For all you engine builders who hate spiral locks, you need this tool!
 

http://www.lockintool.com/

Make sure you watch the video..

I am getting ready to build a new 565 for myself. As is usual, I was dreading the thought of busting my fingers stretching out those pain in the a$$ spiral locks. After talking to Dick ( Mr Gadgets ), he told me about this tool that he tried and liked. I ordered one for myself. I tried it out today and all I can say is thanks to whoever came up with this one. It works as well and easy as the video shows. You can assemble a set of pistons and rods in a matter of minutes, with no need to donate any blood.
I did practice on an old piston and spiral lock for a while, but once you get the hang of it, they go in real easy.

That is awesome. I can do them pretty quick, but it still tears up my fingertips. I think I'm going to order one. Thanks for the heads up. Great find.
Eddie

This was a sore subject (no pun intended) on this site a few years ago. As I recall, Bob Madara of Marine Kinetics posted info on a couple of installation tools. Feel free to do a search on OSO. I first wrestled with SpiroLocks in the late 60's. I don't think my finger tips have recovered yet!

no doubt !!! those are a finger tip killer for sure !!!! great tool !!

This is where we bought ours,theve gone up:eek:The tool has been around for a while,engine builder price was $27 about 1992.I still use a small screwdriver to push back on the tip of the ring to make sure its seated:D


http://www.raceeng.com/p-9702-wire-l...ool927-ea.aspx

Rob- That looks like one of the tools rmbuilder recommended. I too used to use a very small screwdriver to weave the locks on and to pry the end out to get them off.

As you are a professional who assembles everyday, I am sure you can get the locks in with your fingers alot easier than us part time engine builders. For me, this makes life alot easier.

[QUOTE=Strip Poker 388;2779992]This is where we bought ours,theve gone up:eek:The tool has been around for a while,engine builder price was $27 about 1992.I still use a small screwdriver to push back on the tip of the ring to make sure its seated:D

Rob,
I had no idea that a similiar tool existed that long ago. I too, make sure the locks are pushed all the way in with a screwdriver and magnafying glasses.

Hey Rob, you ever find a new block for a rebuild?

man I hate spirocococks!!

I'm gonna buy you that for Christmas next year.:drink:

There is a special technique to installing spiralocks. Once you learn how, you can do them with your bare hands easily. No cuts, no fuss, no muss. But it takes lots of practice to learn how.

I can get them in pretty quickly using my fingers and a small, special ground down screwdriver. One set isn't bad, but if I am doing a twin, the second set starts to tear up my fingertips. All I can say is that one day it will all come together and you will get in the groove. I tried watching people do it and copy their moves, but it never worked(this was many years ago). I tried and tried and one day it just clicked. It has been a cinch ever since. That still is a very cool tool and I also had no idea that such a thing existed.
Eddie