I found one of those extremely cool VAR cotter pin vices years ago in a local bike shop service area. They didn't even know what it was for and gave it to me! Makes it almost fun to file cotter pins till they fit perfectly (key word here is <almost>).
Chuck Schmidt South Pasadena, CA USA
On Jan 28, 2007, at 12:00 PM, ternst wrote:
> I have that little VAR tool. HEH-HEH.
> And I use it, too.
> All youse guys are collectively right on.
> BUT no one mentioned that when when you file the flats to seat the
> pin care must be taken.
> The cranks should be parrallel / straight, not 5 minutes after 6.
> You can adjust the crank angle by gently filing at the back or
> front / top or bottom if you wish and changing the angle of the
> crank to match.
> Gently seat them and keep filing the angle a little at a time to
> bring them around.
> If you file too much then the pin will come through the other side
> and you won't be able to snug down the nut.
> You can easy tap them for angle, but when you seat them without a
> Pin Press then you must support the crank so you don't pit the
> races or crack your balls.
> Usually shop people have a vise that will support the crank when
> seating the pin.
> You could improvise, but may need an assistaant to hold frame while
> you do the seating.
> Once you are experienced it's easily done holding frame and hammer
> and drift to do the job.
> If you don't hammer well, then hold the drift/bar/punch with a
> pliers so you don't whack your hand.
> It helps if you don't have the shakes.
> Just a few hints, been there, done that.
> Can't believe that a Brit needs cotterpin help!
> They probably invented them!
> No wonder you lost the Empire!
> Ted Ernst
> Palos Verdes Estates
> CA USA
> ----- Original Message ----- From: "Bob Freitas"
> <freitas1@pacbell.net>
> To: "CLASSIC RENDEZVOUS" <classicrendezvous@bikelist.org>
> Sent: Sunday, January 28, 2007 11:36 AM
> Subject: [CR]RE:Cotters
>
>
>> I believe VAR made a tool which held the cotter and allowed you to
>> refile the angle.
>> its been a few years since I have seen one
>> BOB FREITAS
>> MILL VALLEY,CA USA