rope tip

[Mad Mackie]

I had mixed luck with this method also. Did do it on an aircraft engine several times, but much larger displacement and two spark plug holes to change valve springs in the field. Kinda like putting toothpaste back into the tube!!!
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile:

 

[Carscw]

Very simple for the simple minded. Because it works!! Or as you would say,

Cowboy up and get over it

So I ask a question and again you give a smart azz answer I was not being funny.

Again is it not just faster and easier to hold the blade and take the nut off?

Why do all that extra work

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

 

[Carscw]

So if on a push mower you have to take the plug out and screw in a bold to stop the engine from turning. How do you change the blades on a riding mower as this would not work?

Yes I am being a azz about this because as things go here you get a drawn out answer that does not answer the question.
We all now know it works and won't hurt anything but why not just use something to stop the blade

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

 

[Rivets]

"Yes I am being a azz about this because as things go here you get a drawn out answer that does not answer the question.
We all now know it works and won't hurt anything but why not just use something to stop the blade"

Because sometimes you can't hold or block the blade in a safe manner. I doubt you have ever been on a service call and don't have the right tools with you to solve a customers problem or additional request. As the OP said, "this is a tip" for the average guy. Does it take longer, YES. But as a service tech, you are asked to get the job done as quickly and safely as possible. Tips like these help everyone, except those who don't want to use them.

You asked about a deck blade. Here's another rope trick for you. Tie a rope just under the pulley and wrap it around the spindle in the opposite way about six times. Now tie the rope off on the other spindle. As you try to loosen the nut or bolt on the blade, the rope will tighten and finally stop the spindle from turning, holding it tight. This will allow you to remove the stubborn bolt.

Before you ask, yes the old mechanics who do service calls, always have a length of cotton rope in the truck. You never know when it will come in handy. Also, cheaper than having a box of single use, specialty tools.

 

[Mad Mackie]

And all this time I thought the "rope" was to hang up "road kill" to dry it out while doing mobile service calls!!! HaHa!!!

 

[pugaltitude]

I got confused :confused2: which isnt difficult.

To stop an engine turning ie not fitted to any equipment whatsoever I will use rope or plug tool.

To remove a blade on a mower I will use an impact gun or I will use a blade holder with a breaker bar.

To fit a blade I will use the blade holder and a torque wrench to set to 50lb ft or the FT Guage!

The blade holder looks like this How Do You Change Your Mower Blade? | Toolmonger

 

[DaveTN]

So you all are telling me that you pull the spark plug and jam up the piston just to change the blades?

Man if you use a impact you can just hold the blade with your hand.

I don't care what the book says if you use something to stop the piston from moving then take you breaker bar and push on it to get the blade nut off your putting un necessary strain on the rod and rod bearings. Same thing if your doing a flywheel bolt.
Not to mention your doing things the hard way.

Talked to my engine builder he said he would kick my azz if I do this to any engine.

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

Did you ever wonder WHY the mfg recommends using those metal objects inserted in the spark plug hole to contact the aluminum piston when it's met with FORCE from a breaker bar? I just hold the blade and let the impact gun do the knuckle bustin work! And I have used the rope in the hole at times. All that force on the piston and rod could help the engine fail prematurely perhaps and $ELL more MOWER$. Just a thought. I mean, these engines are getting cheaper built every day. Why not hurry along the process a little?

 

[Carscw]

I got confused :confused2: which isnt difficult.

To stop an engine turning ie not fitted to any equipment whatsoever I will use rope or plug tool.

To remove a blade on a mower I will use an impact gun or I will use a blade holder with a breaker bar.

To fit a blade I will use the blade holder and a torque wrench to set to 50lb ft or the FT Guage!

The blade holder looks like this How Do You Change Your Mower Blade? | Toolmonger

I have the tool and use it. This is why I was asking why not use it over pulling the plug

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

 

[Carscw]

Did you ever wonder WHY the mfg recommends using those metal objects inserted in the spark plug hole to contact the aluminum piston when it's met with FORCE from a breaker bar? I just hold the blade and let the impact gun do the knuckle bustin work! And I have used the rope in the hole at times. All that force on the piston and rod could help the engine fail prematurely perhaps and $ELL more MOWER$. Just a thought. I mean, these engines are getting cheaper built every day. Why not hurry along the process a little?

That's what I been trying to say

(( cowboy up and get over it ))

 

[Mad Mackie]

Where my Hustler X-ONE is used there is no electricity to run an air compressor. I had an old push bar from a metal door which is U shaped and I cut it to length to fit over two blades which holds them together to facilitate blade bolt removal and reinstallation. One of the blade bolts is left hand thread. This tool works great and is a simple but a very functional thing to have and use.
Mad Mackie in CT:laughing::biggrin::smile: