Chainsaw Repair

How To Basics - Carb Fixes + Mods - IPL and Service Manuals => How To Basics and Fixes => Topic started by: Cut4fun . on January 05, 2014, 11:43:32 am

Title: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: Cut4fun . on January 05, 2014, 11:43:32 am
Lets  hear about the redneck ways you used to hold the rings closed before buying the proper piston ring clamp set.

One 1 ring pistons I used a plastic tie strap. Have been able on smaller pistons with 1 ring to just use my fingers.  Beer can or pop can cut made good for 2 ring pistons.

Here is what I use now. The red piston ring clamp set.  http://northwoodsaw.com/store/index.php?l=product_detail&p=398

I also used the stihl oem  white piston ring clamp, but prefer the red one shown above.


(http://northwoodsaw.com/store/images/products/detail_398_ringcomp.jpg)

Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: Cut4fun . on January 05, 2014, 11:50:21 am
Here is what the stihl oem clamp looks like that I dont care for.

Just grabbed a pic off the net.

Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: 660magnum on January 05, 2014, 12:01:25 pm
A big wire tie wrap from TSC will hold the rings in place. After the cylinder is down on the piston, you cut the wrap away. I have done this a few times.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on January 05, 2014, 03:13:17 pm
I sometimes use a ring cut from a spray paint can lid then split. If you do it correctly the finger tabs on the lid make a great way to hold on to it. However, I also prefer the same one Kevin uses.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: 660magnum on January 05, 2014, 04:17:55 pm
I bought the set up like is in the OP a couple years ago and it works very well.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: jmester on January 05, 2014, 05:16:16 pm
I have used soup cans before. Also make good to change clutch springs as well
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: sharkey on January 05, 2014, 06:55:11 pm
Two litre pop bottle and a pair of scissors makes a great ring compressor.  Cut a strip of plastic the circumference of the piston.  Leave enough for your thumbs and away you go.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: KilliansRedLeo on January 05, 2014, 07:00:45 pm
That is why I sometimes use the spray paint can lids. They are thick enough that the cylinder pushes them down the piston as the jug slides past the ring. That is also what happens using the red set that Cut4Fun uses. The red kit is worth the $9
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: jmester on January 05, 2014, 07:24:54 pm
I like the one stihl  has because you can see the ring ends and make sure they are lined up right. But for 9 bucks the husky ones work well too. I have both and have used them both. Like the husky ones for small bore  saws.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: 3000 FPS on January 05, 2014, 10:06:07 pm
With the clamshell cylinders I can usually get the piston in those without any thing to compress the ring. 
But for all the other stuff I use what Cut4fun is showing.  Works great.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: jmester on January 05, 2014, 10:09:46 pm
On the stihl clamshells if I remember right you don't need a ring clamp because they have a taper at the bottom of the bore. Not sure on husky as I have never been in one.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: 3000 FPS on January 05, 2014, 10:14:00 pm
On the stihl clamshells if I remember right you don't need a ring clamp because they have a taper at the bottom of the bore. Not sure on husky as I have never been in one.

You are right and most of the others that I know of do also.
Title: Re: Piston Ring Clamp ideas
Post by: jmester on January 05, 2014, 10:21:27 pm
Good to know if I ever get a clammy husky in.