I need a lens spanner- wich one?

[bruce]

I have and enlarging lens I need to take apart and clean. I would like to breakdown and buy a spanner wrench instead of making some crude tool like I usually do with such projects.The thing is I hate buying junk tools.
 So which one?

[MichaelHarris]

Bruce I need them also, I'm going to get mine at micro tools.  http://www.micro-tools.com/

[r-brian]

I bought the 3 set of economy spanners from Micro-Tools and I DO NOT recommend that set.  I can't keep them tightened down unless I use pliers on them and then they're not that rigid.  I do make due with them but wish I had spent more and bought a better set.

Brian

[nelsonfoto]

Good info, Brian.

[MichaelHarris]

Thanks Brian, I'll stay away from those for sure.

[Jack Fisher]

I have two of the T-132-34567 spanner wrenches from Micro-Tools, acquired from National Camera School 20 years ago.  I have never had any problems with them.  The cost is high, ($148.52), but good tools are a time saver.  Micro-Tools also have a Japanese copy that appears similar (SP4).

I quit buying cheap tools at the urging of my wife many years ago.  It seemed that I would buy a cheap tool, and it would bend or break, or I would risk injury; and I would then go and buy the good one.  So, she said "Buy the good one first."  Then I wouldn't have to buy it twice.  So that was the "authorization and advice" I needed.  (Smart woman) - Ever since then, I would try to acquire the best tools.  ...and they last forever unless abused.

Just a suggestion.

Jack

[bruce]

Jack, you are right about tools.

[Wayne]

I have the same set as Jack & the quality is good (your wife is a wise woman Jack BTW). You may have to make or modify tips for specific applications.

It's certainly a huge step up from the dividers I used to use...

Cheers
Wayne

[AFaceInTheCrowd]

I bought mine from Microtools and am very pleased with it. I can't remember the model number off the top of my head but it's the one with the set screw holding the blades in place rather than the quick release.

Other than having to file the tips very slightly to fit the older rangefinder retaining rings it's been fantastic.

I've used the models with the spring loaded ball bearings holding the tips in ... I'd stay clear of them. They don't hold very well

dan

[contactprinter]

I bought mine from Microtools and am very pleased with it. I can't remember the model number off the top of my head but it's the one with the set screw holding the blades in place rather than the quick release.

Other than having to file the tips very slightly to fit the older rangefinder retaining rings it's been fantastic.

I've used the models with the spring loaded ball bearings holding the tips in ... I'd stay clear of them. They don't hold very well

dan

I recently replaced my Microtools Spanner (YUCK!) with 2 of the SK Grimes Spanners (1 with flat tips, 1 with pointed tips).  The SK Grimes spanners are a better design IMO and they work fine.

[jake]

There seem to be two (okay, probably more than two) lengths - the stubby ones like SK Grimes and then the longer ones that have two cross members. For large format lenses on removable lens boards, the stubby ones might actually be better, but the long ones are necessary for getting down into the back side of a TLR or folder with a stubborn lens flange.

J Ake :twisted: