Need measurments from Metalnerd 3 arm cam sprocket puller

[cherrybomb]

Have access to a milling machine, degree wheel and plan to make a sprocket puller for my ALH. please measure and share the following info please;
Length, width and thickness of the square plate, looks to be aluminum? your suggestion?
Radius from center of puller Bolt to center of the Hook bolt and size of the bolt and hook portion depth
Since the Cam is 5 spoke, the spokes should be 72 degrees spread around the inside of circle, confirm please
Diameter or radius of the cam sprocket gear also.
Any accurate info is appreciated.

 

[Zak99b5]

If you want to make the tool, power to you. But I just used a regular 3-jaw puller to pop mine off. It can also be tapped off from behind using a drift though a hole in the rear timing belt cover; older ALHs came with the hole from the factory, and later ones can be drilled out in the same spot.

 

[Tdijarhead]

I’ve just drilled a small hole through that rear plastic shield and hit the base of the pulley with a punch. It usually only take two or three whacks and the pulley pops right off.

After loosening the pulley bolt leave it in two or three threads so that when you hit the pulley with the punch it doesn’t go flying.

 

[jmodge]

I use a punch also, close to the center as possible. Quick and easy as miizii.

 

[cherrybomb]

A/M VC with no leaks. do not plan to remove it. The drift method was known but not option. someone take some measurements and let me know please.

 

[AndyBees]

Check your messages!

 

[cherrybomb]

Done, Thanks!!

 

[ts888]

So @cherrybomb you intend to copy the design of a tool that is sold by someone who supports the TDI community.

Or to put it more bluntly, you are going to steal intellectual property.

And @AndyBees you are all in to help with the theft.

I think I'm about done with this place.

 

[AndyBees]

So @cherrybomb you intend to copy the design of a tool that is sold by someone who supports the TDI community.

Or to put it more bluntly, you are going to steal intellectual property.

And @AndyBees you are all in to help with the theft.

I think I'm about done with this place.

So, ts888 you've read my message? Really?

 

[Nuje]

So @cherrybomb you intend to copy the design of a tool that is sold by someone who supports the TDI community.

Or to put it more bluntly, you are going to steal intellectual property.

And @AndyBees you are all in to help with the theft.

I think I'm about done with this place.

This was exactly my reaction when I first saw this thread and meant to post something stating similar.
Put some value on your time and just buy the Metalnerd tool, knowing that you're offering thanks and support to someone who has been a long-time supporter of this forum and the TDI community writ large.

Or if your intention is to copy MN's design and sell your own knock-off ..... just don't.

 

[AndyBees]

If I am not mistaken, there is a Thread on "home-made" or modified tools. I have several of them I did myself. For example, I modified the Crankshaft holding tool that come with the kit that one of the vendors sells (I bought his kit). Four years ago, I purchased a small old Atlas lathe. I've used it to make tools. So, this is nothing new. If someone intended to "copy" an existing tool and offer it for sale, wouldn't it be more practical to just buy it and go from there?

In just about all instances, I made or modified an existing tool because I was in a pinch. My hat is off to anyone that has the capability (skill and machine or access to a machine) to make a particular tool or modify an existing tool.

About two years ago, I needed specialty tools to do a timing chain job on my 2011 VW Tiguan with 2.0 gasser engine (my wife's vehicle). After doing a lot of research, I began purchasing the specialty tools. The crankshaft counter hold tool I got was a joke. I took it to my machinist to use as a prototype to make one that was far better (and safer). It worked perfectly.

I've loaned tools to TDI Club members that I've never met. They paid shipping expenses both ways.

Anyway, a simple Internet search will result in numerous photos of most of the specialty tools and tools that could be modified for the intended purpose. From there, anyone with the skills and equipment can make practically any of the specialty tools for VWs or any other vehicle.

 

[J_dude]

Oh my gosh you guys settle down. "Theft" lol. Unless he is going to start producing replicas and selling, there is absolutely nothing wrong with this. And if that's what he is doing, it's hardly any different if someone gives him the measurements vs him buying one to copy. People have been doing this forever.
It makes zero sense to go out and buy something if you have all the tools and materials and can just as easily make your own at home.
As for "put some value on your time and buy one", some of us like to make stuff, it's called a hobby, and I also like learning new skills and having the satisfaction of knowing I made a thing that works.
And be honest with yourself, what else were you really going to do with that time you "saved"? Sit and watch TV?

 

[JDSwan87]

People can pay with time or they can pay with money, but they will always pay with something.

 

[cherrybomb]

Thanks again to AndyBees. CHILL! Decided to order Metalnerd tool. Wait, Suppose, that tool was a COPY of the VW OEM Engineer Design for original Cam Sprocket Puller?

 

[turbodieseldyke]

Next time, ask for measurements of a VW tool instead of a small business' product -- which may have been based on the VW item, but was modified and improved at his expense.

 

[AndyBees]

@ turbodieseldyke... Actually, I see no difference (a VW tool improved by a small business vs an individual doing the same for personal use).

