Pullers

Pulling means removing a component from a shaft, bore or assembly using a defined force. Unlike striking or levering, the force is applied as axially and evenly as possible. This reduces the risk of damaging adjacent components and improves control during dismantling.

Which puller is suitable depends, among other things, on whether the component can be gripped from the outside or inside. The available reach, pulling depth, installation space and required pulling force are also important. Mechanical pullers are a compact solution for many standard applications. For high loads or confined conditions, hydraulic tools or a combination of a separating tool and puller may be the better choice.

An external puller grips a component at its outer edge and pulls it off a shaft, pin or other mounting. Typical applications include removing bearings, gears, pulleys, fan wheels or coupling components.

The tool generally consists of two or three gripping arms and a central spindle. The gripping arms are positioned behind the component to be removed. When the spindle is tightened, it rests against the shaft and pulls the component outwards in a controlled manner. Three-arm designs generally distribute the load evenly and provide good centring, while two-arm versions can offer advantages in confined spaces.

The decisive selection criteria are reach, pulling depth and permissible load. The gripping arms should rest against the component over as large an area as possible and symmetrically. Hydraulic assistance may be useful for sensitive components or high forces.

An internal puller is used when a component cannot be gripped from the outside. Its gripping arms or segments engage inside a bore, bearing or bush. The component is then pulled from its seat using a spindle or in combination with a slide hammer or counter-support.

Internal pullers are suitable, for example, for seized bushes, bearings, bearing races or rings recessed inside a housing. The gripping segments are positioned inside the component so that they engage securely behind the inner edge. A suitable counter-support enables axial removal without placing unnecessary strain on the surrounding structure.

When using the tool, make sure that the internal puller is suitable for the bore diameter and installation depth. The gripping segments must hold securely without unnecessarily deforming the workpiece. Before pulling, check whether the component is additionally held in place by corrosion, dirt or a press fit.

Universal pullers are flexibly adjustable pulling tools for different component sizes and installation situations. Their gripping arms can be adjusted to different reaches and pulling depths. This allows them to complement several specialist pullers in the workshop or cover certain standard tasks with a single tool.

Depending on the design, universal pullers can be used as external pullers or, with additional components, for other pulling tasks. Adjustable arms and interchangeable gripping jaws make it easier to adapt the tool to gears, pulleys, bearings or similar components. A central spindle ensures controlled force transmission.

Universal pullers are particularly practical when different components need to be dismantled regularly. However, their versatility does not replace correct sizing: reach, pulling depth and load capacity must match the specific task. For very high forces, sensitive components or difficult access, a specially designed puller or hydraulic system should be preferred.

Levering tools transfer manual force through a sturdy lever and support the loosening, separating or positioning of components. They are used when controlled leverage is required and a conventional puller does not offer a suitable contact point.

Flange spreaders help separate seized flange connections without placing unnecessary strain on the sealing surfaces. Tyre levers support assembly and disassembly work on tyres and wheels. Separating and assembly forks are used to press components apart or loosen component connections, for example at joints, tie rods or other force-fitted connections.

The tools must be positioned at a suitable and sufficiently stable contact point. Leverage should be applied as controllably as possible and in the intended direction. Striking or levering tools must not be used for purposes other than those intended or overloaded with unsuitable extensions. Safety glasses and appropriate occupational safety measures are essential equipment for separating work.

Hydraulic pulling tools use hydraulic pressure to build up very high forces in a controlled manner. They are used when mechanical spindle pullers are insufficient or when large, seized components need to be loosened with force that is as even as possible.

Hydraulic pullers combine gripping arms or separating tools with a hydraulic cylinder. Hydraulic presses generate pressing forces for removing and installing bearings, bushes, bolts or similar components. Pumps provide the required hydraulic pressure, while cylinders convert the force into linear movement. Depending on the system, the components can be used individually or as a coordinated unit.

Hydraulic solutions offer high power density and good controllability. Correct alignment, suitable contact surfaces and compliance with the permissible pressure and load values are essential. Hydraulic lines, couplings and cylinders must be checked for damage and leaks before use. The force should be increased slowly and evenly. The component may come loose suddenly, so a safe working area is essential.

A nut splitter is a specialist tool for removing seized, damaged or rounded-off nuts. Instead of turning the nut, a hardened chisel is used to split it in a targeted manner. This allows the connection to be released when a wrench or puller can no longer achieve a sufficient grip.

The nut splitter is placed over the nut and aligned so that the cutting wedge rests against a suitable point. When the pressure spindle is tightened, the wedge penetrates the nut and splits it. Depending on the design, one cut may be sufficient. Larger or particularly strong nuts may require two opposing cuts.

When used correctly, the threaded rod or bolt is generally protected. Nevertheless, the nut splitter must be suitable for the spanner size and design of the nut. The tool must not be used on hardened or unsuitable materials if its design does not permit this. Safety glasses and a stable position of the tool are important during the work.

Separating tools, also known as separating knives or puller separators, create a secure gripping edge for subsequent pulling operations. They are placed underneath a component when its rear side is not sufficiently accessible or when the gripping arms of a puller cannot be positioned directly.

The wedge-shaped separating knives are carefully guided between the component and the contact surface. A puller can then be attached to the separating tool. This allows bearings, pulleys, gears or other flat-mounted components to be dismantled without using the sensitive edges of the component as the only contact surface.

Depending on the system, separating tools can also be combined with pulling spindles or hydraulic pullers. It is important to position both halves evenly and apply the force symmetrically. The separating knives must not be tilted. The contact surfaces and counter-support must also be sufficiently stable. For particularly seized components, the permissible load of the entire combination is decisive.