Variator tool for free

Hi Guys,
On the last couple of weeks I had some free time (broke my foot) and I decided to do some work on my 2006 Silverwing.

When I tried to remove the 17mm bolt in the variator it didn't open using my old (and not very safe) way, the bolt refused to open.

then I looked at tools I have in my tool box and I had an epiphany  .
I can use my wood clamp(hope that's the name in English) and drill couple of holes in it and use it to hold the plate and use the car wheel wrench to open the bolt.
Instead of two bolts to connect between the clap and the plate I simply used two Philips head bits.
It was very easy to open and close the 17 mm bolt and the great thing is that I don't have to buy any special tool for this job.

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Hi "Ofer",
And before I forget again, welcome to the forum. That's a very neat idea you had... and frugal too. And you used your wheel lug nut wrench??? Now I'm trying to decide if I still want to make my own or go out and purchase a metal wood clamp... decisions, decisions, decisions. Thanks for the pics too; I was having a hard time visualizing that thing.

Good idea and nice job.  

Hi,

I live in an apartment building and my space for new tools is very limited, so I'm always thinking on new and creative ways to re-use some of my old tools.

Brilliant bit of thinking Ofer, i already made my holder, but your idea definately deserves appluading. 

Ofer - You have showcased a rather unique variator removal tool!

Please forgive me for being a dummy. If I'm looking at this right you just drilled a hole in each of the jaw arms and put the Philips bits into the holes and they hold onto the outer fins? I have a couple of broken wood clamps laying around which I could use for this. And, seeing as it's going to take 4-5 days for my newly ordered belt and rollers/pins to get here I have time to make the tool. I'm always up for inexpensive easy ways to do things.

Also, I'm wondering how an electric impact wrench would work to at least remove the nut? I know that putting it back on requires a torque wrench but coming off shouldn't be too hard.

Not the fins..There are two holes that stick out for a tool to hold varo.

I use an impact to remove nut.

Dale N. wrote:

Also, I'm wondering how an electric impact wrench would work to at least remove the nut? I know that putting it back on requires a torque wrench but coming off shouldn't be too hard.

To the meat of the matter. You need to hold the variator when re-installing the nut anyway, you're hopefully using a torque wrench to correctly tighten the nut, so why bother using an impact wrench to loosen the nut? A breaker bar works just fine. That vibrating pounding gets transferred right through the crankshaft, bearings, and seals. It cannot be beneficial for any engine internals.

I've edited all of the above potential/perceived racial problems and the accompanying replies.  
If someone used n-word there wouldn't be much of a debate, so why should there be here.

dspevack wrote:

I've edited all of the above potential/perceived racial problems and the accompanying replies.  
If someone used n-word there wouldn't be much of a debate, so why should there be here.

Thank you.

I'm sorry. I guess I can't say I'm a pollack even tho I am a pollack. Never happen again.

The problem isn't race Dale, its racial stereotyping and we don't want to perpetuate it.

Must admit, I wasn't quite sure on the "pin" placement either... Thanks, 'Mudnman' for the clarification.