Spreading 2 metal bars

[The Moose]

So, I find myself in a bit of a predicament. I need to spread 2 metal bars apart.

It's actually a hoop that needs to be expanded...by 2 millimetres.

I've tried a scissor jack from a car but I can't really get access.

What I really need, is some of those jaws of life that the fire brigade use - unfortunately, I don't have any of those to hand.

Any ideas of how to do this with standard tools I'll have at home - it's only 2 mm for fks sake!

[SV8Predator]

Desperate Dan?

Or maybe a better explanation and/or photos may show us what you're trying to achieve.

[TheHeretic]

Tie one side to a tree, and the other to your car. Then drive off at every increasing force until the desired spreadage has been achieved.

This public service message is not brought to you by the HSE.

[scorcher]

hammertime

[V400TC]

Spring compressor used to expand
Large ratchet tie down to pull one side
Block of wood at an angle hammered downwards to spread bars

2mm should be quite easy unless the bars are kryptonite

[cherad]

Archimedes said:

Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.

[The Moose]

SV8Predator said:

Desperate Dan?

Or maybe a better explanation and/or photos may show us what you're trying to achieve.

Pannier rails on a motorbike. The pannier rails are 2mm too close to each other for the mounting points on the panniers.



They are essentially like that.

I could remove the panniers from the bike if I really had to, however, it would be a total ball ache as you have to basically disassemble the rear end of the bike.

Edited by The Moose on Saturday 30th March 20:34

[The Moose]

V400TC said:

Spring compressor used to expand
Large ratchet tie down to pull one side
Block of wood at an angle hammered downwards to spread bars

2mm should be quite easy unless the bars are kryptonite

Bars are 18mm thick, 2mm wall made from steel.

ETA: Spring compressor is an awesome idea - bugger it. Halfords has just closed and I don't think I have one in the shed

Edited by The Moose on Saturday 30th March 20:35

[mondeoman]

Cant you just drill out the mounting points a bit?

[The Moose]

Anyone got a spring compressor in Beaconsfield they could do without for an hour or so?!

[s p a c e m a n]

Rather than winding the jack out from the inside, wind in from the outside? Secure the bars to something on one side and the secure the other side to something with the jack wound out inbetween, then wind the jack closed.

[samdale]

cherad said:

Archimedes said:

Give me a lever long enough and a fulcrum on which to place it, and I shall move the world.

No he didn't.

Archimedes is actually meant to have said:

Give me a place to stand, and I will move the earth

[mgtony]

Have you got a piece of chain or rope? Tie one end to each side of the loop, then put the jack inside the chain and wind out. Should pull the loop apart.

[The Moose]

Right. Postponing the trip until Monday now as really could do with the panniers for extra space.

And slightly less Heath Robinson ideas to try tomorrow? I'll be breaking down halfords doors tomorrow at 10 fora spring compressor...

[scdan4]

(sturdy) ratchet straps? i've used them to straighten a bandit subframe before.

[The Moose]

scdan4 said:

(sturdy) ratchet straps? i've used them to straighten a bandit subframe before.

Need to go the other way unfortunately

[supersingle]

Bottle jack?

Pretty cheap and a useful tool to have around.

[The Moose]

supersingle said:

Bottle jack?

Pretty cheap and a useful tool to have around.

There's only 8.5 inches between the two bars. Don't think I'll get my bottle jack in there

[bamberwell]

The Moose said:

supersingle said:

Bottle jack?

Pretty cheap and a useful tool to have around.

There's only 8.5 inches between the two bars. Don't think I'll get my bottle jack in there

but what about a scissor jack? might have to put a plate of some sort at the contact points to prevent any damage to the tube though..

[scdan4]

The Moose said:

It's actually a hoop that needs to be expanded...by 2 millimetres.

(unless i've misunderstood)

2 straps, one on each side. Each strap attached to something fecking sturdy (an avenueof trees in the local park will work well, for example)

take up the tension so you have a tightrope with the pannier rack as a soft link in the middle.

click, click, done.