Do you use Spanner wrenches (the double tip lens spanner type)?

kl122002 · Nov 16, 2023

I watched few repairing videos of the gears and noticed some never used any spanner wrenches to open the ring. The video makers are like slightly pushing the retaining ring and it will go off easily. But in real life, the cameras or the lenses on my table rarely go easy like them. Most of them are hard, sometimes it might broke the tip of the screw driver or scratched the ring as well.

I only use the wrenches or rubber caps to losen the ring first ,then drive it out by using wood stick. And by putting it back I do it in reversed way and only use the wrenches to do final fasting and lock. I don't see YouTubers doing in this way?

Do you guys use spanner wrenches? Or have I been doing it in a wrong way for a long time?

Andreas Thaler · Nov 16, 2023

Yes, I use the tool for lenses and cameras. But I first had to learn to deal with it because I often slipped and that caused ugly scratches.

It is important to set the tool precisely and then fix it. With strong pressure, feeling and a little experience you will then know where it works and where it is better to stop so as not to damage anything.

I have more control over the tool if I don't rotate the tool, but rather the lens or the camera underneath. As soon as the ring or element on the camera is loosened, I unscrew it with a plastic rod so as not to scratch anything.

I can easily remove rings on lenses that are too tight with WD-40. This runs into the thread by itself and then the ring can be loosened with the tool. Then I remove the WD-40 with Zippo lighter fluid.

The tool is, in my opinion, one of the most difficult to use. Sometimes it can be really tricky.

tokam · Nov 16, 2023

Same here. Use the spanner wrench very carefully to do the initial loosening and follow this up with a trimmed bamboo skewer to rotate the ring and remove it. Reassembly is the reverse. Be very careful not to slip with the wrench.

If any bright tool marks are left on a black retaining ring them I carefully touch them up with a black marker pen, Sharpie etc.

BobUK · Nov 16, 2023

I think you are talking about the adjustable two pin wrenches.
If so, remember that some screws have left hand threads. I believe that the self timer lever on the face of Olympus 35 RC have a left hand thread.
Looking at second hand 35RC s on the auction site many have damaged wrench holes on this screw. Most possibly down to slipped wrenches unknowingly being forced the wrong way.

Thumbs up for the black Sharpie, I must try a silver Sharpie for chromed screws etc..

Kino · Nov 16, 2023

I use spanner wrenches BUT I always place one or two drops of alchohol on the thread mating surface and let it soak for a few seconds before attempting to remove any retaining ring.

Be mindful some rings may be left-hand thread; look carefully or find a repair manual if possible.

And... yes, I only break the tension and then get the wrench away from the ring to avoid damaging the lens or beauty ring.

BrianShaw · Nov 16, 2023

… and always make sure the spanner wrench is of decent quality with the correct tips being used.

BobD · Nov 16, 2023

I use them.

When using the flat-type points I put a bit of tape over the blades. That way scratching is minimized if it slips.

When using the pointed tips I put some clear tape over the screw head and then poke the tips through the tape before turning for the same reason.

kl122002 · Nov 16, 2023

Andreas Thaler said:
Yes, I use the tool for lenses and cameras. But I first had to learn to deal with it because I often slipped and that caused ugly scratches.

It is important to set the tool precisely and then fix it. With strong pressure, feeling and a little experience you will then know where it works and where it is better to stop so as not to damage anything.

I have more control over the tool if I don't rotate the tool, but rather the lens or the camera underneath. As soon as the ring or element on the camera is loosened, I unscrew it with a plastic rod so as not to scratch anything.

I can easily remove rings on lenses that are too tight with WD-40. This runs into the thread by itself and then the ring can be loosened with the tool. Then I remove the WD-40 with Zippo lighter fluid.

The tool is, in my opinion, one of the most difficult to use. Sometimes it can be really tricky.

Agree.
I never use WD-40 for the tight parts, instead I use the screw loosening oil . This one (from Amazon Japan) is I have seen in Japan, and now it has been kept in my drawer for many years

grahamp · Nov 16, 2023

The 'H' or gate-type of wrench is very prone to slip if you turn it. Definitely try turning the lens with that one. This design scores for being able to reach into a recessed space, though.

The divider-type (two arms hinged and adjusted with a screw thread) are better in not slipping, but the way they adjust means the blade angles have to be reset if the device was used on a different diameter retaining ring. Mine lets me use different blades. On one occasion I had to mount two watchmakers screwdrivers in it to remove a ring with very fine slots.

