Simple Fixes for Simple Jobs

MYLES CLIFTON

Sometimes when doing jobs and repairs around the farm its not always the tools that you buy that make the job easier. Sometimes it is about the tools that you make yourself. One such handy tool I’ve made myself to be very helpful are simply bolt studs. Great for lots of different jobs. In the last few years I’ve even put aside a certain stock pile of bolts of various sizes and thread pitch to be saved and used just for that.

One situation where I really like using a stud to assist with a job is for replacing wheels. It’s a regular thing every year, for me this year especially on implements. In the field or on the road an implement goes flat on you. In my experience a majority of your implements will not have wheel studs on the hub. They’ll usually take a bolt. With implements and wheels becoming larger all the time this can be a job to do. One of the worse parts is trying to hold the wheel steady to line the holes in the rim with the holes on the hub. When it's hot and you're in a rush it’ll take even longer. 

 My simple answer to help with this job is somewhat related to my last article, know your fasteners. If your know the size bolt and thread pitch of the bolt for the hub its easy to grab a bolt of the same size, but slightly longer, cut the head off of the top, maybe add a cut across the top incase you need to undo it with a flat head screwdriver, and you have a great stud to now easily align your rim to your hub. I like to typically make 2 of each size. This allows the rim to stay secure while you go ahead and put on your first few bolts to tighten up. Also, remember to always properly secure what ever you’re working on with a proper rated jack stand and be sure to use a large enough floor or bottle jack to safety and securely raise or lower whatever it is you may be working on.

But again, you’ve got to learn your sizes you’d need most. I’ve found that a very common thread for a lot of our wagons and implements is a 9/16” fine thread bolt. This isn’t always a common fastener size to find at the local hardware store, but it can be found. In doing so I’ve kept a set of 9/16”, as well as a few other common SAE and metric sizes. I painted the ends to easily identify the pairs. I also keep sets of each in both my tool box in the shop and the service truck, for those in the field repairs.

Another great purpose I’ve found for cut off bolts to when installing items and parts that are often large and may need extra support, especially when needing to bolt it on. This is also very helpful when installing a part with seals and gaskets that your don’t want to wrinkle or damage, to ensure its property placed. This has been really helpful when removing or installing selective control valves, hydraulic pumps, injector pumps and more. I’ve used several of them enough that I’m sure to hold on and label some of them so they’re easy to locate when I need them. 

Sometimes a good old simple homemade tool is just what you need to make the job easier. But remember for the other tools for those jobs remember to call Clifton Tool & Supply. Jacks, bottle jacks, and jack stands to change those tires. Or even a cut off tool to cut off those bolt heads to use for those jobs. That’s Clifton Tool & Supply LLC in Perryville, Missouri. (573)517-1242. Be sure to check use on on Facebook at Clifton Tool & Supply. ∆