The Best Tyre Pumps... in the World?

[GordonEDWARDS]

Hi, I agree about the Kismet Car - a bit lightweight and I'm puzzled they bothered because its more or less the same power and duty wise as the Kismet Baby ( generally better made)

The missing nut at the front is a devil to replace, and I've not found a modern thread that fits. Kismet had their own proprietary thread which does not match any modern ones. Luckily the housing is threaded so the missing nut serves no structural purpose. I usually cut a piece of black rubber hose of a size that is a tight push fit on - to protect the threads. Looks neater too.

Saw an advert recently on Ebay for a Kismet car pump and the asking price was £140 odd. The seller stated that it was in the standard toolkit of the Aston Martin DB 2/4 Mk1- hence the price! Several other Kismet Cars on ebay at the moment for around the £20 mark!

[GordonEDWARDS]

Hi, as requested, I've reproduced a copy of the document describing performance tests carried out on a Kismet Duplex in 1932 by the Marine Aircraft Experimental Establishment.

I'll try and attach the various pages below

These tests were carried out to determine how effective a Kismet Duplex would be in pressurising air bottles - the air bottles were used to pressurise the gas starters used in multi engined flying boats.

They basically concluded that the pump could do the job but it would take too much effort and manpower - three gas bottles needed to be pressurised to 200psi in flight. The table of results basically show that one gas bottle would take about 6 minutes to pressurise to 200psi - but that the operatives got very tired! However, the results give firm evidence of a Duplex being able to each at least 200 psi (Kismet claimed 300 psi in their publicity material).

I dont know whether the date of these tests is significant in terms of (maybe) being part of preparations for WW2? In 1932, Hitler had become Chancellor of Germany, but the 'Night of the Long Knives' had not yet taken place to give him full power. But there was certainly at that time probably a feeling in the UK that his policies were pointing in the general direction of war?

[GordonEDWARDS]

[GordonEDWARDS]

[GordonEDWARDS]

[GordonEDWARDS]

[Rhyolith]

Thanks gordon.

[GordonEDWARDS]

Hi, some more 'cloned' lookalike pumps - Dunlop Champion, PCL Power and Romac Standard

[GordonEDWARDS]

[GordonEDWARDS]

My guess is that PCL probably made all these and Dunlop/Romac just re-branded them. I know PCL made copies of their Emperor Mk2 for Dunlop - so they were probably just extending their business across other pump designs and companies!

[Rhyolith]

Do you know how old this model is?

[GordonEDWARDS]

All of these pumps have 'patent applied for' on them - but no actual patent number to give a date.

PCL were formed in 1938 - when one of the Turner brothers broke away to form PCL in direct competition with Kismet. So this pump design is after 1938. They initially concentrated on building up their pumps portfolio to directly compete with the simpler models Kismet range. After this they widened their activities and got involved in designs that were different to Kismet and making pumps for other firms too. . So on this basis I would guess that this design dates from the mid 1940 period or a bit later. But thats guessing a bit.

G

[Neil_Sc]

Firstly, fantastic thread, right up my street.

I've got my hands on a Dunlop Major, needs a little TLC, but servicable so far.

I am having difficulties removing the top cap on the pressure vessel to inspect the washer, I've tried some penetrating fluid after a thorough clean, a strap wrench and some sturdy leather gloves, but nothing seems to give me the required purchase to undo the top.

I wondered if anyone had any suggestions? I had thought of a large plumbers wrench, but don't want to mark the vessel, I also considered a circlip tool into the top two holes, but thought that they may not be sturdy enough.

[jonclancy]

Not done this particular job (yet!), but I have had excellent results from using Halfords Shock and Unlock on stuck fasteners/fittings.

On another note, and sorry to thread drift!

Just a germ of an idea after reading how the Duplex can pressurise to 200psi+...

I need a small compressed air blower for cleaning gunge from garden equipment (mower, chainsaw etc). I am waiting for the cheapo Aldi compressor to become available again, but I still have the problem of no power nearby the shed.

Does anyone know if it would be possible to source a pressure vessel that will safely enable me to attach an air hose and blower, please? Any previous experiences? Or would it be best to just get a cheapo compressor and lug the tools round to the garage?

Cheers

Edit: just found a cheap 5 gallon portable tank that might adapt.

Edited by jonclancy on Monday 5th February 00:24

[Neil_Sc]

So with careful use of another iconic Sheffield made tool, my Record vice, I managed to unscrew the cap, so all is well!

[Rhyolith]

Neil_Sc said:

So with careful use of another iconic Sheffield made tool, my Record vice, I managed to unscrew the cap, so all is well!

Well done, usaully it is just case of applying enough force.

Something else to try on awkward threads is heating them up with a heat gun or blow torch to the maxium temperature than can be achieved without damaging them. The heating causes the metal to expand and when it contracts afterwards it will brake the bounds between the threads, helping to loosen it. Doing that repeatably over several days often will work. I have never tried it with brass mind...

Edited by Rhyolith on Tuesday 6th February 12:00

[jonclancy]

I’m delighted with my new arrival: Duplex Master with RENRUT connector. In ‘as found/for restoration’ condition. It needs a good clean and oiling, appears to be in good order. Can’t wait to get some neatsfoot into the leather seals and see what it’ll rev to!

[jonclancy]

[jonclancy]

[Rhyolith]

Nice! Always good to have the Renrut still there.