I generally use my fingers or a wooden stick while the ring is loose. Particularly when seating a ring, fingers are more sensitive to the risk of cross-threading.

I just used my divider-type wrench to take the back off my watch for a battery replacement. It has probably paid for itself over the years just for doing that

4season · Nov 16, 2023

I use rubber cups where possible - they’re among my most used camera repair tools.

When a spanner is actually required (especially small fasteners), I often will design my own tools in FreeCAD, and 3D-print them. Unfortunately, there doesn’t seem to be any standardization, and I have yet to encounter a situation where a previously-printed tool fits another make and model of camera!

DannL-USA · Nov 16, 2023

eBay is my friend. ;-)

Sirius Glass · Nov 16, 2023

I use the SKGrimes spanner with great care when I have to use it. Of course my heart is in my throat as soon as I bring it near the lens.

tokam · Nov 17, 2023

I like @BobD's tip for the use of tape. Could also reduce the need for a Sharpie to touch up any bright marks left by 'naked' spanner tips. It's always a tense moment when I start to remove a lens retaining ring, once it's moving then no worries.

Andreas Thaler · Nov 17, 2023

If a lot of force is used, you should also protect your eyes.

I use double tipped spanner wrenches. If you slip, the tool can break out of control.

One time it was close to the face, but I always wear safety glasses whenever I'm working on something at the table anyway.

These tools often come with protective caps that you should put on to avoid injuries.

MattKing · Nov 17, 2023

Thread title tweaked, in case people thought the thread was about one of these:

BorHa · Jan 21, 2024

Andreas Thaler said:
Yes, I use the tool for lenses and cameras. But I first had to learn to deal with it because I often slipped and that caused ugly scratches.

It is important to set the tool precisely and then fix it. With strong pressure, feeling and a little experience you will then know where it works and where it is better to stop so as not to damage anything.

I have more control over the tool if I don't rotate the tool, but rather the lens or the camera underneath. As soon as the ring or element on the camera is loosened, I unscrew it with a plastic rod so as not to scratch anything.

I can easily remove rings on lenses that are too tight with WD-40. This runs into the thread by itself and then the ring can be loosened with the tool. Then I remove the WD-40 with Zippo lighter fluid.

The tool is, in my opinion, one of the most difficult to use. Sometimes it can be really tricky.

That’s such an easy and great suggestion to turn the lens instead of the tool. I will try that next time I open up a lens. Thanks!

kl122002 · Jan 22, 2024

MattKing said:
Thread title tweaked, in case people thought the thread was about one of these:
View attachment 353832

Well, in case that was a very big lens?

Andreas Thaler · Jan 22, 2024

BorHa said:
That’s such an easy and great suggestion to turn the lens instead of the tool. I will try that next time I open up a lens. Thanks!

Good luck!

eli griggs · Jan 22, 2024

kl122002 said:
I watched few repairing videos of the gears and noticed some never used any spanner wrenches to open the ring. The video makers are like slightly pushing the retaining ring and it will go off easily. But in real life, the cameras or the lenses on my table rarely go easy like them. Most of them are hard, sometimes it might broke the tip of the screw driver or scratched the ring as well.

I only use the wrenches or rubber caps to losen the ring first ,then drive it out by using wood stick. And by putting it back I do it in reversed way and only use the wrenches to do final fasting and lock. I don't see YouTubers doing in this way?

Do you guys use spanner wrenches? Or have I been doing it in a wrong way for a long time?

Yes.

Homemade, single application, knock ups worked often enough, for me, in none critical applications, like the narrow spaced top fixture/plate of a rewind lever assembly.

Detailed work on better cameras and lenses and deeper, (and pride in your own work) plus a wider range and reach demand better, purpose built tool, so make the investment sooner than later and save those cameras and lenses that fooling about with those, as needed, jury-rigged tools.

You'll be happier once you see the difference a quality tool will make.

IMO.

Do you use Spanner wrenches (the double tip lens spanner type)?

kl122002

Andreas Thaler

tokam

BobUK

Kino

BrianShaw

BobD

kl122002

grahamp

4season

DannL-USA

Attachments

Sirius Glass

tokam

Andreas Thaler

MattKing

Moderator

BorHa

kl122002

Andreas Thaler

eli griggs

Do you use Spanner wrenches (the double tip lens spanner type)?

Attachments

Moderator

Privacy & Transparency

Privacy & Transparency