Make Your Own Gib Key Puller

Image Gallery The finished gib key puller. Jerry notes, “Not a work of art, but very functional and robust enough for those stubborn keys that need to be tensioned and given a hard blow with a VBH (very big hammer).” Note the slot cut into the end – this allows the tool to be slipped over the head of the gib key.

Removing a gib key, especially those really old stubborn ones, has been a topic of discussion on the Stationary Engine List many times and there are numerous ways of approaching the problem. They all involve two things: loosening the key (which is probably seized tight) by heat, penetrating oils or solvents, etc.; and removing the key with either a wedge and hammer, a puller of sorts or a percussion/impact/slide hammer to shock it loose. Of course, if all else fails, you can drill it out.

My little Ruston & Hornsby PT was leaking oil from the timing gear cover and the two bolts (1/4-inch countersunk machine screws) that needed to be tightened were directly behind the flywheel rim with no way of reaching them. The flywheel was going to have to come off.

I restored this engine two years ago so I knew the gib key would not be too tight or rusted and would be a simple matter to remove. But I was loathe to use a wedge or any method that involved pressure against the flywheel, as this could have damaged the paintwork.

The design for a gib key puller I came up with is very simple and can be made by anyone with very basic tools (welder, files, drill press and hacksaw - a lathe is a great help but not essential). The materials all came from my scrap box.

I have not put sizes to my drawing for obvious reasons. This one was made for my Ruston, but will also work on my Wolseley engines or any engine with a crankshaft diameter of 32 to 38 millimeters (about 1-1/4 to 1-1/2 inches). Just remember the inner diameter of the ring (Ring A) must be big enough to fit over the crankshaft plus the height of the key (not the key's head, the slot fits over that). The two adjusting bolts align everything for a grip on the gib head and a straight pull. Remember also that the big bolt that exerts pressure will work best with a fine thread. And don't forget to oil it before use. The tool is robust enough to take a hammer blow to shock the key loose, but also strong enough to exert steady pressure for a more gentle release. (Of course this depends on the materials you use as well as your welding skills).