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DIY belt changing tool.

Redbeard

Lifetime Member
Joined
Oct 14, 2011
Messages
1,657
Location
IN
Country
USA
Snowmobile
2012 Apex, 136 M20, PB80
2008 Vector, 136 M20, PB80
Here is a simple method to produce your own drive belt changing tool at home in the garage with basic tools:

1) Use a 3-1/4" holesaw to cut a circle out of 1/4" flat stock, then drill and tap M6 x 1 bolt holes on the outer edges. Make sure all three holes are in a straight plane.

2) Drill the center hole out to accommodate the diameter of the secondary retaining bolt.

3) Once installed, use a 10mm wrench to turn a fully threaded bolt (50mm length minimum) against the helix and open the sheaves. Only one bolt is needed to open the sheaves. I drilled and tapped a hole on each side in an attempt to maintain balance.

The M6 bolt needs to be removed and stowed in the trunk during operation!

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The creative abilities of TY members and their willingness to share with other members is what makes TY such a great resource of information.

Really nice job on your DIY belt changing tool Joe.

Looks like I'll be getting my set of hole saws out of hibernation.

Hillbilly engineering at it's finest :)
 
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The creative abilities of TY members and their willing to share with other members is what makes TY such a great resource of information.

Really nice job on your DIY belt changing tool Joe.

Looks like I'll be getting my set of hole saws out of hibernation.

Hillbilly engineering at it's finest :)
Thank you, Don!

The bolt will leave a small scar on the helix, but not bad. Using an old feeler gauge between the bolt and helix would work well and wouldn't take up much space in the trunk either. ;)

Here are a few more pics of my high tech manufacturing process, utilizing a piece of flooring from a grain bin to mark the holes in a straight plane:

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Cool tool! Unfortunately wouldn't be able to use it on my sleds neither.
 
Needs an official name. A catchy name.

1. The Phalangee Saver
2. Red Beards Cold Hands Belt Remover
3. The Circle of Life
4. The Red Rotary Pinky saver
5. The Grain Bin Belt HiJacker
6. TorqueMcPusher

Any more?
Steve, you crack me up bud! lol
 
I just bought the Richmotorsports tool. I think he allows for the washer spacing? I had to remove the large on and install a thinner one .. It works well but it's $45 ..and I need at least 2..ugh..
 
All you need is a 12mm wrench on a helix bolt. The longer the wrench the easier it is and it's about as simple as it gets.
 
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I just bought the Richmotorsports tool. I think he allows for the washer spacing? I had to remove the large on and install a thinner one .. It works well but it's $45 ..and I need at least 2..ugh..
I had never seen the tool you mentioned above. It does look nice and is priced right.
 
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Innovation is good............... to an extent. I work as an electrical engineer doing research at a University and one important principle that I teach students is to keep things simple.


kiss.png
 
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