Homemade Tools Ammeter Cover Remover

[Tom Wesenberg]

I had to fix a couple ammeters and both the original and repro had super tight covers on them, so I had to make a special tool to get them apart.

Note the repro is aluminum and has no black paint on the brass inside the case. I spent more time fixing this one than it was worth. The face also uses white for the marking, while originals are silver.

I got both the pointers centered, but hope they stay that way after the post office throws them around and drops heavy boxes on top of them.

I used my Sterrett 3" hole saw to cut two circles of 1/8" thick aluminum, then cut the 1 5/8" center hole out on my lathe. I then had to use my Dremel to grind away 5 notches for the 4 tabs and alignment bump in the case. The other plate I used a #20 bit to drill two holes 1" apart, then used a #7 bit and drilled two holes for the 1/4 x 20 eye bolts.

This works much better than a screwdriver and hammer.

[Y-Blockhead]

Very nice Tom. I love homemade tools.

[3.6rs]

Originally Posted by Y-Blockhead

Very nice Tom. I love homemade tools.

So do I.

[SeaSlugs]

Very cool! Now if only they would make a quality ammeter we wouldn't have to take them apart new haha. I think its one of those parts that I dont think we would mind paying more for - I sure wouldn't for a meter that fit, was correctly made internally, and somewhat accurate out of the box.

[henry's 31]

As always Tom, great tool. Is your background engineering? I admire your great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

[1930 coupe]

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I chuck my ammeters in my lathe 3 jaw chuck, being careful not to get it too tight and make dents. I then use a screwdriver next to the chuck jaws and pry the cover a small amount then go to the next jaw and do the same until the cover comes off. It takes about 30 seconds to remove a cover with no damage to the ammeter or cover.

[Tom Wesenberg]

Originally Posted by henry's 31

As always Tom, great tool. Is your background engineering? I admire your great ideas! Thanks for sharing!

Thanks, Wish it was, but no, I've just liked to do machine work and work with electronics and make tools that help get the job done better, quicker, and easier.

[henry's 31]

You continue to give us great ideas in how to make the job easier. Thanks again!

[Mike V. Florida]

Sweet

[old31]

Very clever Tom.

[Jeff/Illinois]

Yes, very clever and it worked well too!!

Thanks much. We'll have to start referring to Tom as 'K R Wesenberg' Henry would have had you teaching at the Ford trade school in Dearborn. He would have been impressed and wanted to hang out with you!