A Better Way to Install Rods on Pistons

[@Jmasta7]

This is a fantastic video and deserves much more recognition for the quality. Thanks so much for putting it together!

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Hey thanks! And thanks for watching!

[@breakawaymotorsports]

Wow! It took me 20 minutes to get the first spiral lock installed on a new set of pistons for my LSJ. That tool would save a bunch of time and my poor finger tips.

[@asilver50]

What an ingenious idea. It takes someone in the trade to come up with great tools like this.

[@calebmartin2457]

I’ve never had an engine with those types of locks but it’s nice to know how the work and how to install them efficiently

[@jasonalper7898]

just purchased the composite style for light use, $25 what a cool tool

[@charlesmcconnell4885]

Where did you get that tool at

[@177SCmaro]

That's a nifty time-saver even if you are good at installing spiral locks.

[@johnsimon6167]

Child's and Albert has a tool called the lock buster. Bought one at Famoso March meet 19 years ago. Works good.

[@kencohagen4967]

Nice! I wish we had those when I was building engines!

[@indyme2]

Takes the pain out of this task for sure! Thanks.

[@chessiesystemrailfanman3741]

Excellent video, thank you for posting.

[@ironhorse127]

Outstanding little tool.

[@Stainlessslayer]

That's pretty awesome. I think I need one

[@dariomendoza6892]

thanks for sharing you knowledge and experience!!

[@Katiesellsnwa]

this guy deserves an award

[@vrm86gt]

need to get one of those!

[@igortbp]

Hello, could get me some questions? I have questions regarding the size of the piston to put in place of the other, I would have to remove it and measure the cylinder diameter? after I know the size of that in the next exchange will be 0:01 mm bigger? Thank you!

[@timmygun1]

Awesome tool

[@Myvintageiron7512]

Who sell this tool?

[@ovalwingnut]

Nice tool (that's what she said)... I must be from a different engine planet.. or "era"? I wasn't aware of "spiral locks" being used over "C Clips". Apparently they are more reliable? Thanks for the video. Nice to know there really is a tool: FOR EVERYTHING :o)

[@Big_Serb]

OvalWingNut Maybe c clips are a european thing? Because i never worked with spirals myself...

[@billbird3833]

Only ever used c clips myself.

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

That is cool as hell!!! Where do I get one!!!?

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

www.lockintool.com/

[@Anarchy-Is-Liberty]

@@TheHorsepowerMonster Thank you!!!

[@blown572hemi]

slick, I need one

[@fckurvtc]

For those asking where to buy one, check out the description and follow the links.

[@ericthompson3551]

Simple , but genius.

[@ENGINERESCUE86]

What is the benifit of a spiral pin lock verses a standard snap ring type?

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Not a whole lot if you are talking real-world. In theory, the spiral lock gives you more security because it wraps around the pin bore multiple times. The idea is if the lock breaks in one place there should be enough of it left to make a full circuit of the pin bore and hold the pin in place. Since the wire lock only goes around a little less than 360 degrees, if it breaks anywhere there is a much greater chance of it falling out and allowing the wrist pin to move. That may have been more important in the good old days, but today the metallurgy in this stuff is so good it really isn't a concern any more. I've seen top-flight engine builders using both. Honestly, these days I think it mostly comes down to whatever the piston manufacturer includes in the box. Thanks for watching!

[@lalabilloo]

Hey, can I use it for Hyundai Elantra ? It has only single ring lock.

[@russellmcdaniel6412]

What is the part # for that tool and where can it be purchased ?

[@tracycurtright2671]

Turbine powered air craft have their oil seals retained by spiral locks. Where can one get a reasonably priced set of these from 3/4 to 2"

[@NickSDigitalArtwork]

That is magical

[@donrutter6765]

Probably pretty handy for giving yourself Jerry curls too.

[@Ls3guy]

wow very nice tool

[@martinjuez9621]

And How can you pop them out?

[@taglionilives]

Does it also work to take the pin locks off?

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Nope, installation only. But Lockintool.com also has a tool they call the lockbuster for removing wire locks. I've tried it and it works well.

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Most high performance connecting rods are H-beam.

[@mnjrupp]

My DSS used c clips.

[@BigEsGarage]

Slick.

[@iknowsstuff]

sweet idea

[@lasagnalover78]

what is that crazy bass in the background

[@MrCWH5]

Wish I had one of those back when I was building a lot of circle track engines 20 years ago, would have saved me a lot of $ in the swear jar lol.

[@station2station]

Paper clip handle

[@lancmac]

So where do you get one?

[@JanicekTrnecka]

Is there any advantage to use spiral lock instead of circlip ? (sorry if this is utterly dumb question)

[@LemonMan_Man]

JanicekTrnecka supposedly spirals are more secure and can handle harder rpm load. If you are asking basing your idea off of what part to buy, I would just use what they send in the box. Spiral locks are like the ultra motor setup part, circlips work great, thats why manufacturers have never switched over

[@axlegrind4212]

i like the spirolox better than the jesus clips ping!......jesus where did that clip go?

