rings so that they slid down the bores.

Of course, a proper ring compressor is better.

In fact, I've even seen it done with a blunt screwdriver, but it's easy to break a ring that way, although it does work if you are careful.

[lrostoke]

We used one like this and less than £6 isn't going break the bank

 

http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_2186wt_1330

[Guess-Works.com]

I still use one like that, as long as you are careful and use plenty of build lubricant you should not have a problem..

 

I was tempted to buy a set of these

 

http://www.swiftune....l-1275-set.aspx

 

But as yet, the need has not arisen.

[sonikk4]

We used one like this and less than £6 isn't going break the bank
 
http://www.ebay.co.u...#ht_2186wt_1330

I still use mine after owning it for nearly 26 years. Never had any problems with it and built quite a few engines with it.

[Tamworthbay]

I still use one like that, as long as you are careful and use plenty of build lubricant you should not have a problem..
 
I was tempted to buy a set of these
 
http://www.swiftune....l-1275-set.aspx
 
But as yet, the need has not arisen.

I made one of these at work after having seen them at a show. I made it for a rotax that we run on our hovercraft. If I am honest I don't think it was any better than the old fashioned one above. Maybe I got the taper wrong but it wasn't any easier or safer from what I could see than the tin roll type. I made it out of a billet of 6082T6 turned the taper, then used emery followed by autosol with it on the lathe. The finish was glass like and the taper was very gentle. A nice easy project for anyone with a lathe and a bit of time.