K&D Bushing Tool Information

[P3x]

Hi Folks,

I have a K&D Bushing Tool I purchased in the 1980s from Merrits. It developed wear in the bushing that aligns/trues the shaft that holds the reamers to the tool body, and has too much wobble for my likes.

From spending hours searching this board, the net, and contacting suppliers in the trade, it looks like it is not available anymore and its manufacturer (K&D) no longer in business. All was for not, as it was interesting to read the opinions of others relating to using bushing tools and learn the alternate methods/processes used. A mystery on this K&D company as I could not find any info about them.

After seeing what Bergeron and Keystone bushing tools currently list for I'd rather fix what I have. I could resort to have the parts made at a machine shop or try making them on my own - at least the bushing. But, would rather find the parts I need and Fix it and Forget it as they say.

Hoping to find someone here that has previously gone through this excersie and can lend their knowledge or knows a source that may have the parts needed. Would also be interesed in any information about the MFGr. Since this tool was available not too long ago I'm surprised to not being able to find anything about them and sparked my curiosity.

Any and all info is appreciated.

Thanks in advance.

[doc_fields]

If the bushings are bronze, and easily press in and out, here's a possible solution. Out here in our Ace, Knecht, and True Value Hardware stores there is the nut and bolt department, with stacks of drawers with harder-to-obtain items, usually under the trade name "Hillman". They have one set that has bronze bushings, shaped like a top hat, that can be pressed in place. You will, of course, have to determine your sizes, and possibly a little lathe or mill work, but this might be a quick solution for your needs....................doc

[P3x]

Thanks Doc and good suggestion. From memory the bushing shape is similar to a top ha and did not think to check with the local HDWR Stores since I generally strike out looking for something needed for typical lawn-garden repair projects. But you never know when you will be pleasantly surprised.

Since this tool was available not too long ago and the bushing a wear point, I hope to find a supplier that still has one. Although using the term "wear point" maybe a little harsh since I've used this tool for 20 or so years before it got to the point of too much play for my likes. It's possible the MFGr did not supply spares due to its design life.

If nothing comes up, my next step will be to remove the shaft/bushing and determine the size and look to hardware stores and other supply resources. I use MSC (McMaster Carr) for misc. items and materials. Their hardware stock is vast and think they might have something I can use. Another promising source may be aviation parts houses. Many moons ago I was an aviation mechanic with replacing worn bushings/bearings common place. Once I know its size, I'll dig out the AN-MS Hardware Specs and see if I can cross it to a standard bushing and check the aviation hardware suppliers.

Whichever way I wind up with a replacement, I'll post it here for the next repairman needing to repair their wobbly shaft.

Thanks for your response.

[doc_fields]

Most of those bronze bearings are actually powdered bronze formed under pressure and maybe some heat, so they are porous and retain oil. I used to do appliance repair, and we always used Turbine oil or Zoom oil. It's the type of oil that will dissolve the varnish that other oils leave, takes higher temps than most oils, and is readily absorbed into the bronze and releases slowly preventing wear. The bronze bushings are also known as "sintered" bronze. I'm glad you know about them. When my Bergeon bushing tool wears out, that's what I'll put into it also......................doc

[P3x]

Your description is spot on regarding turbine oil. After learning the oil was never changed (replaced) but only topped off during inspection of GE's CJ610 engines (subject to transient turbine temps approaching 900C, I changed to a devout Mobile 1 fan when it was introduced.

Many of the bearings/bushings are the sintered type and last if operating temperature is kept within recommendations. I have thought of trying turbine oil on clock springs but never got around to it. I have read some folks have used Mobile 1 and it seems to do a good job.

Finding a replacement bushing and modifying it to fit is no problem after reviewing what's available,. But the shaft that holds the reamers looks like a joy to reproduce considering the tools necessary and skills to do it - which I'm short of in both departments.

Hopefully with this bump someone with info on the MFGr or a line on the parts will chime in.