Tool to Remove Generator/Starter Pole Pieces and Field Coils

[Conaway2]

I recently borrowed a tool for this job - it was like a big C-clamp with a V-shaped base to hold a generator or starter. It also had a flat blade that was held tightly in the slot of the pole piece screw by the C-clamp screw. A lever bar fit into a hole in the flat screwdriver blade to turn the pole screw out. It worked beautifully.

I decided I would like to add one of these tools to my shop, but do not know exactly what to call this tool as I try to search for one.

Does anyone recognize what I’m trying to describe ? If so, what is this tool called ??

Many thanks - Jim

[redmodelt]

Pole screw remover;
https://www.google.com/search?client...+screw+remover
Not a big fan of the type that leaves the core open. With too much down pressure could warp the case. Other tool that you should be getting would be the tool that pushes the field windings and shoe out against the case for reinstall, then a go/no go gauge.

[Conaway2]

Redmodelt - thanks very much. Now the search begins.

Jim

[Kurt in NJ]

Here's a simple easily made pole piece screwdriver, the screwdriver itself is harbor freight, part of a assortment, whatever you use it has to fit the screw head slot, sometimes custom ground
The top and base are made of very rusty 4" u channel, the length was chosen to use existing holes, the hole in the top bar is just large enough for the extension to fit through, might as well make several, for both 3/8,1/2
The threaded rod is 3/4, the larger size gives the top bar stability, having the rods a little different width than the hole gives some friction to hold top bar in place --- or out of the way while setting up

[redmodelt]

Kurt; How are you putting downward pressure on the driver?

[Kurt in NJ]

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there is a nut on each end of the top bar, the hole for the extension is smaller than the screwdriver bit so the top bar puts the pressure on the bit

[nkaminar]

I read an article recently in an old Restorer magazine where two big C clamps were used to pull the pole piece against the housing. The clamps were arranged on either side of the screw and took the tension off the screw so that it could be removed with a large screwdriver. I have not tried this myself so I don't know if it works. I usually knock the screws loose with a drift and big hammer and then buy new screws. Next time I will try the C clamps.

[Herb Concord Ca]

I like drilling the screws, just need to drill a little beyond the taper on the head of the screw and then use a punch and few taps with a hammer and they break. You can usually unthread the screw from the pole piece with your fingers. The tension is gone. Put together using new screws and use C-clamps to hold each end of the pole piece to the case, and then tighten the screws. Like #2 says use a go/no go gauge to check armature clearance.

[redmodelt]

Originally Posted by Kurt in NJ

there is a nut on each end of the top bar, the hole for the extension is smaller than the screwdriver bit so the top bar puts the pressure on the bit

Got it, thanks.

[old31]

Many old time garages have pole screw removers. Especially if they specialize in generators.

[katy]

Originally Posted by old31

Many old time garages have pole screw removers. Especially if they specialize in generators.

Good one, thanks.

[Ernie Vitucci]

Good Morning...The shop that I hang out in once a week uses a small bearing press that has been modified with a big ass screw driver blade. The base is curved and holds the generator with no problem...the screw/bolts come out pretty easy...The press says it was made in Chicago in 1923...I don't remember the manufacturers name...Ernie in Arizona

[redmodelt]

If you look at the above cut you will note they used a pole shoe spreader. Hadn't thought of something like that, which should not be too hard to make. Other way that I have seen and used, 2 wedged shaped pieces of hard wood with the outer edge curved to fit the inside radius of the case and windings.

[katy]

A pole shoe spreader should definitely be used, to avoid warping the case, both during disassembly and re-assembly.

[Kurt in NJ]

A pole shoe spreader can be made out of a good sized bolt and 2 nuts,drill out one nut so it slips over the threads, the bolt should be just long enough to fit in, the head of the bolt pushing one pole piece, the bored out nut against the other pole piece