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Valve Lapping: Using a Lapper Kit to Grind Valves

July 6, 2015 Leave a comment

The valves in your engine sit on a valve seat, and the seal between these two components is extremely critical for keeping the vehicle running smoothly. This seal, over time, can become worn down and pitted, resulting in a loose seal that can emit oil and fluid. This can cause the compression in the engine to decrease, resulting in a rough run and the faster burning of oil and gasoline.

Valve lapping – which is often called valve grinding – is the process of working the valve and valve seat together to grind a new seal. In this process, an abrasive lapping compound is applied to the valve seat and valve face. Then, as the two components are ground together, the lapping compound, which has a sandy texture, will smooth the surfaces of both the valve and valve seat, resulting in a uniform seal.

The process of valve grinding begins by removing the valve from the seat. Lapping compound – which is a putty-like, gritty substance – is applied to the seat or valve face. Then, the valve is rotated back and forth over the valve seat, while light pressure is applied. Once the process is complete, there will be a uniform gray band around the face of the valve, as well as on the valve seat. This is the new seal, and it will be free of pits and scars. Finally, the lapping compound must be removed from the valve face and seat, using a solvent. Leaving lapping compound on the seat and face will result in faster wear and diminish the tightness of the seal.

There are many different ways that the valve is ground. There are hand-held, manual tools, which contain a suction cup and are rotated by hand. Plus, some prefer to clasp the valve stem with a vice grip, and spin the valve against the seat, by rotating the valve stem. These processes are more time intensive. An air valve lapper kit is a mechanical device that uses power to spin the valve, and it provides several advantages over manual resurfacing.

How Air Valve Lapping Kits Work and Create Tight Valve Seals

Valve lapping kits are a must-have item in any automotive garage. These are similar to handheld lapping tools, but are connected to a power supply. Air lapping tools contain a rubber suction cup that attaches to the valve head. Then, power is applied, resulting in the fast spinning of the suction head. This creates more uniform seals between the valve and valve seat. Here are some reasons a valve lapping kit is a good investment:

A variety of suction heads: Valve lapping kits are equipped with a range of suction heads in different sizes. Thus, the operator can apply the right sized suction head to match the size of the valve, providing a better grip on the valve and more uniform grinding.
More uniform surfaces: Although grinding the valve and valve seat by hand is possible, it can be very difficult if the seal is badly pitted and worn. A valve grinding tool is better equipped to handle badly worn valve, spinning the valve at a faster rate. This results in increased grinding power, which can create a more uniform seal.
Stem Choices: Valve lapping kits are often equipped with a variety of stems, which is the piece that connects the suction head to the power supply. This enables the tool to be adjusted to fit into tighter squeezes, where valves may be obscured by engine components.
Horizontal and Vertical Orientations: Valve lapping tools are available in either horizontal or vertical orientation, enabling operators to choose the device that would work best for them.

Deelat.com is your source for quality, affordable and extremely durable air valve lapper kits. We offer two options: A six-piece vertical kit and a 12-piece vertical kit, each with a range of suction head sizes for broad applications. Start shopping today.

Bottle Jacks: Uses for Lifting Cars and Trucks

June 24, 2015 Leave a comment

Bottle jacks are a type of hydraulic jack so named because they are shaped like glass milk bottles. Traditionally, bottle jacks have been used in the automotive industry for lifting vehicles and in mechanical fields for lifting up heavy machinery. Bottle jacks and other hydraulic lifting tools are much different than scissor jacks, which are typically used with today’s automobiles. Oil is pumped into a cylinder chamber, and, when the plunger is pushed up and down, pressure builds in the piston, ultimately jacking up the heavy object.

Bottle jacks – which are commonly referred to as whiskey jacks – are commonly rated for a certain lifting capacity, generally between a half-ton and five tons. There are bottle jacks with capacities up to 50 tons, which are typically used for industrial applications. For instance, high-capacity bottle jacks (also called barrel jacks) are used to lift a house off of its foundation.

Differences Between Bottle Jacks and Other Hydraulic Lifting Devices

One of the biggest differentiators of the bottle jack is its orientation to the object being lifted and its shape. The “bottle” or cylinder-shaped body houses a stem that contains the hydraulic ram. The hydraulic ram is surfaced with a bearing pad, which is the point of contact with the vehicle that is being lifted.

The bottle jack is known for having a vertically aligned single piston, the bottle, which when oil is pumped into the system via the hand plunger, pressure is exchanged and the bearing pad moves vertically. Often high-capacity bottle jacks, as well as higher-end models, are powered mechanically. Other differences include:

As a single piston system, the lift, when fully engaged, is just about twice its collapsed weight. Thus, a whiskey jack is typically used for lifting objects that have a high clearance.
Compared to other jack types, the bottle jack is more commonly used for short vertical lifts. They are not well-suited for very high lifts, due to the height limitations.
The oil is pressurized in the piston manually via a hand-pump, or mechanically. Floor jacks, on the other hand, use a foot pump to build pressure within the system.

