What Is a Gear Puller?
A gear puller is a specialized tool designed for removing gears that are assembled on equipment or machinery. It employs the force of a screw mechanism to pull off gears, particularly those that are difficult to detach manually due to rust or deformation.
Gear pullers are equipped with two or three-jaw claws for hooking onto gears. Three-jaw claws offer more stability in gripping. They are also used for removing timing pulleys, which are belts placed on gears, in a process sometimes referred to as pulley removal.
How to Use a Gear Puller
To use a gear puller, first, hook the claws onto the gear’s outer periphery. Then, tighten the center bolt until it contacts the shaft where the gear is assembled. While ensuring the center bolt and claws remain in place, tighten the hexagonal part using a wrench. This action pulls the gear until it loosens enough to be removed by hand. For wider gears, the claws’ length can be adjusted to fit larger diameters by changing the support point hole.
Caution is advised when removing tightly secured gears, as there is a risk of the gear flying off unexpectedly.
How to Choose a Gear Puller
When choosing a gear puller, consider the size of the gear to be removed. Larger targets require larger gear pullers and vice versa. Gear pullers can also be used for removing timing pulleys and bearings, with larger pullers often needed for timing pulleys. The size of a gear puller usually corresponds to the overall body size, but some models have longer claws while maintaining a standard body size.
The number of claws is another important factor. Two-jaw and three-jaw types are common, with three-jaw types offering more stability due to their three-point grip. However, more claws typically mean a higher price. Additionally, for bearing removal, a bearing puller could be a viable alternative.