Need some type of "separator" tool to separate small metal loop
#1
10-23-14, 07:03 AM
Need some type of "separator" tool to separate small metal loop
The outer diameter of this metal loop is 3/4".
It is not a continuous one-piece, it comes together at the top. I put "gap" in the picture but the ends do touch.
I want to separate this metal loop maybe 1/4" in order to eliminate the connecting strings and fit the leather loop on top of the bag itself into the metal loop.
Any tool or technique that will do this job?
It is not a continuous one-piece, it comes together at the top. I put "gap" in the picture but the ends do touch.
I want to separate this metal loop maybe 1/4" in order to eliminate the connecting strings and fit the leather loop on top of the bag itself into the metal loop.
Any tool or technique that will do this job?
#2
10-23-14, 07:52 AM
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Why not just use a large S hook, spring hook, or a safety tow chain connector.
Ultra-Tow Safety Tow Chain Quick Links — 2-Pk., 5/16in. | Hitch Accessories| Northern Tool + Equipment
There is no magic expander tool for that hook.
Ultra-Tow Safety Tow Chain Quick Links — 2-Pk., 5/16in. | Hitch Accessories| Northern Tool + Equipment
There is no magic expander tool for that hook.
#3
10-23-14, 07:59 AM
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I wonder if the strings are there to prevent the leather from chafing by being directly attached to metal? And won't a ring cause it to have a different movement from different directions?
#4
10-23-14, 08:09 AM
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That loop looks way too strong to separate with normal chain pliers. Chain pliers are designed to separate thin chain, like a swag lamp chain.
You'll have to wait for some more input. You may have to heat it or find an alternative method, like some type of strong link. A metal link may not have the same response though as the string and you may not like how the bag reacts.
You'll have to wait for some more input. You may have to heat it or find an alternative method, like some type of strong link. A metal link may not have the same response though as the string and you may not like how the bag reacts.
#9
10-23-14, 09:11 AM
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I don't think it would be that hard to open it a bit if you really want to. I doubt this is really hardened steel or anything. A pry bar (and a pair of vice grips if the metal loop swivels) inserted in the loop and twisted will probably move it some, then you may need to go with a thicker bar.
It would be much easier if you take it down and have a vise available. Clamp one side of the ring in the vise and pry the loop open. As said, closing it might be the hard part. You'll never get it as tight as it is now.
By all this, I don't mean opening the loop from an O to a U, just prying the overlapping area's apart. If you had a tapered punch of the right diameter you could open the loop and then a vice to close it again. Will make replacing the bag a major operation each time though.
It would be much easier if you take it down and have a vise available. Clamp one side of the ring in the vise and pry the loop open. As said, closing it might be the hard part. You'll never get it as tight as it is now.
By all this, I don't mean opening the loop from an O to a U, just prying the overlapping area's apart. If you had a tapered punch of the right diameter you could open the loop and then a vice to close it again. Will make replacing the bag a major operation each time though.
#11
10-23-14, 09:53 AM
Because of the swivel ball you're going to have to try to grab the back side of the ring in a vise & twist the eye open with a rod like Gunguy suggests. Problem is any marks left on the eye will chafe the leather loop.
#12
10-23-14, 11:35 AM
Rather than spreading it open, I would twist it open. Imagine holding one half between your left thumb and forefinger and the other half between your right thumb and forefinger, like you were going to tear a piece of paper in half. Obviously need a couple of pliers, but using bare hands as an example. I think that it will be easier and less apt to fracture the metal this way.
#16
10-26-14, 10:02 PM
When I bend it back I'm ok with a small gap as long as it isn't big enough for the leather loop to fly through - I'll try the tear-bending idea before I saw off a chunk
#17
11-03-14, 07:46 AM
I used a vice grip on the unopenable side, stuck in a thick screwdriver on the openable side and pryed it carefully not to damage the connection to the plastic ball.
No more extra length due to string (not to mention tying/retying when worn) and no metal on metal (I had a metal shaving scratch my cornea years ago from this)
Bounce/response is great, thanks for the suggestions
No more extra length due to string (not to mention tying/retying when worn) and no metal on metal (I had a metal shaving scratch my cornea years ago from this)
Bounce/response is great, thanks for the suggestions
