Pin spanner suggestions for balance shaft sprocket?

[IdahoDoug]

Working on reassembling and doing the balance shaft belt now. I was able to get the balance shafts OFF with a trick using a pair of punches and a vice-grip. However, this trick doesnt allow me to use a torque wrench on re-assembly to get them correct. Anybody have a tool suggestion for a pin spanner? Seems kinda crazy to pay $60 for this and I'm not a welder, so not able to fab something without hiring a shop for about the same amount.

Anybody find a tool that works? I've looked at the 90 degree needle nose pliers but I'm not sure they'll hold up to 33 lbs feet tightening. Since they're only 1" from the center, they'll be subject to 330lbs feet...

Thanks, Doug

[dmjames]

I was able to use some angled needle-nose pliers exactly like you described. I think the pair I used were some semi-disposable Harbor Freight junk, so I wasn't going to be sad if they didn't hold up.

[Pauld_94S2]

Doug, have you checked Arnnworx?

http://www.arnnworx.com/catalog/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=65&products_id=186#.Wb_x47J96Uk

[IdahoDoug]

So, I could not find one and it was holding up the work. Today I got a hare brained idea and it worked. Went to Home Despot and bought a length of steel rod .25 inch diameter. Cut a 20" piece and bent the center around a broom handle. Brought tips to 1" apart. Stuck a quarter inch of each tip in the vice and bent the quarter inch to 90 degrees. Vioila! For $3.68, I made a workable pin spanner in about 5 minutes. I clamped a long nose vice grip across the two arms when one started to bow but it will easily handle the 33ft-lbs.

[stogie25]

This is what I used. It works well.

https://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/pliers/11-inch-90-angle-long-reach-pliers-39539.html

[IdahoDoug]

So it held up well. Dang, I worried those cast jaws would shatter. I could have spent the same money as you and had a tool for later instead of a piece of bent rod. Good call - thanks.