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help with run flat tool

AOR

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I purchased a military run flat tool several years ago from a swap meet. I tried using it for the first time today. I am not sure if I am doing something wrong or if the tool is broken. I have tried winding it in both directions and it does not build tension. I can push on it and it the strap comes loose. It is not compressing the run flat at all. I am trying to install the same rubber run flat that I removed today using an engine hoist back into the same wheel it came out of. I can see the gears are not stripped or slipping at all. The slipping is where the strap is connected into the metal inside that spins when rotating the handle. Hopefully it's operator error. I am not sure what I may be doing wrong of if possibly the strap is installed incorrectly to allow tension with the parts inside of the tool.
 

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Mullaney

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I purchased a military run flat tool several years ago from a swap meet. I tried using it for the first time today. I am not sure if I am doing something wrong or if the tool is broken. I have tried winding it in both directions and it does not build tension. I can push on it and it the strap comes loose. It is not compressing the run flat at all. I am trying to install the same rubber run flat that I removed today using an engine hoist back into the same wheel it came out of. I can see the gears are not stripped or slipping at all. The slipping is where the strap is connected into the metal inside that spins when rotating the handle. Hopefully it's operator error. I am not sure what I may be doing wrong of if possibly the strap is installed incorrectly to allow tension with the parts inside of the tool.
.
Yeah, neat!
The rest of us use a ratchet strap mostly because we didn't know there was a "military runflat tool".

Sounds to me like something is in the "wrong slot" and so it is slipping.
Wish I had a better idea. Any sort of instructions in the box?
 

AOR

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Steel Soldiers Supporter
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Location
Burtonsville, MD.
.
Yeah, neat!
The rest of us use a ratchet strap mostly because we didn't know there was a "military runflat tool".

Sounds to me like something is in the "wrong slot" and so it is slipping.
Wish I had a better idea. Any sort of instructions in the box?
I tried a large ratchet strap and it broke the mechanism. I think it was rated for 10,000 lbs please post info on the type of ratchet strap you used. and how you position it not to damage the run flat or tire. No instructions it was used and I am not sure if I can read the part number. It is made by SPX
 

Retiredwarhorses

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I have that tool and it’s the best one made…been using it for years, there is a roll pin meant to shear off, thats why it builds no tension.
Make sure to use grease on the worm gear once you fix it.
The roll pin is on the large gear shaft, the gear is spinning on the shaft, the bitch is getting it lined up to drive out the old pin.
 
Last edited:

Thunderbirds

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I have that tool and it’s the best one made…been using it for years, there is a roll pin meant to shear off, thats why it builds no tension.
Make sure to use grease on the worm gear once you fix it.
The roll pin is on the large gear shaft, the gear is spinning on the shaft, the bitch is getting it lined up to drive out the old pin.
I just recently purchased a tool on FleaBay, it arrived two nights ago and I have been having a night mare of a time. The force of the large sprocket has pushed against the worm gear and then forced the side bracket out, allowing the wormgear and sprocket to jump a tooth, halfway into using it. I am absolutely not confident it is safe to use.

Then I compared the actual tool with the instruction manual (if you can call it that) and there are major differences. Mainly, the tool depicted has longer sides and a bolt that keeps the sides from bending outwards. That would prevent the spread and ultimately the jumping of the teeth. Does anyone have a clue if this is a counterfeit tool, or something the government would purchase? I have serious doubts the military would keep using it without the bolt.

The pics are showing the copied "owners manual" and the actual tool, as well as the wormgear under load, just about to jump another tooth.

Any input is appreciated.

Actual tool.jpg

Wormgear jumping a tooth.jpg

Missing Bolt.jpg
 

Thunderbirds

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that model of tool is garbage…it is not the OEM version I’ve had for 25yrs
I figured that. I messaged the seller, and dropped the words "counterfeit tool". Almost offended, he did refund the money and told me to keep the tool as the shipping wouldn't be worth it. That should tell you something.

I don't know if it is a counterfeit, but without the bolt it is useless. I'll see if I can modify to add some strength for safety. I don't think the military would keep using this style and a possible flaw.

Does anyone know what the price for the original version would be? This was up for sale for $40, with free shipping.
 

NDT

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Ah that makes sense, I have the garbage tool not the tool posted in post #1. The garbage tool is government issue but is nevertheless a pos.
 

Thunderbirds

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Location
Northern Black Hills South Dakota
Ah that makes sense, I have the garbage tool not the tool posted in post #1. The garbage tool is government issue but is nevertheless a pos.
I'll try to weld a bracket between the two side to keep it from spreading, or install some reinforcement. Consider doing the same if you want to keep using the tool.

I did end up using this method found on YouTube:


Not as easy as it looks, but it did work :cool::p:D
 

Thunderbirds

Well-known member
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Location
Northern Black Hills South Dakota
Ah that makes sense, I have the garbage tool not the tool posted in post #1. The garbage tool is government issue but is nevertheless a pos.
Hmmmm, I imagine it's easy to counterfeit a tool like that and slap a label on it with the NSN and a barcode. There are no other markings on my tool, such as a manufacturer name, part number or anything else. I've seen thousand of tools used in the military, they all just have a different feel to them when it comes to that. It could be an original surplus tool, I just have some doubts.

Either way, the seller refunded the price, I've left a positive feedback for that alone.

Edit, to add a link to GP surplus tool:


Here is the tool with the bolt.
 

Retiredwarhorses

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Hmmmm, I imagine it's easy to counterfeit a tool like that and slap a label on it with the NSN and a barcode. There are no other markings on my tool, such as a manufacturer name, part number or anything else. I've seen thousand of tools used in the military, they all just have a different feel to them when it comes to that. It could be an original surplus tool, I just have some doubts.

Either way, the seller refunded the price, I've left a positive feedback for that alone.

Edit, to add a link to GP surplus tool:


Here is the tool with the bolt.
No one is counter fitting these tools or labels…it’s a surplus tool and probably surplus because “uhhh”, they were found to not work or were defective.
 

Mullaney

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Hmmmm, I imagine it's easy to counterfeit a tool like that and slap a label on it with the NSN and a barcode. There are no other markings on my tool, such as a manufacturer name, part number or anything else. I've seen thousand of tools used in the military, they all just have a different feel to them when it comes to that. It could be an original surplus tool, I just have some doubts.

Either way, the seller refunded the price, I've left a positive feedback for that alone.

Edit, to add a link to GP surplus tool:


Here is the tool with the bolt.
.
You know, you can't really compare it up close and personal - but the Dutton-Lainson looks like it has a thicker "side rail" than the one you bought. Maybe better metal too possibly...

1720029194741.png
 
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