Repairing Spar-T presses

[trooperdan]

I do not know how it happens but I recently realized I have accumulated 5 of these old-timers! And of course, they have some rust and faded paint so I decided clean them up and re-paint them. Have the first one cleaned and painted OK but I am having a problem finding a good replacement for the retaining clips on the shafts. All of the originals are rusted and a couple even broke. I think they should take a 3/8" clip so I ordered an assortment off Amazon. got them today but darned if I think I can ever get one of these clips onto a shaft, even with retaining clip pliars!
I expected a clip that is largely open that could almost be snapped into the groove using a pair of pliers. What I got has a very small opening at the split, maybe 1/16" or so. I have the correct clip pliars in another location so haven't tried them yet but these clips don't have holes for the snap ring pliars, just a bit of an indentation so I am not confidant. The brand is Neiko.

Can anyone recommend a source for rings that will work in this application?

[KenT7021]

Try McMaster/Carr or a similar store.

[Pressman]

Lyman didn't use a snap ring, they used a wire clip. I cannot think of the actual name of the clip though it is a single piece of spring wire bent to slide into the groove.
If you cannot find them then a E-Clip may be a good alternative. Use a caliper to measure the inside groove diameter and order as needed.

[trooperdan]

The groove is tiny, my caliper jaws won't get in there. McMaster's E-clips for a .375 (3/8") shaft are.303 X .039, not sure they aren't too thick at .039 and too small at .303. That's why I'd like to have someone that has actually tried something that we know will fit.

[Scoutdog99]

Hairpin clip

[trooperdan]

Hairpin clip

Great idea! Until I checked; the wire size is 078 - 093 " thick, I'm sure that is way too thick for the tiny slot in the press shafts

[BMW Rider]

I bought a replacement one for mine at home depot/lowes, less then a buck. You're looking for an "external hitch pin."

[Scoutdog99]

Look for the spring wire hairpin clips similar to this.
https://www.grainger.com/product/GRA...ed-Prong-2MVL4

[KenT7021]

Use aircraft safety wire.Wrap it around the groove and twist the ends together.

[fecmech]

Ace hardware has them. The safety wire idea is a good one.

[Dan Cash]

Turn the notch in the shaft to fit a standard E Clip.

[Three44s]

They go by different names but the two that stand out is “round wire circlip” and “round wire snap ring”.

The next trick will be finding an outfit that will sell you a few instead of a semi-load.

Best of luck

Three44s

[EDG]

Waldes Tru Arc is one manufacturer of a wide variety of clips.

Then there are suppliers of mechanical small parts
such as Stock Drive Products, Small Parts, PIC, Penn Engineering, Winfred Berg, Olander Corp.

For photos search and click on images
"retaining rings and clips designs"

Auto parts suppliers also sell them since they are used on carburetors, transmission and throttle linkages

[LUCKYDAWG13]

I have 2 lyman S/T presses clips look like if this helps you at all

[EDG]

Waldes Tru Arc is one manufacturer of a wide variety of clips.

Then there are suppliers of mechanical small parts
such as Stock Drive Products, Allied Products, PIC, Penn Engineering, Winfred Berg, Olander Corp.and Rotor Clip

For photos search and click on images
"retaining rings and clips designs"

Auto parts suppliers also sell them since they are used on carburetors, transmission and throttle linkages

[Rich/WIS]

Have you tried Lyman, they may still stock them or a replacement?

[country gent]

To measure the groove depth when tools wont fit use 2 drill shanks or gage pins in the grooves and measure over them then subtract the 2 dias for size. e clops snap rings and others come a large assortment of sizes thicknesses and one can be found at tool supply houses like graingers MSC Mc master carr. Some hardware stores even carry an assortment.


The other route to go is to by some music / spring wire in the right dia and bend your own similar to the above photo. Here a simple fixture with several pins to form around will make some very nice clips