Decent quality gear pullers

[ndg]

Hi All,

I need to get a few gear pullers for an axle rebuild I'll be starting soon. I need an internal puller for seals and an external for some of the bearings. All other jobs will be done in the press. Images of the types I need below:

They're easy to find on amazon/screwfix etc, but can anyone suggest some better quality alternatives? I can't justify Snap On prices, but there's often a middle ground where you get a decent tool rather than something made of cheese. that will just wind me up.

Also interested in a replacement set of three legged pullers to replace the awful Clarke ones I currently have....

Thanks for any suggestions.

 

[dobbslc]

Toyota?
Sykes Picavant at very good and loads on eBay second hand.

 

[ndg]

Yes, Toyota - good spot

Will have a look for those

Thanks

 

[winchman]

My collection is mostly Sykes Pickavant all bought as random bits until I had a full set, I have two Facom small pullers bought used they are fantastic as they are so compact. Blue Point wiper / battery terminal puller.
Personally I would just buy a used Sykes one then sell it when you have finished with it.
You might get lucky and a cheap Chines one might do it but sometimes its not worth the risk

 

[MetalMonkey]

Pullers fall into two categories. Horrifically expensive or cheap and nasty.
Unfortunately it is one of those tools that there is no middle ground on, and nobody seems to make decent quality for a reasonable price.

Quality brands, Sykes Pickavant, Kukko, Stahlwille, SKF, Facom - but sit down if you are looking at the retail prices.
Pretty much all the cheap ones, Sealey, Draper, Clarke etc are from the same Chinese factory. Laser do a couple of bits that look half decent for the money but very limited offerings.

 

[winchman]

When I didn't have a press the local garage let me use theirs. Could no one local do it for you?

 

[ndg]

When I didn't have a press the local garage let me use theirs. Could no one local do it for you?

I have a press, but need some decent pullers for bits that a press won't handle.

 

[ndg]

Pullers fall into two categories. Horrifically expensive or cheap and nasty.
Unfortunately it is one of those tools that there is no middle ground on, and nobody seems to make decent quality for a reasonable price.

Quality brands, Sykes Pickavant, Kukko, Stahlwille, SKF, Facom - but sit down if you are looking at the retail prices.
Pretty much all the cheap ones, Sealey, Draper, Clarke etc are from the same Chinese factory. Laser do a couple of bits that look half decent for the money but very limited offerings.

Thanks for the list (+winchman), I had forgotten about Facom etc, so gives me something to search against. I bought some Facom circlip pliers back in the day from Halfords when they stopped selling them and had a clearance offer. I've been grateful I sprung for them every time I've used them. So much better than the removable head type that's typical of cheaper stuff.

 

[winchman]

I have a press, but need some decent pullers for bits that a press won't handle.

Would a local garage or engineering firm not remove it for you assuming they have the correct puller?

 

[ndg]

Would a local garage or engineering firm not remove it for you assuming they have the correct puller?

Probably, but I like to be capable of these things wherever possible. Not to mention the fact that almost all of my work happen in evenings and at weekends. And often the bearing is attached to a car (as will be the case for the axle), so Iit can't be taken anywhere.

More than happy to spend a couple of hundred quid so I just have it this time and every time I need it for the next 30yrs. And if can bin the clarke pullers it will be money well spent!

 

[wyn]

If you were replacing something like that taper roller bearing i would go for a 50p cutting disc in a 4 1/2" grinder.

 

[Mikey D]

I needed a puller for a job , I paid euro car parts £11 for a set of 3 bearing pullers no fit for purpose absolute junk , about half as good as silverline

I chucked them in the scrap bit in disgust !
I bought a set of Sykes pickavant clone , hydraulic pullers , Kennedy branded , £200 ISH I think .....from Zoro they were .

 

[Melvyn Best]

I would be running a decent bead of weld inside the outer bearing which would shrink it making it easy to remove

If you were replacing something like that taper roller bearing i would go for a 50p cutting disc in a 4 1/2" grinder.

 

[Barking Mat]

I've Sykes Pickavent blind bearing removal kit if interested.

 

[Arclikeharrypotter]

@Barking Mat if the poster isn’t interested then I’d be interested feel free to send over details.

 

[Barking Mat]

@Barking Mat if the poster isn’t interested then I’d be interested feel free to send over details.

I'll dig them out tomorrow unless I'm motivated this evening, which is unlikely.

 

[Brad93]

Kukko **** all over Sykes and SKf

 

[Turbo]

I bought one of the cheap puller kits off ebay but the ram was rubbish. I used a genuine sykes ram off another kit I have as its the same thread.

 

[indy4x]

I bought one of the cheap puller kits off ebay but the ram was rubbish. I used a genuine sykes ram off another kit I have as its the same thread.

Same here, cheapo hydraulic puller shat itself but the Sykes one fits the cheapo kit

 

[ndg]

@Barking Mat if the poster isn’t interested then I’d be interested feel free to send over details.

Go for it - not looking for a blind puller at the moment.