How to Use a Bottle Jack

In general, bottle jacks are relatively user friendly, and only a few steps are required to use the jack. For starters, a user would disengage the hydraulic ram, turning it counterclockwise. Then, you would need to release the pressure in the device. Commonly, there is a valve located near the bottom of the jack, which needs to be turned until the pressure is released and the jack is in locked position. The bearing pad is then released once the valve is unlocked. Then:

Place the handle in the handle assembly, which often just requires it to be placed through a ring.
Move the plunger up and down. Each time the plunger moves toward the floor, pressure builds in the piston, pushing up the bearing pad.
Place the bearing pad carefully under the object that you are lifting, ensuring that the hold is stable.

When finished using the jack, it is designed to quickly release pressure from the piston. To do this, you would remove the handle, and use it turn the valve at the bottom of the cylinder slowly. (This is the same valve you turned at the beginning.)

Shop for automotive jacks and other lifting devices on Deelat.com. We carry affordable, high-quality bottle jacks, as well as other hydraulic lifts, including floor jacks.

Heavy Duty Pipe Wrenches: Types, Applications and Proper Use

June 22, 2015 Leave a comment

A pipe wrench is an adjustable tool that is used for tightening or loosening rounded metal objects like pipes and rods. The wrench has two jaws, an upper jaw, called the hook jaw, and a lower jaw, known as the heel jaw. Both of these jaws have jagged teeth, which clinch onto the pipe when turned.

For buyers, there are a range of pipe wrenches available, and they are made from all types of materials. These wrenches come in a range of sizes to fit standard plumbing pipes, and the sizes are measured by the length of their handle, including sizes of 10, 12, 14, 18, 24, 36 and 48 inches. The size and type of pipe wrench that you use, depends on the application you are using for it for. For instance, some are designed specifically for at-home plumbing projects, with smaller jaws that fit standard soft-metal pipes, while others are specialized for industrial applications.

What Types of Pipe Wrenches Are Available

In general, the straight pipe wrench is the most common type available, and it can be used for the majority of plumbing projects. These pipes feature the same two-jaw design, described above, and they are measured in their handle length. For areas with more space, a longer handle enables maximum turning power. More confined spaces, though, require a wrench with a shorter handle.

Additionally, there are pipe wrenches for specialized projects, including end pipe wrenches, offset pipe wrenches and compound leverage pipe wrenches. Both the offset and end pipe wrenches have two jaws that are orientated differently along the handle. This enables them to be used in tighter spaces and near walls. The compound leverage pipe wrench, on the other hand, has a locking head that’s designed to apply more pressure, enabling plumbers to break seized joints more easily.

How to Use a Pipe Wrench

First, choose a wrench that fits the pipe you will be adjusting. Then, using the nut, tighten the jaws together, slowly bringing the hook jaw down. Be sure to leave a small bit of space between the pipe and the back of the wrench mouth. In fact, the only parts of the wrench that should touch the pipe are the top jaw and bottom jaw. If the pipe touches the backside of the wrench, the gripping action can be diminished. Once the wrench is attached to the pipe, turning it in the proper direction will engage the clinching action onto the pipe.

Since these teeth are jagged, they do tend to scar the metal pipe slightly, leaving teeth marks along the surface. That’s why these wrenches shouldn’t be used on decorative pipes that will be visible, like the stem of a showerhead. In these cases, you can avoid scarring decorative pipe by attaching a leather or cloth strap tightly to the pipe under where you’ll be using the wrench. Finally, pipe wrenches are used primarily for soft metals. When they’re used on harder metals, they can actually damage the fittings. For instance, pipe wrenches shouldn’t be used with standard nuts and bolts, as they will quickly damage the fitting.

Find affordable heavy duty pipe wrenches on Deelat.com. We’re your source for the best prices and widest selection of industrial supplies online!

Because of its teeth and strong grip, pipe wrenches can leave marks in whatever you’re tightening or loosening, so don’t use a pipe wrench on your nice plumbing fixtures. Save them for when you’re working under the sink. Also, you shouldn’t use a pipe wrench on nuts and bolts. You’ll damage the fastener.

Single and Double Angle Mill Cutters: Types, Common Uses and Differences

June 17, 2015 Leave a comment

Milling cutters are rotating cutting tools that are widely used in machining and milling to remove material from the surface of work pieces. There are many different types, including end mill cutters and face mill cutters, and each bit is designed to enable special cuts into the metal work piece. Angle mill cutters, for instance, are one such type of specialized mill cutter, and they have a different shape compared to traditional mill cutting tools.

There are two main types of angle mill cutters – single angle and double angle cutters – which are widely used in peripheral milling. In peripheral milling, the cutting edge of the tool sits parallel to the work piece, unlike face milling which uses a perpendicular arrangement. Unlike standard peripheral mill bits, single and double angle cutters have a tapered cutting edge, rather than flat, with teeth angled on the peripheral of the cutter. The face is more conical in shape, and this design enables a number of specialized mill cuts to be made.

Single Angle Cutters vs. Double Angle Cutters

The biggest difference between the two is that double angle mill cutters have two tapered surfaces along the peripheral cutting edge that come to a point. Thus, as they come in contact with the material, double angle cutters make grooves with two tapered edges.

Plus, single and double angle cutters are also differentiated by the milling that they do. Single angle cutters, for instance, are commonly used to cut chamfers, or sloped surfaces, on the edge of the work piece. Double angle cutters, on the other hand, are used for milling grooves, serrations and notches.

Choosing the Proper Angle Mill Cutter

There is a wide range of angle mill cutters available, and they are differentiated by a number of different factors. For instance, some angle mill cutters are designed for right-hand rotation, or counterclockwise rotation, while others are made specifically for left-hand rotation, which is clockwise. Other things to consider include:

Angle: Both single and double angle cutters are defined by the angle of their taper. There are many different angles available, although a standard range is from 30° to 60° for single angle cutters, and from 45° to 90° for double angle versions, which enables different types of cuts.
Cutting Width and Diameter: The cutting tool’s width is the measure of the cutting edge’s thickness, while the diameter is the length of the cut made by the tool. So for instance, a double angled cutting tool that was 3/8-inch wide and 1-inch in diameter, would cut a rectangular groove into the work piece that was 3/8-inch by 1-inch.
Type of Mill Cutter Material: In general, the majority of mill cutters are made from high-speed steel, which is a durable, yet affordable, type of metal. HSS is ideal in the majority of applications, yet there are even more durable materials to choose for tougher cuts. Cobalt and carbine cutting tools are used for harder materials.

Buy low-cost, quality milling cutters on Deelat.com. We have an extensive variety of mill cutters, including double and single angle cutters, as well as other standard options. Shop today and save!

Automotive Wire Harness Tape: Uses, Types and Applications

June 15, 2015 Leave a comment

In automobiles, boats and planes, hundreds or thousands of yards of wires are used, and they’re often bundled together into what’s known as a wire or cable harness. In a wire harness, a bundle of a dozen wires are attached together using wire harness tape. This wrapping creates a tight seal, and it makes the entire bundle easier to work with. For example, instead of 20 different wires that need to be routed throughout the vehicle; those 20 wires can be attached into a bundle, which makes routing wires easier.

Wire harness tape isn’t like typical electrical tape, and often, it’s recommended that standard electrical tape shouldn’t be used in automotive applications. These differences include:

Self-Bonding: Automotive harness tape doesn’t have a sticky adhesive like electrical tape. Instead, automotive tape bonds to itself, creating a watertight seal. Electrical tape on the other hand, when it’s heated up, can start to “weep” its adhesive, which creates a sticky mess inside the vehicle. Since the tape is self-vulcanizing, it is also easier to remove, which is ideal for faster automotive repairs.
Heat-Tested: Automotive tape is designed to withstand extreme temperatures created by the engine block. Each type of tape is tested up to a certain temperature, and in addition, they’re flame retardant.
Weather Proof: When applied properly, wire harness tape creates a weather proof seal. This protects the harness from engine fluids and oils that may seep onto the harness, as well as moisture that gets into the engine. Electrical tape isn’t designed to stringently protect against weather and moisture, and therefore, electrical tape is more likely to lose its adhesive and unravel from the harness.

In addition, these tapes are created using a variety of materials, including PVC and vinyl, and since they do not contain a sticky adhesive, they’re required to be wrapped more tightly.

Automotive Wire Harness Tape in a Vehicle

Common Causes for Wire Harness Repair

In automotive applications, wire harness tape can be used in a variety of situations. Often, antique cars may need to have the wire harness rebuilt – which requires a new wrapping, once all proper wires have been spliced. After-market electrical components, like stereos, for instance, also require a new harness to be built, and many drivers choose to modify their wire harness. In addition, wire harness failures are also caused by:

Extensive body damage: Most harness run inside body panels on a vehicle. Thusly, following accidents that cause extensive body damage, wires that are inside the body can be damaged as well.
Improperly installed harnesses: After-market parts, for instance a new stereo, are often installed hastily with electrical tape. These quick-fix wire harnesses degrade more quickly and can lead to the need for wiring repairs.
Water damage: This is a very common cause of electrical failure in vehicles, which requires the harness to be rebuilt. Water damage can be caused by rusted out body panels, which allow water to get to the harness, as well as plugged drain holes and water damage around sunroofs.
Improperly routed wiring: Body repairs and major engine work often result in the need for removing wiring. In turn, these wires can become improperly routed when the vehicle is put back together. That can cause wires to be located closer to heat sources, resulting in electrical damage.

Deelat.com is your source for the best prices on automotive harness tape. Shop our vast selection of utility tape online today!