Staking Keystone turrets

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 9:21 am

Do you guys have anything other then the Hoffman tool for staking those keystones? Maybe a tool I may have around and not think of? Ive been using a hex bit similar to the bit George uses for the metro turrets and with my drill press it works perfectly but none fit inside the smaller keystones and I wont ream them. Their weak enough as is.

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 1:13 pm

I used a fair-sized center punch to do mine. One good whack with a mallet and they're set.
I know, pretty low-tech.

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Sat Sep 17, 2005 4:24 pm

I could probably cut one and mount it in my press. What size? Do you know?

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Sun Sep 18, 2005 12:01 am

Billy Batz wrote:I could probably cut one and mount it in my press. What size? Do you know?

I don't know the size for sure, it's just one I had at work. The end is larger than the turret before it comes to a point is about all I have to go on.

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 7:25 pm

I guess something like this

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... =hi&n=1000

Ill stop at the hardware store tomorrow and see if I can find something that will work.

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Mon Sep 19, 2005 10:12 pm

Billy Batz wrote:I guess something like this

http://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/tg/de ... =hi&n=1000

Ill stop at the hardware store tomorrow and see if I can find something that will work.

Yeah, pretty much something like that.

jetcole37 · Post by **jetcole37** » Tue Sep 20, 2005 7:26 am

i have a keystone staking tool that i got from mouser 23.51. you can use it for staking wide roll eyelets and for turrets. it a good tool. you mount it in a drill press and use it. one thing that i did was, took a flat washer 3/8 i think and ground a flat on it so that the set screw in the anvil would sit flat on the drill press deck. if you buy one you will see what i mean. it's a tool to have. leon

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Wed Sep 21, 2005 6:53 am

Flames how do you stake them with a mallet without destroying the turret? Now I see why you need 2 peices for the Hoffman staking tool. If you hammer or press down with the top of the turret taking the force it will bend or smash. One of the pieces of that tool fits over the shaft of the turret but presses against the base and allows the pressure to just be on the base of the turret instead of the top.

gnugear · Post by **gnugear** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 11:18 am

I tried hammering them and I flattened the split "key" part. Then I tried a really dull chissel but I split it down the center. I need to figure out a decent way to do it too ... hopefully cheap and easily found.

Billy Batz · Post by **Billy Batz** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 11:31 am

That Hoffman tool is apparently the only alternative. Its like $5 plus shipping. The only reason I didnt just get that is I wanted to go to the store and just grab something but if Id just ordered it when I started this theread Itd be here already

Flames1950 · Post by **Flames1950** » Fri Sep 23, 2005 6:09 pm

I didn't realize you were trying it with the split turrets. I've only done it with the standard Keystone/double Keystone. And I usually have to keep a moderate touch, and use wood to set things on so the wood gives before the turret.