Hold down clamp from a rocker arm

**Frank S** · Feb 2, 2022, 09:53 PM

I have mentioned these several times in the past but never published one, so today when I found one while rummaging around looking for something else I decided it was time to make one again.
I started with a rocker arm from a SB gm engine, with a bur file on a die grinder I enlarged the hole to accept a 1/2" T bolt then drilled out the threads from a lug-nut to become the swivel washer

Hold down clamp from a rocker arm-img_20220202_114213rac.jpg

Hold down clamp from a rocker arm-img_20220202_114810rac.jpg

**DIYer** · Feb 3, 2022, 04:38 AM

Thanks Frank S! We've added your Hold Down Clamp to our Clamps category,
as well as to your builder page: Frank S's Homemade Tools. Your receipt:

Hold Down Clamp by Frank S

tags: clamp, hold down

**metric_taper** · Feb 3, 2022, 06:57 PM

That looks like the same rocker arm in my 1962 Pontiac 389 V8.

**Frank S** · Feb 3, 2022, 10:02 PM

Originally Posted by metric_taper

That looks like the same rocker arm in my 1962 Pontiac 389 V8.

the rocker arm clamp works really well I will have to try and find the rest of the ones I know I have squirreled away somewhere and make up a set of them

**Toolmaker51** · Feb 4, 2022, 06:56 AM

Originally Posted by Frank S

the rocker arm clamp works really well I will have to try and find the rest of the ones I know I have squirreled away somewhere and make up a set of them

I'll be careful what I drive then, for a return visit.........

**wizard69** · Feb 4, 2022, 07:51 AM

Originally Posted by Frank S

the rocker arm clamp works really well I will have to try and find the rest of the ones I know I have squirreled away somewhere and make up a set of them

Anything that works and is safe is good by me. I'm trying to put together a small home shop and honestly it is expensive even if you try to DIY a bunch of needed tools.

**Frank S** · Feb 4, 2022, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by wizard69

Anything that works and is safe is good by me. I'm trying to put together a small home shop and honestly it is expensive even if you try to DIY a bunch of needed tools.

Trust me I hate to be the barer of bad news but the more you get into putting together your home shop the more you are going to find things to spend money on. Search for the best deals you can and buy quality tools or tooling even if you have to stretch out buying them over a period of time, it will be cheaper in the long run, when you absolutely cannot or do not have the means or materials make them yourself.
My theory is buy quality use it forever, buy cheap for emergencies then either try to make it better or plan on replacing it as you can.

**Rikk** · Feb 4, 2022, 10:07 AM

Brilliant idea Frank!

I always replace these halfway through the race season and I generally toss them in the scrap recycling pile. I am pretty sure I have a set of them laying around in a coffee can somewhere complete with the pivot balls. A little machining and I'll have a nice set of "rocker clamps". Thanks for the idea!

**Toolmaker51** · Feb 4, 2022, 11:30 AM

Frank S's theory and practice is exactly correct. There is no savings in bad tools, nor excess tools; unless distributed across different worksites.
There are limitations for every tool, of course. Frank S's rockers for example are fine in many instances, but not always. The limit is in the design of maybe 1:1.5 to 1:1.6 ratio of clamping, the fastener is right in the middle. Strap clamps work best with the mechanical advantage taken at the 'toe', object being clamped.

One benefit of the web, a little search will turn up good old brands, in usable or better condition, taking some of the pain out of expenditure.
But work to a list, arranged by what priority suits you.
It can double as an inventory, when time comes.