Below is a pic of a 15/16 inch Craftsman Wrench, Made in the USA, modified to access an oxygen sensor. When in a pinch, an innovative mechanic will do what's necessary to get the job done, especially if it is for themselves, not unlike cherrybomb. As I stated previously, I've modified tools and made some from scratch to accomplish my present need and of course the tools were placed in that box of specialty tools that I've accumulated over the years.

Lastly, as I stated previously, anyone can do an Internet search and find photos of the puller. Then, with simple measurements, etc., using a Cam Cog for the basics, it would be fairly easy to make a puller without infringement on anyone's design. After all, it is a very simple puller albeit very effective for it's intended use.

The counter-hold tool for loosening the 19mm bolt on the end of the Cam Shaft that comes with the kit that includes the puller needs improvement big time. It is quite awkward to use in my opinion. Thankfully, there are other options for a such a tool.

 

[KrashDH]

@ turbodieseldyke... Actually, I see no difference (a VW tool improved by a small business vs an individual doing the same for personal use).

Below is a pic of a 15/16 inch Craftsman Wrench, Made in the USA, modified to access an oxygen sensor. When in a pinch, an innovative mechanic will do what's necessary to get the job done, especially if it is for themselves, not unlike cherrybomb. As I stated previously, I've modified tools and made some from scratch to accomplish my present need and of course the tools were placed in that box of specialty tools that I've accumulated over the years.

Lastly, as I stated previously, anyone can do an Internet search and find photos of the puller. Then, with simple measurements, etc., using a Cam Cog for the basics, it would be fairly easy to make a puller without infringement on anyone's design. After all, it is a very simple puller albeit very effective for it's intended use.

The counter-hold tool for loosening the 19mm bolt on the end of the Cam Shaft that comes with the kit that includes the puller needs improvement big time. It is quite awkward to use in my opinion. Thankfully, there are other options for a such a tool.

Home built tools are great if you have access to a welder. 95% don't though

 

[mjydrafter]

I have a lathe, milling machine and welder. I often end up buying tools after pricing materials. That doesn't even get into heat treating, etc.

That said, I often make tools like @AndyBees in fact I have a larger wrench like yours in the pic, modified in exactly the same way. (KLR650 flywheel holder)

The next problem, as we see in this thread, is getting the correct dimensions to make something that will work and not damage anything.

I own one of the MN pullers the OP is asking about, for the record. (and several others for my BEW)

ETA: I made and sold a bunch of MK3 relay shifter "balls" over the years. Mine were different, but looked like the DG version. Although DG had discontinued them by the time i made any.

 

[AndyBees]

Home built tools are great if you have access to a welder. 95% don't though

I'd like to know where that 95% lives. I'm here in the hills of SE Kentucky. A friend of mine has a shop and lives about 30 minutes away. He can make just about anything with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc. He turned down a job offer from the Oak Ridge, TN lab. My uncle is a welder, my cousin is a retired vocational teacher (taught welding), several other friends are welders, and practically every automotive repair garage in the surrounding area has welding capabilities.

That said, yes, you have to know someone that is willing to work with you on a small welding job. The first guy I mentioned is great. However, he makes his living on delivered package welding/assembly jobs. So, he has to work me in. When he closes the shop at the end of the day, unless it is an emergency, he does not reopen it.

Lastly, all home made tools do not require welding ... bending, grinding, hole drilling, adding a bolt, adding a modified bolt, etc., can result in a useable tool for the job. I've modified several "pullers" specific to the job facing me. Pulling 5th gear out off a 0J2 TDI transmission for example.

 

[KrashDH]

I'd like to know where that 95% lives. I'm here in the hills of SE Kentucky. A friend of mine has a shop and lives about 30 minutes away. He can make just about anything with steel, stainless steel, aluminum, copper, brass, etc. He turned down a job offer from the Oak Ridge, TN lab. My uncle is a welder, my cousin is a retired vocational teacher (taught welding), several other friends are welders, and practically every automotive repair garage in the surrounding area has welding capabilities.

That said, yes, you have to know someone that is willing to work with you on a small welding job. The first guy I mentioned is great. However, he makes his living on delivered package welding/assembly jobs. So, he has to work me in. When he closes the shop at the end of the day, unless it is an emergency, he does not reopen it.

Lastly, all home made tools do not require welding ... bending, grinding, hole drilling, adding a bolt, adding a modified bolt, etc., can result in a useable tool for the job. I've modified several "pullers" specific to the job facing me. Pulling 5th gear out off a 0J2 TDI transmission for example.

I said 95% DON'T have access to special things like welders and machines.

I understand how to make tools. It's basically my career

 

[Nuje]

Back to the original question in this thread: If there's really nothing wrong with copying someone else's (in this case, Metalnerd's) design, why doesn't the OP just contact Chuck at Metalnerd and ask him for the schematics on his design?

 

[cherrybomb]

Perhaps Admin can Close this post. Relative info request received and made decision to purchase Metalnerd tool from a supplier. D.GEEKS Suggestions and other ideas were desending into abyss. Too much B.S. and non related personal references. Thanks AndyBees and others for useful info.