[@joeytacey743]

How do you remove spiral locks

[@TheDb351c]

I love it, no more bloody fingers and thumbs

[@Jojol0vee]

where can i get one??

[@justinsayle1993]

i gotta get me one of those, ive cut my fingers countless times getting those in

[@antoniobarrientos1230]

What is the exectly name of that tool

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

Lock In Tool. www.lockintool.com/

[@antoniobarrientos1230]

Thank you so much God bless you

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

@@antoniobarrientos1230 You bet! Thanks for watching

[@blackbirdxx928]

Fine and dandy except for all the stuff we build uses 2 per side...does anybody make a tool to remove them? Normal week has me Removing a couple dozen rods from pistons and any damage gets my ass chewed out

[@johncunningham4820]

What was wrong with Good Old Spring Steel Circlips ? And I do Not mean Snap-rings . Circlips . Need the Needlepoint Pliers , that will do a Variety of sizes . This seems like Over Complicating something , for the Sheer SAKE of it . Please explain what advantage there is .

[@Troysbuildsnlife]

I've rarely had issues installing them taking them back out... Yea that's always a pain in my ass...

[@stoneyswolf]

I looked up spiral locks for my application a bbc. Lol I saw prices from 20bucks for 4 that'll do 2 pistons x4 that's 100bucks. Again lol. And some companies were as low as 18bucks for a full set. Even 18bucks is pricey.

[@reedsilvesan2197]

Why not simply use circlips? I've used them for many years and have never had a problem.

[@zinc20L]

holy damn I need one

[@ThePeopleVerse]

Geez, there are some real haters in this comment section. I got some fat ass fingers with super short cut nails and those spiral locks are a pain in the butt for me. Looks like there is a 38 dollar tool on that site and to do 64 to 160 locks with it sounds okay to me. What's the big deal about using a tool to make life a little easier for some of us that may need it. My brother can break a crank bolt with a 3/8" ratchet and I need a 1/2" with a breaker bar....should I not waste my money on the larger ratchet and breaker and just struggle and struggle with the smaller one until I get the job done? Don't be a dumbass and let people that would like to try it, try it. C'MON

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

That would have been good information to provide. Try lockintool(dot)com

[@Ls3guy]

dude you forgot a link to the tool so we can get one

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

www.lockintool.com/

[@funnlivinit]

@@TheHorsepowerMonster This website no longer exists.

[@JasonTheMunicipalMechanic]

Why don’t they just use snap rings instead of spiral locks. Neat tool though.

[@peterbuilttough3406]

Easiest cheapest way without getting piston slivers all over! Is to grab each end and pull it until it like 3" long now stuff it in there...eazy peazy

[@m4xwellmurd3r]

Wait what? Spirolocks are supposed to be hard to install? I rebuilt my first engine with forged pieces and it had spirolocks. It was easy as hell.

[@joekurtz8303]

I had C-circlips on my English Ford Kent 1500cc & used hemostats💨

[@rosskrause3926]

@@joekurtz8303 Hemostats for installing the clips or firing a 'J" ? Just kidding !

[@HC-ov2hh]

They need to reinvent the spiral lock. It’s troublesome.

[@axlegrind4212]

Spiffy

[@matthewshocker]

If you need this tool u have no buisness tearing into an engine.

[@seangangstad9597]

Bruhhhh I was thinking the same thing 🤣😂 these spiral locks do not require a screwdriver,(I'd be afraid of scratching pistons) I can install these with my bare hands, it's not rocket science..

[@TheHorsepowerMonster]

lockintool (dot) com

[@wht240sxka]

Wish I watched this before I destroyed one of my pistons and cut my finger!😡

[@Ottos_ScLm_Race_videos_2009_on]

Unless you are running or working in a machine shop you should not have to put and snap or spirl locks in. Because the machine shop should have weighed and balanced your pistons and rods.

[@azarizcowboyaz7511]

These require no tools and nothing more than your hands. You pull the spiral lock out like an accordion and put one end in the groove and turn it until the entire lock is in the groove. No tool needed.

[@chrisburnsed6349]

Here’s an idea! Don’t use them. There not required.

[@terrybutler1911]

$650. For Complete set.

[@christopheradams6317]

It's just not worth the money

[@causeimbatmaaan]

I have to say you're lying. I would have all eight pistons attached by the end of your video and that's if each side of the wrist pin has two locks which is common. I don't use any special tool, that's a slow pain in the ass and it stretches your locks more, not that it matters. You sound like a guy that probably shouldn't (and doesn't) assemble engines often. I've done hundreds of pistons with spiral locks and was quicker, with greater ease, than that tool on the first set.

[@chrisguy9777]

Pin a medal on your chest

[@ThePeopleVerse]

U R Hero

[@philipbohlinger4150]

Wait until the carpal tunnel kicks in...

[@ClaytonNovak-q6g]

Where can I get one?