What tool is used to remove the mower belt tension spring?

Hey guys, My mower belt come off the other day. It was all I could do to get the belt
back on the drive pulley even with a helper pulling back on the tension pulley. Just in
case it happens again I would like to know what tools would make it easy to remove and
replace the tension spring without getting a finger pinched.
Any ideas without buying a specialty tool?
Thanks

rope or a trampoline spring tool.

I have a dozen spring tools which are just trampoline tools in different lengths so my arms or feet are in the right position to allow an easy pull.
Some tensioning arms have a 1/2" square hole and that is for a breaker bar with a short extension to get the height right, usually I can get them with a plain ratchet.
Some older owners & women use a ratchet tie down over the tensioning arm.
I have seen owners who made a loop out of strong string then slip a long bar through them and pilot the bar against the frame somewhere.
Sometimes even a long spannar on the nut that holds the pulley if pulled slowly can give you the extra leverage, but be careful cause the nut can let go suddenly.
I have a customer who put a lock nut on the top of the pulley bolt because he used this method for years , then the nut let go and he lost a finger tip.
He still does it the same way just puts the spannar on then snugs up the lock nut on top.
The one that really blew me away was an 80+ farmer who welded a couple of turnbuckles together to make his special tool and welded a bolt onto the arm to slip the ring end over.

Datadave said:

Hey guys, My mower belt come off the other day.

Click to expand...

The following info just may be of some importance to you?

Click on the link and click on the second video link.

http://www.lawnmowerforum.com/showthread.php/40752-Hustler-Raptor-Flip-Up-amp-SD-mowers-in-general

Thanks guys, Looks like a trampoline spring tool is what I need
I also looked up spring hook tool and found this on E-bay
A Heavy Duty spring hook tool I think will work for $5.00


no more lost fingers like Berts friend

T handle is better. That one will slip right out of your hand.

Yes a T handle is the only way to go.
I use old spark plug tube spannars cause they all have a hole in the middle to run the wire through.

Thanks for the advice
I will look for one with a good gripping T-handle :thumbsup:

i've used pliers before, and just squeeze and pull.
you could also use a drum brake tool.

turboawd said:

i've used pliers before, and just squeeze and pull.
you could also use a drum brake tool.

Click to expand...

Thanks Turbo, Pliers are what I have always used but now days -
I want to go the easy / safe way. Getting tired of smashing my old arthritic hands & fingers.
I found a spring hook tool with a T handle that should work well. Ordering it this weekend.
It is made for heavy duty springs like motorcycle kickstands and such so it should be
tough enough I hope.