Anybody use a strap wrench before?

[Carl26]

Here at work we have a uncoiler or "pay-off" that we use to unload material into a stamping press. It looks similar to the pic below. There is a motor that drives a 8" x 2" drive wheel (it kind of looks like a heavy duty caster with hard rubber or plastic around the outside edge) which grips the inside lip of the round table and makes it turn.

This drive wheel got worn out and needs to be replaced. We tried loosening the nut that holds the wheel against the gear box, but the whole thing keeps turning and there is no way to grip the wheel or anything else to prevent this.

I was thinking about using a strap wrench to hold the outside of the wheel while someone else loosens the nut. The only ones I have ever used are the smaller Craftsman ones with the rubber belt. I looked online and found some Ridgid strap wrenches tht use a woven nylon strap. Can anyone recommend a strap wrench or similar tool to get the job done? Thanks, Carl

[zapster]

What about a chain wrench????

I'll post a pic of one when I get home..

...zap!

[ChamferTrode]

two things.
first, are you sure you are turning in the right direction? not everything is 'lefty loosie', could be a left hand thread due to the uncoiling direction.
second, how 'bout an impact wrench?

chain pipe wrench: bad

chain vise grip: good

[West Baden Iron]

I second the chain wrench. I don't have a picture either right now, but they work wonders. It is basically the same as a strap wrench with a chain instead of a strap.

Only problem would be if it slipped, it could destroy the outer rubber. Just make it tight and don't let it slip. The nylon works good for things that have a little bit of grip, but I would think the rubber would make it slip easier.

Thanks,

Jason

[Carl26]

Thanks guys. I saw some chain wrenches online, but the ones I saw were too small. Plus I wouldn't want to destroy the rubber on the new wheel like West Baden Iron said. I'll check on the threads, I think they are normal right handed threads.

[ChamferTrode]

the strap wrench will work, in fact i've made "custom" sized ones from seat belt webbing.

[enlpck]

Iv'e also made jobs work using ratchet straps and an F-bar (long bar with two lugs sticking out the side to grab the webbing)

[Carl26]

Cool, now I just need to buy one. Only $89.00 for a Ridgid 12" capacity wrench. Oh well, I'm sure it will come in handy later on.

[LuzRD]

make one!

[olddad]

wedge it

[ChamferTrode]

Originally Posted by olddad

wedge it

that'll work if the turntable is still in place.

[denrep]

Originally Posted by ChamferTrode

... how 'bout an impact wrench?...

Hard hitting impact would probably do it.

[zapster]

After reading the orig post and getting my 3-D Brain Viewer back...


Simple..


Haet the nut up..

You did say nut right?

Heat the outside up fast untill it gets slightly red and it should spin right off..

"Reverse heat shrink" as its called..
Thats how we get shrunk/ruted stuff apart all the time..

...zap!

[Carl26]

I'll have to take some pics so you guys can see what I'm talking about. Heating or an impact wrench might work, but the drive wheel assembly turns very freely. I just had an idea: I wonder if my belt would work. I'll have to try it.

[Sandy]

Originally Posted by enlpck

Iv'e also made jobs work using ratchet straps and an F-bar (long bar with two lugs sticking out the side to grab the webbing)

That's the ticket usually. The truck style straps, used or otherwise and an f-bar made to fit. Use enough strap to provide insulation for the bar on sensitive surfaces.

[Rick Moran]

All of the above is good, impact the best, strap may work. Just a thought, sometimes on something that free spins like this they provide a hole to pin it while remove/tightening the nut. You may want to look around for one if you haven't already.

[Supe]

Use a wood or rubber wedge between the drive roll and the outer drum to keep it from spinning and hit it with the impact.

[backuproller]

take your fork lift and rest the tines on the turntable to keep it form spinning.

[Carl26]

Well, I came in on Saturday and fixed it. I ended up wedging a pry bar underneath the wheel and loosened the nut with a big wrench. It wasn't on too tight. The nut was kind of cool. You can adjust the location anywhere on the driveshaft. I know this wasn't welding related, but thanks for your help anyway. Here are some pics for your viewing pleasure.

[zapster]

You get all the fun jobs..

...zap!

[dank11]

Hey!
We used to have about 20 of those on our machines
I didn't see the post until now
but just have to hold the roller slightly to loosen the collet/nut
pry bar or strap wrench
seemed like holding by hand and a quick hit on the wrench with a dead blow hammer ?
I don't remember exactly
Thanks!