Hydraulic jack knob.

[BravoXray]

I saw a couple of items on Amazon that were knobs/extensions to attach to the valve on a hydraulic jack that obviate the need to use a slotted handle or such to tighten and loosen the valve, and Saturday I made my own with a knob I had in my collection, a piece of 3/4" bar stock and a little lathe time. I turned on end down to 5/16" to be threaded for the knob, and drilled the other end 11/32" to fit the valve stem and then cross drilled it 9/64" for the cross pin. I threaded the end, knocked the cross pin out of the valve, inserted the valve into the adapter, drove the cross pin back in, installed the knob and a jam nut, and now I have a much easier way of turning the valve on the jack on my press.
Took me a total of about a half hour to make it.

 

[oosik]

So far - I'm pretty careful with the tightening/loosening and the little "knob" that came with my hydraulic jack works well. My OEM "knob" is just a threaded bolt with a pin thru the head.

However - yours is pretty fancy and - obviously - easier to find and turn.

 

[LittleBill21]

don't you own a 3d printer? you should be embarrassed you didn't make the knob from scratch (j/k).

Looks good!

 

[Tinhack]

I saw the all metal one on Amazon and was going to order one. Then figured I could make a couple of those for the shop. As yet, I haven't and the last time I looked, they were sold out on Amazon.

Hey, they're back in stock.

 

[ArlyA]

I LOVE what you did. Do post that amzon link for the one you said you found there.

 

[Tinhack]

I LOVE what you did. Do post that amzon link for the one you said you found there.

I just edited the post.

 

[ArlyA]

I saw the all metal one on Amazon and was going to order one. Then figured I could make a couple of those for the shop. As yet, I haven't and the last time I looked, they were sold out on Amazon.

Hey, they're back in stock.

Won't they just fall off and get lost?

 

[BravoXray]

don't you own a 3d printer? you should be embarrassed you didn't make the knob from scratch (j/k).

Looks good!

Thanks!

I thought about that, but I'm not sure the PLA I use would be strong enough, and I probably spent less time making it on the lathe than I would have making a drawing and printing it out.

I have made several tools and other items for use in the shop in the last few years since I got a 3D printer. The last one was a tool to install the lower crank seal in the Briggs engine in my niece's LA125 lawn tractor.
Here's a cable tie holder that hangs on the back of my tool box.

 

[ArlyA]

Thanks!

I thought about that, but I'm not sure the PLA I use would be strong enough, and I probably spent less time making it on the lathe than I would have making a drawing and printing it out.

How do you "print" something you need made out or steel or aluminum?

 

[BravoXray]

How do you "print" something you need made out or steel or aluminum?

They make 3D printers that use powdered metal and a laser to fuse it. They are a little pricey though, for home use. The last time I checked, an entry level machine was $50K to $100K.

The Best Metal 3D Printers To Buy In 2023 Buyer's Guide - 3DSourced

 

[ArlyA]

They make 3D printers that use powdered metal and a laser to fuse it. They are a little pricey though, for home use. The last time I checked, an entry level machine was $50K to $100K.

The Best Metal 3D Printers To Buy In 2023 Buyer's Guide - 3DSourced

At that price I'll take 2! Or a used milled for $5?

 

[Tinhack]

Won't they just fall off and get lost?

I was going to use a spring in the hole to keep it tight. It might already come with one, I don't know.

 

[ArlyA]

I was going to use a spring in the hole to keep it tight. It might already come with one, I don't know.

Please let us know how them work.

 

[Tinhack]

Please let us know how them work.

I guess I should have re-read the Amazon listing.

• It slides on over the release screw, turns 1/4 turn then secured in place with a set screw (included) from the end of the knob. You will need to use a 5/32 hex key (Allen wrench)

 

[ArlyA]

I guess I should have re-read the Amazon listing.

• It slides on over the release screw, turns 1/4 turn then secured in place with a set screw (included) from the end of the knob. You will need to use a 5/32 hex key (Allen wrench)

Sounds like it is held in place with the allen screw?

 

[Tinhack]

Sounds like it is held in place with the allen screw?

Yes. The Allen screw keeps pressure against the two pins on the valve in the two channels in the knob. It shouldn't take much torque to keep the knob tight on the valve. Too much torque will break the channels off the knob. It's still a great design.

I have some 1" aluminum round stock and the machines/tooling to make it. I've just been busy on other projects.

 

[Gem99ultra]

Won't they just fall off and get lost?

It comes with a set screw to prevent it falling off.