Dear site visitors " Labuda blog"from the presented material you will learn how to make a universal key yourself from bicycle chain, a bolt and three nuts with your own hands. Presented step by step photos assemble the key and off we go..
Many of you have probably encountered such a problem... when the edges on a nut or bolt being turned off are a little knocked off and the usual wrench It just scrolls without performing its function. This can be solved with the help of a homemade chain wrench that works in compression, that is, the stronger the handle of the key, the stronger the chain will be clamped and thereby unscrew even the most eaten nut or bolt.
To make a universal key you will need a piece of a bicycle chain, two nuts and a bolt. We screw the nuts onto the bolt and weld a piece of chain to them so that we get a grip and weld it to the other side of the nuts. Next, we put the chain on the nut or bolt that needs to be unscrewed and tighten the bolt, thereby tensioning the chain, everything can be unscrewed)
Materials
- bicycle chain
- nut 2 pcs
Tools
- welding inverter
- Angle grinder (grinder)
Step-by-step instructions for assembling a universal key with your own hands.
So, necessary details to assemble the key.
Two nuts are screwed onto the bolt.
We measure the chain, namely how much is needed from nut to nut.
We make a mark in the place where the chain should be riveted.
We clamp the chain in a vice and cut off the rivets using a grinder.
We knock out the rivets.
Then it is tensioned and welded on the other side of the nut.
Scale and excess metal are removed using an angle grinder (grinder)
Then unscrew the bolt and loosen the chain to the required diameter.
We insert the nut and tighten the bolt along the threads, thereby tensioning the chain and clamping the resulting connection.
Let's test the key in action.
We consolidate the material covered by watching the video. Enjoy watching)
I wrote “universal wrench” in the title and seriously doubted it. What kind of key is this when we are talking about a real all-powerful master key-opener-twist, which can be made in a couple of minutes from an old and unnecessary bicycle chain. Having this homemade device, you no longer have to Google or Yandex something like “buy a universal wrench.” You will have a truly all-powerful tool at your fingertips if you pick up a rusty chain and decide to put in just a little effort.
So, let's go. First, we’ll tell you how this device is made, and then, using several examples, we’ll show how it can move mountains.
Making a universal wrench: minimum words and maximum photos
For making this fantastic simple tool you will need:
- unnecessary bicycle chain;
- a wooden block of such thickness that you can easily grasp it with your hand;
- a sufficiently long screw with a nut;
- drill with a diameter corresponding to the size of the screw.
From wooden block measure out a piece slightly longer than the width of your palm.
Carefully cut off the measured piece.
2-3 cm from the edge we mark a place for attaching the chain.
We select a drill with a diameter corresponding to the size of the screw.
Drill out through hole, into which the screw will fit freely and insert it there. Then we take the chain from which our universal wrench will be made, and find a collapsible link in it that allows us to open it.
Use an awl to remove the locking pad, disassemble the collapsible link, and then open the chain.
We put one of the outer links of the open chain on the tail of the screw.
We fix the link with a nut, which we then tighten thoroughly.
And now our universal wrench, which we just intended to buy, is ready. Now let's see how our miracle tool works and how to use it.
How to use a universal wrench and what it can do
The size of the grip of a homemade key can be selected by placing on the tail of the screw the chain link that provides the required size of the grip loop.
This is how the loop turned out to be quite large.
If you hook another link onto the tail of the screw, the loop can be smaller.
As for the possibilities, for our instrument they are almost limitless. For example, they can easily open a stubborn cap on a plastic bottle.
With our wrench you can completely easily rip off a completely round old nozzle that has rusted to the country faucet.
A universal wrench made in this way will allow you to unscrew a rusted bolt of any size.
Our tool is capable of unscrewing the seemingly tightly stuck head of an old faucet.
So, we see that a simply made universal wrench is almost omnipotent. Do you like this thing? Do you want to praise us for reminding you of the existence of a homemade product that has been known for a long time, or does this tool seem unnecessary to you and you want to scold us? , write about your impressions, and your opinion will be immortalized on the Internet.
Hi all Dear friends! Today we will do something very simple and effective adaptation, which will certainly come in handy for people who do auto repair, plumbing, carpentry, etc. Such a thing may well come in handy in ordinary household life.
This simple contraption is a universal wrench that can unscrew anything. The wrench copes well with any diameter of nuts and bolts, and it also has excellent adhesion to any smooth surfaces such as a water pipe.
Compared to a universal gas wrench, this design has certain advantages. A gas wrench has only two engagement planes, which in turn can deform the part being unscrewed under strong pressure. Our tool has a “soft” grip due to contact along the entire plane of the part being unscrewed.
Test for wooden log. On the left is our universal key, and on the right is the gas key.
Also, due to the specificity of its design, this key is endowed with the ability to work as a universal key with a ratchet mechanism: preventing parts from turning in in the right direction and easily transfer to the beginning in the opposite position.
To make such a universal key you need only two parts:
- - Square metal profile 25x25, length 300 mm.
- - Motorcycle chain 500 mm long.
Universal key assembly
Assembly is incredibly simple and will take you no more than 5 minutes including preparation.All you need to do is weld one end of the chain to metal profile. It is better to weld on both sides of the chain.
