[TowerTalk] Spreading HD Thimbles

[Steve Sawyers n0yvy]

I use two 24" smooth jawed monkey wrenches to give me enough leverage to
"twist" them open. Pipe wrenches will also work. I do it on the tail
gate of my truck rather tahn on the ground.

- when in doubt get a bigger hammer - or a longer lever ;-)

de n0yvy steve

K4RO Kirk Pickering wrote:
> 
> What is the best method to spread the opening of the heavy duty
> 3/8" and 1/2" thimbles?  I'm finding the 3/8" ones a considerable
> challenge in the field, and just doable with a vise on the bench.
> The 1/2" ones I can't even spread on the bench vise using a small vise
> and vise grips; forget about field installation.  I'm talking about the
> very heavy duty thimbles here, and not the mickey mouse ones from home
> depot which can be spread with a butter knife.
> 
> I'm attempting it with a vise-grip and a 10" crescent wrench (yes
> that's probably my problem.)  I know that they must be "twisted" open,
> and can't be (easily) "pried" open.  What are you using to successfully
> get a good enough grip and sufficient leverage to open and close a 1/2"
> HD thimble?  Any tips much appreciated.
> 
> -Kirk  K4RO
> 
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