Bezel tool from Select Hobbies

steve thornton Sat Dec 16, 2017 6:15 pm

I have had a few engines that I am unable to get the backplates to budge even after heating. The difficulty comes from the Cox wrench and I don't want to round off the notches in the backplate. Found this at Select Hobbies and would like a review from experts! Anyone ever use one of these?

http://selecthobbies.com/accessoriesdata.htm

The part # is TBZ-1 and it is found when you scroll down below the propellers.
Thanks for any help!

halfpilot Sun Dec 17, 2017 12:29 am

That is a jewellers tool for unscrewing a wrist watches bezel.

A very similar tool was once suggested in one of the RC magazines but I cannot recall which one. Their idea was to make the same tool from a cheap crescent type wrench. Basically drill holes to fit two wire pegs in the side of the jaws. Adhere two short lengths of wire firmly in the drilled holes. Use the crescent wrench's existing mechanism to get the spacing correct then you can use it to unscrew and tighten backplates.

**RknRusty** Sun Dec 17, 2017 1:27 am

Hi Steve,
I wish they had a bigger picture of it.
Bezel tool from Select Hobbies Bezel%20Tool

If it's strong enough I expect that tool will work.

Keep in mind the D backplates slots are rounded from the factory, which never gives you a forceful grip. Before using the Cox tool, I use a square needle file to square out the bottom of the slots. That method has been successful many times. But if you'rea collector, then I understand why you don't want to do a hack job like that.

I usually soft-clamp the crankcase vertically in my vice and use the whole back edge of the tool to lean into it and break the stuck threads loose.

getback Sun Dec 17, 2017 10:08 am

I dont know about the tool But, just had one on a Medallion that i didn't think i was going to get off , I heated it up with my hair drier till it was very hott had my insulated gloves on and with the glow head end of the wrench got it unscrewed , it was tough but with enough heat they will come off !! If you have a Babe Bee old style wrench that is enclosed all the way around they work better ..

steve thornton Mon Dec 18, 2017 9:32 pm

RknRusty wrote:Hi Steve,
I wish they had a bigger picture of it.

If it's strong enough I expect that tool will work.

Keep in mind the D backplates slots are rounded from the factory, which never gives you a forceful grip. Before using the Cox tool, I use a square needle file to square out the bottom of the slots. That method has been successful many times. But if you'rea collector, then I understand why you don't want to do a hack job like that.

I usually soft-clamp the crankcase vertically in my vice and use the whole back edge of the tool to lean into it and break the stuck threads loose.

Hey Rusty, I have filed a corner at the bottom of the notch on a couple of engines and it works well, but this thing is like one piece of steel. I understand that the slot is rounded off at the bottom next to the actual backplate, but I'm concerned about rounding the upper corners of the notch. I will try it again and use LOTS of heat. Thanks again for your help!

pkrankow Tue Dec 19, 2017 8:39 am

RknRusty wrote:
I usually soft-clamp the crankcase vertically in my vice and use the whole back edge of the tool to lean into it and break the stuck threads loose.

I clamped the _wrench_ in the vise and used welding gloves to hold the heat gun heated engine and body weight to keep the back and wrench engaged. Worked really good when I needed it to, although I have only done this a few times.
Phil

chevyiron420 Tue Dec 19, 2017 9:08 am

Here is what I made out of an old socket. Just file down the two sides till you get what you want, plus you can use a ratchet on it.
Phil

steve thornton Tue Dec 19, 2017 11:59 am

chevyiron420 wrote:Here is what I made out of an old socket. Just file down the two sides till you get what you want, plus you can use a ratchet on it.
Phil

What a great idea Chevy, I never ceased to be amazed by the ingenuity of this great community!
Thanks again!

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