This completes the assembly. The universal key is ready for use.
Using a universal key
Let's pass the second end of the chain into the center of the profile and you will get a ring that just needs to be put on the part that you want to unscrew.
In this tool, the chain is broken and the greater the lever force, the stronger the gripping force of the chain.
The key perfectly hooks both round and faceted objects. It doesn't make much difference to him whether it's a nut or a pipe.
Tests
Test key on a round pipe:
Sample wrench on hex nut:
The result in all cases is simply excellent. The grip is excellent. Doesn't turn anything around.
This miracle also perfectly unscrews plastic and polypropylene pipes, without significant deformation, which is so important when working with soft plastic.
This useful key won't take up much space in your car, garage or home. But it may definitely come in handy when you need it most.
So friends, feel free to make your own universal key. Be sure to watch the video of making and testing a universal key.
Despite the fairly large variety in the construction market, tools for screwing or screwing various pipe connections, Special attention specialists pay attention to the chain wrench. The chain key is a prominent representative manual metalworking tools, intended for installation of pipes or fittings in hard to reach places. Such equipment allows you to work in conditions where the use of a standard adjustable or sponge wrench is impossible.
Design Features
The simplicity of the chain wrench design makes it very convenient and quite easy to use. Any of its models consists of a clamping mechanism and a handle. The clamping mechanism includes a chain and jaws bolted to the handle. The main element in the design of a chain wrench is, of course, a monolithic metal handle. At one end of its base there is a threshold that serves as a kind of support for the pipes. There are special notches on the threshold that prevent the held pipes from twisting. The next important element is the chain. During operation, it wraps around the entire diameter of the workpiece. The chain is attached to the base of the key with a clamp that allows it to hold the tension created.
Special jaws and an adjustable flexible chain provide the necessary fixation of the pipes.
Due to the absence of any fixed elements in the design of the key, it is possible to carry out work in confined spaces.
To use a chain wrench, it will be enough if there is a distance between the structural parts and the pipe equal to the thickness of the chain. In operation, the chain encircles the perimeter of the desired product, and the threshold in in this case acts as a special obstacle when sliding. In turn, the lock that fixes the chain in a given position prevents the initial grip of the pipe from weakening. Due to the uniform distribution of applied forces over the area of the product, the risk of various deformations or damage.
The principle of operation of a chain wrench is as follows: a chain attached to the handle is thrown over the pipe and tightened tightly, pressing the jaws directly into the material. Then, when force is applied (pressure on the end of the handle), the key turns in necessary side. At the same time, the serrated ends of the “cheeks” roll over the product, ensuring its maximum clamping with subsequent self-braking. The chain in this case acts as a fixing element. Usually it comes with a reserve and can be easily changed if necessary.
Working with a chain wrench is simple, but you should remember a few simple rules:
- thoroughly clean the teeth of any debris that has gotten into them before and after finishing work;
- the use of any spacer materials between the pipe and the chain is strictly prohibited;
- You should not extend the wrench lever with additional pipe sections. This may break its handle.
This tool must be used with caution when working with parts with high finishing parameters or with thin-walled pipes. Significant compression can lead to abrasion of surfaces or crumpling of the product.
The main materials used in the manufacture of chain wrenches are aluminum and steel. Keys made from high-strength steel will last a long time. To facilitate the design of the key, aluminum is additionally introduced into the composition, but this does not in any way affect the strength characteristics. Aluminum allows you to reduce the total weight of the key by an average of 40%. Aluminum is often used in the production of handles.
Chain wrench specifications
The following main parameters are distinguished in the operation of a chain wrench:
- the ability to use the tool in places with difficult access;
- to carry out light loads, the wrench is equipped with a solid forged alloy steel handle and a special jaw;
- the key works with any metal pipes various diameters;
- for heavy loads, some chain wrench models have variable (double) jaws made of the same alloy steel. Such a wrench is considered indispensable when there is a need for a fairly rigid grip between the wrench and the pipe. In order to increase the amount of force applied, an extension lever can be additionally used. Depending on the nature of the work, the chain wrench can be modified by placing replaceable jaws in the structure.
As when working with any other locksmith tool, it is very important factor is the quality of the chain key itself. Many people mistakenly believe that the main criterion for choosing a chain wrench is the permissible jaw size. However, it is not. When choosing a tool, you should base it on the quality of the key, especially on its handle and “cheeks”, since, as a rule, most of the loads are placed on them. It is very good if the key is made of high-strength steel. In the future, this will determine its wear resistance in operation. Also, when choosing this type of equipment, you should pay attention to brands worldwide famous manufacturers, which have long earned the trust of many consumers.
Today, both classic and lightweight key models are produced. Often standard models are characterized by greater weight than lightweight keys.
To the most famous brands which are in demand among buyers include chain wrenches RIDGID, REED, SPARTA and STAYER.
The most reliable keys known to professionals around the world are currently RIDGID. This company produces more than twenty types of different keys. The world leader's products are distinguished by high strength, reliable grip for pipes of different diameters, as well as an ergonomic handle and its length.
The choice of such a tool is quite wide, so you should definitely weigh all the pros and cons before choosing any particular manufacturer.