Tool review: Lang Brake Spring Tool
We provided a Lang Brake Spring Tool to Transport Services, a trailer dealer and repair shop in North Royalton, Ohio, since May. The specialty tool features a forked end, designed to facilitate the removal and installation of S-Cam springs.
After using it all summer, here’s what technician Nicholas Graves had to say.
Fleet Maintenance: How long have you been working on commercial vehicle brake systems?
Nick Graves: Two years. Prior to that, I was a wheeled vehicle mechanic (91 Bravo) in the Army. I was there for six years. Especially on the trailers, there’s a lot of correlation, as far as the air brakes. The brakes on bigger trailers and trucks in the military are the same.
FM: How long have you been using the Lang tool now, and what do you think of it?
NG: I’ve been using the Lang Brake Spring Tool for three months anytime I do a brake shoe replacement. It has a great design that makes the job safer and easier.
FM: What does the Lang tool do to improve your job?
NG: If used correctly, improved efficiency comes with the tool. Just pop it in place and pry. It’s as easy as that.
FM: What do you think of the materials/ ergonomics/ durability?
NG: It’s just the right length and made with strong enough material to withstand day-to-day use and abuse.
FM: How would you have done the job before without this tool?
NG: Before using the tool, I would try to pre-assemble the shoes with the spring, then fight to put the S-Cam in place. The spring would be removed by force by backing up and hitting the old shoes with a hammer until everything popped free and out of place.
[Editor's Note:The tool was shared in the shop. Road mechanic Ryan Clark, who has been in the industry for over 10 years, agreed that it provides more leverage for removing brake shoes and increases productivity while saving other tools from wear. Clark suggested the handle should be reinforced and more durable to survive repeated blows with a hammer.]
About the Author
John Hitch
Editor-in-chief, Fleet Maintenance
John Hitch is the award-winning editor-in-chief of Fleet Maintenance, where his mission is to provide maintenance leaders and technicians with the the latest information on tools, strategies, and best practices to keep their fleets' commercial vehicles moving.
He is based out of Cleveland, Ohio, and has worked in the B2B journalism space for more than a decade. Hitch was previously senior editor for FleetOwner and before that was technology editor for IndustryWeek and and managing editor of New Equipment Digest.
Hitch graduated from Kent State University and was editor of the student magazine The Burr in 2009.
The former sonar technician served honorably aboard the fast-attack submarine USS Oklahoma City (SSN-723), where he participated in counter-drug ops, an under-ice expedition, and other missions he's not allowed to talk about for several more decades.