Shallow head fasteners like flywheel bolts can be a challenge to remove without rounding the head off. I place a socket in my metal lathe and face it flat to eliminate the chamfer. I get full contact with the fastener and fewer stripped heads. Dave Matton D and…
Dave Matton D and D Auto Machine Bloomington, MN
When fabricating gaskets, exhaust flanges, etc. , a set of hole transfer punches can make the job easier. However if you do not have transfer punches, or if they're always at the other end of the shop, this little trick comes in handy. Set the tool…
Eric Nichols Moto Machine & Supply Cleburne, TX
To prevent a clogged file from marring your work, try filling the file's teeth with chalk. Children's sidewalk chalk works well for this. Should the file become clogged, a length of 3/8" or 1/2" copper tubing, with one end flattened, will quickly clear the clogs. It…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc Cleburne, TX
About twenty years ago cam lifts and valve spring pressures were on the increase. Today, 1000 lbs open pressure is not unheard of. This increases taxation of many existing valve spring compressors and their tooling. Shown are some of my modified compressors and spring retainer jaws.…
Archie Frangoudis Archie’s Racing Service Nashua, NH
On the line honing machine, the mandrel rest and tank sides can end up becoming a real mess, especially after the job while the mandrel drains off. I took a large cup freeze plug and drilled some drain holes in it. I screwed this to the metal…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
It is a common thing with Arnold Gauge calipers to have the original set screws strip out. Many try welding the holes shut or drilling a new hole. We have found that by simply re-tapping the hole for a 3mm set screw it will make it like new. Adney…
Adney Brown Performance Crankshaft Inc Ferndale, MI
A very handy drill press clamp set can be made in about 15 minutes from 1" angle-iron, 2 carriage head bolts (they fit the t-slots), a couple valve guides for spacers and 2 wing nuts. It has a wide operating range, is very quick and easy to…
Tom Nichols Automotive Machine & Supply, Inc. Cleburne, TX
I’ve found “1-Buck” store mini muffin tins are great inexpensive parts organizers. I use them for bucket style solid lifters that are found in many late model DOHC heads. They enable me to easily put them back in the original positions. In this picture, I used them…
Jake Sampson Sampson Race Engines Inver Grove Heights, MN
When cutting main caps for line honing, this easy tool makes checking your work as you go a breeze. It’s especially useful if you need to cut different amounts from each cap. It’s great for searching through your old main cap selection if you’re looking to replace one…
Ron Flood Cedar Machine North Branch, MN
One day I was walking threw the shop and looked at my rod bench and noticed how all my mandrels were just lying on the bench disorganized and presented a bad look to customers who walk threw my shop. So I decided to fix that by going down…
Kody Redman Redman-s Performance Oakhurst, CA