The Begining of the Bushing Tool

1/2" Bushing Tool

The story behind this was about four years ago I needed some bushings for my Manitou Swinger shock. I went to my LBS and got sticker shock $6.00/each. Being a mechanical engineer I use these types of bushings in my "day job" designing widgets. So I contacted one of the distributors my company uses for their bushing supply. Although, I have to buy large quantities to get a good price……folks feel they get their moneys worth at $2.50/each.

Then I started getting requests for a tool. I had already made a simple "plug" type tool for my own personal use. But then I got serious and made a couple of prototypes. I subjected the prototypes to some good old functional testing. Testing revealed a few short comings. First, the need to hold the Bushing in position while getting set up for installation. So I added the o-ring to acomplish this task. Then I added the o-ring to the foot to hold that in place during installation.

During the design of the tool I followed the Bushing Manufacture's guidlines for correct installation. The 1/2" Bushing Tool is now made from 300 series stainless steel. The 12mm Bushing Tool is still made from 6061-T6 Aluminum and black anodized. I will be changing the 12mm Bushing Tool to 300 series stainless steel on the next order.

12MM Bushing Tool

It’s not “rocket science” but installation of the bushing will affect the durability and longevity of the bushing. I've read a lot of posts on mtbr.com where DIY's are installing these bushings using the "socket method". Although, that may do the job it doesn’t support the inside diameter of the bushing. The bushings and shock eyelet have a light press fit (.0004” - .0007”) so it’s possible for the bushing to collapse at the split from not being supported.


Here is a great thread on mtbr that shows the Bushing Tool in action. http://forums.mtbr.com/showthread.php?t=396481

If you would like to purchase one of my Bushing Tools or some DU Bushings then check mtbr classifieds. I am also a well-regarded seller on Ebay. Check out my reviews: http://myworld.ebay.com/mtnbiker4life/