Pushnut/starlock washer install

[bunk]

Does anyone know an easy way of installing a pushnut washer aka star lock washer? Im trying to install it on a pin that holds together a linkage joint. Ive tried vice grips, a socket and socket extension while hammering it onto to the post, forcing it in with the washer on a socket and using channel locks.

I cant get enough force onto the washer and keeping the back of the pin steady enough. Is there a special tool for it or a technique?

[redondoaveb]

Originally Posted by bunk

Does anyone know an easy way of installing a pushnut washer aka star lock washer? Im trying to install it on a pin that holds together a linkage joint. Ive tried vice grips, a socket and socket extension while hammering it onto to the post, forcing it in with the washer on a socket and using channel locks.

I cant get enough force onto the washer and keeping the back of the pin steady enough. Is there a special tool for it or a technique?

You can't get the rear jaw of the channel locks on the head of the link pin and then angle the channel locks to where the front edge of the jaw will push one side of the pushnut to get it started and then switch to the other side of the pushnut and working your way around it until it's all the way on.

Does that make sense?

[SouthArk370Z]

Never done this before but I'd try: Put vise-grips so the jaws are on the ends of the pin. May need a second pair of vise-grips to hold the two rod together. Use a small punch and hammer to "walk" around the nut, forcing it onto the pin.

[bunk]

Originally Posted by redondoaveb

You can't get the rear jaw of the channel locks on the head of the link pin and then angle the channel locks to where the front edge of the jaw will push one side of the pushnut to get it started and then switch to the other side of the pushnut and working your way around it until it's all the way on.

Does that make sense?

I understood. Get one part of the washer started using an angle on the channel lock jaws. But you need alot of pressure to get the washer started. Just for grins, I stood the pin on the ground, put a pushnut on a socket to seat it on the pin and hammered it on to see how much force I need. I need a whole lot..lol

[redondoaveb]

Or get rid of the link pin and install a connector bolt and cap nut.

[bunk]

Originally Posted by SouthArk370Z

Never done this before but I'd try: Put vise-grips so the jaws are on the ends of the pin. May need a second pair of vise-grips to hold the two rod together. Use a small punch and hammer to "walk" around the nut, forcing it onto the pin.

Its a very small and tight work area. I dont have enough space for more than one vice grip.

[bunk]

Originally Posted by redondoaveb

Or get rid of the link pin and install a connector bolt and cap nut.

Hmm... that might work. Hillco Fastener store is just down the street. I hope they have something like this. It surprised me that they dont carry push nut washers though

[redondoaveb]

Originally Posted by bunk

Hmm... that might work. Hillco Fastener store is just down the street. I hope they have something like this. It surprised me that they dont carry push nut washers though

Ace Hardware is my go to place for odd nuts, bolts etc.

[Trips]

Why not simply hold it vise-grips and use needle nose pliers and slightly bend the insides so it can help slide it in.

I hate those fasters especially when it's come time to remove them.

[bunk]

Originally Posted by Trips

Why not simply hold it vise-grips and use needle nose pliers and slightly bend the insides so it can help slide it in.

I hate those fasters especially when it's come time to remove them.

Pre bending them before install. Good idea!
Getting them off was easy. They're meant to be destroyed and replaced with new ones when you take them off. A sharp punch tool and finishing hammer and pliers .