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So I bought a set of 1/2" hammerlocks from Auto Hauler Supply to connect my RV safety chains to my 2017 F350 King Ranch and I can't find a way to get the pins driven through to get them installed. I tried holding a sledge hammer head behind the the hammerlock and using another hammer to drive the pin but I can't seem to get the pin to drive through and the harder I hit, the spring pin just ends up falling out from the middle.
the spring should also have a bushing around it. I was able to get the pin partially through one side and started into the spring just by pushing it in, then a hammer backup the some lite taps with another one, I did put some copper coat anti-seize on the pin and in the spring just to make sure I can get it apart again.
Might be pulling at straws here since I have not added these but would some anti sieze and a c clamp do the trick? Maybe consistant direct pressure might at least get it started enough to then drive it. I have used this method on other projects with success. Good luck.
So maybe I am just clueless? I am trying to push the pin through the spring surrounded by the bushing, correct? Just to try I attempted to get the pin through the spring against my concrete floor without the coupling and it was a no go. This can’t be that hard and I must be missing something.
If it was me, I'd get my calipers and do some measuring before I did I did any more pounding on the pin. Once you know what the pin od and the bushing id measures you'll know what you're dealing with. If dimensions look like they'll "fit", warming up the bushing and cooling the pin will also help the assembly. I'd guess that the pin is directional/tapered.
It took me a few attempts for the same reason, couldn't make it go through, until one day a really need them installed so I use a big hammer as backing and other a little less heavy to hit the pin until I made it
So maybe I am just clueless? I am trying to push the pin through the spring surrounded by the bushing, correct? Just to try I attempted to get the pin through the spring against my concrete floor without the coupling and it was a no go. This can’t be that hard and I must be missing something.
That's interesting. My 1/2" CM Hammerlocks had a spring in the center bushing to hold the pin. Went in with a few gentle taps with a small ballpeen hammer with a deadblow for backup. I also had mine powder coated. This shows what the bushing looks like.
I just purchased the 1/2" hammerlocks for my F350. The best way to install these is to hammer the pin into and through the bushing a couple of times. I just used my bench vise to facilitate this and a punch. Then I added a few drops of WD40 to the bushing. I placed a small sledge hammer on the back of the hammerlock that my wife held and the pins drive in pretty easy. I'm not worried the pins will come out without using a punch. Still very tight but definately the best way to assemble without damaging your hitch. One additional thing I did which may have helped was to use my bench grinder to define the small bevel on the end of the bolt, very minimal grind for a few seconds is all I did.
Hope this helps.
That's interesting. My 1/2" CM Hammerlocks had a spring in the center bushing to hold the pin. Went in with a few gentle taps with a small ballpeen hammer with a deadblow for backup. I also had mine powder coated.
This show what the bushing looks like.
Exact same as mine. It was a spring inside a solid piece of tube. And went together nice and easy. I have the CM Hammerlocks as well.
Searching hammerlocks finds a bunch of knockoff brands made in china. Does anyone have a link to buy CM hammerlocks (in black preferred)? If not CM then maybe another that is "made in the USA".
