Engine Crane Load Balancer Modification - Advice Sought

[Cris B]

I bought this Draper Load Balancer to go with my Engine Crane a few years ago. It doesn't get much use, but each time I do I am reminded that, to be frank, the winder mechanism is a dog.

I'm posting this in the hope that anyone else has had any experience of this design and how this might be modified to make the device simpler to use. I had been thinking about adding in double washers so that they provide a better slip surface, but wasn't sure on the best material to use.

 

[the snooper]

modify it to take small taper roller bearings

 

[rtbcomp]

Roller/ball thrust washers?

 

[the snooper]

Roller/ball thrust washers?

even easier

 

[galooph]

I used one the other day and gave up on the crank handle. Ended up taking the crank handle off and just used my impact wrench on the bolt head instead – much easier!

 

[Paulbarrett]

I used one the other day and gave up on the crank handle. Ended up taking the crank handle off and just used my impact wrench on the bolt head instead – much easier!

I have one, used once, was quite handy

Galooph, I see you are playing with a 1uz!?

 

[pondy]

A friend has a blue point one, it has no handle just a hex for a socket, it's easy to turn. I put a socket on the end and turn with my hand. Will get a pick tomorrow

 

[CompoSimmonite]

I just added several washers and made a big difference. Proper bearings would be nice but it doesn't get used enough to justify their cost.
I suppose thin Teflon sheet could be glued to the inside of the tube that slides on the main body as well.

 

[Pete.]

With such a short section of hanger and no friction plate under the bar it looks to me like it's not designed to be adjusted with the load hanging. Drop the load and adjust the mechanism, lift to check the balance.

 

[galooph]

I have one, used once, was quite handy

Galooph, I see you are playing with a 1uz!?

Yep! Took it out of a Lexus LS400 and it'll be going into my 2nd gen Hilux Surf eventually

Dan