Repair/Restoration Question - Tools

[DADoES]

I've been wondering ... you folks who do extensive repairs/restorations ... how do you handle situations that call for special service tools? For example, replacing the centerpost bearings on a belt-drive Whirlpool/Kenmore requires a tool to set the upper and lower bearings properly inside the centerpost. Other brands have their tools as well, such as the Maytag brake removal tool, unimatic bellows pliers, and so forth. Do you guys have these tools, or do you go at with alternate method?

 

[qsd-dan]

Got my brake and spanner wrench tools from ebay. That's pretty much all one needs for the 2 belt Maytag washers from the late 50's to Dec 2006. Still looking for the tools to remove and install new drum bearings for the HOH's.

 

[kenmoreguy64]

The obligatory spanner wrench for Whirlpool/Kenmores are available at any parts store, but the bearing tools are scarce.

When I started my rebuilding hobby in the early 90s, the bearing tools were $300 from Robinair. Three tools were needed, a bearing remover, a bearing installer, and seal installer. Rather than pay that, I used to borrow my buddy's tools, which he didn't use very often.

When I restarted this hobby last year, my buddy had retired and sold off his tools, so I had to source them from ebay. Robinair doesn't make them anymore. The remover wasn't hard to locate, but a complete installer tool was elusive for a while.

I am sure another could be had however!

Gordon

 

[everythingold]

I've seen several homemade specialty tools. Not that tough if you have the tools for cutting metal. My powdercoat guy lets me use his metal saws and drills. matt

 

[volvoguy87]

Tools.

When I get started on my Electronic Lady Kenmore I'll worry about tools. I'll need all of them, but I don't have any of them. Any ideas as to where to look?
Dave

 

[gyrafoam]

The most difficult thing for me was the spanner nut holding the spin-bearing in the top of a Unimatic mechanism.
I ended up taking the whole mechanism to an engineering shop and and we made a tool from scratch.

 

[jetcone]

Hey Glenn

I get all the tools I can get my hands on! It makes it all so much easier. But getting the tools, now there is the problem!
I have that monstrosity of a tool for the "kenwhirl" bearings if you want to borrow it. You pay shipping up and down its yours for 6 months.

BTW to everyone I am in the market for Original Service and Parts manuals for Hamilton Beach, Oster, Myers, and Machine Craft Milkshake machines, if any of you are sitting on them or know of a closing small appliance store in your area please forward me an email.
Thanks in advance.
jon