Author Topic: BSA Spanner - use?  (Read 2212 times)

Offline RoadRunner

  • A's Good Friend
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 210
  • Karma: 2
  • Thinking Time
BSA Spanner - use?
« on: 29.11. 2019 22:22 »
Hi,
After rummaging through my bits n'pieces I came across this BSA spanner (of sorts) - one end has 2 different sizes (2 photos attached).  So I guess it has a specific use.  Hopefully a more knowledgeable member may be able to shed some light on this.  Also if any member is interesting in purchasing it, please PM me.
Cheers,
 RoadRunner

Online orabanda

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2008
  • Posts: 1180
  • Karma: 24
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #1 on: 29.11. 2019 22:46 »
Well, I can remember using the same style of spanner on my pushbike.

Online Greybeard

  • Jack of all trades; master of none.
  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Feb 2011
  • Posts: 9840
  • Karma: 49
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #2 on: 29.11. 2019 23:06 »
Yes, I think those spanners are for BSA bicycles. Might have some uses on a motorbike.
Greybeard (Neil)
2023 Gold Star
Supporter of THE DISTINGUISHED GENTLEMAN'S RIDE https://www.gentlemansride.com

Warwickshire UK


A Distinguished Gentleman Riding his 1955 Plunger Golden Flash

Online berger

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2017
  • Posts: 2945
  • Karma: 20
  • keith.uk 500sscafe.norbsa JDM honda 750fz
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #3 on: 30.11. 2019 01:12 »
that spanner is very good for the rocker box nuts at the front under the head, oh and anything else it fits *whistle*

Online Swarfcut

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Oct 2018
  • Posts: 2221
  • Karma: 54
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #4 on: 30.11. 2019 08:53 »
  This fits most nuts and bolts on the bike. The jaws fit CEI fastenings, and are typical of a multi size toolkit spanner, handy for simple roadside repairs, not for major dismantling. As BSA started in bicycle manufacture, using the standard Cycle Engineers' Institute Threads for most fastenings, retaining this thread  on the motorcycles, this type of spanner was also commonly  found in bicycle tool kits before the introduction of the cheap stamped out sheet metal version. These days it is rare to find one that's a close fit, as most have had use and abuse over the years. 

 Nice to know to find they made one to match mine, and the Forum Caretaker also has one, featured along with the keyboard.

Swarfy

Offline bikerbob

  • Resident Legend
  • *****
  • Join Date: Feb 2011
  • Posts: 680
  • Karma: 8
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #5 on: 05.12. 2019 08:39 »
I have couple of those spanners somewhere in the garage had them for over 20 years was told they are for adjusting valve clearances  I think that square opening at one end fits the adjusters, never tried  them.
56 A7 s/a
63 A65

Offline RoadRunner

  • A's Good Friend
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 210
  • Karma: 2
  • Thinking Time
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #6 on: 05.12. 2019 11:09 »
Cheers BikerBob,
That seems logical given the short length of spanner. And thanks for all the replies guys.
RR

Offline WozzA

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 1480
  • Karma: 18
  • Melbourne Australia
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #7 on: 05.12. 2019 23:23 »
I know that the smaller size opening fits the tappet / rocker adjusting screw.. & another the lock nut..   *wink2*
'51 Golden Flash Plunger
'57 Golden Flash Swingarm

Melbourne
The biggest lie I tell myself is
"I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it"

Offline duTch

  • Ricketty Rocketty Golden Flashback
  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Oct 2011
  • Posts: 4528
  • Karma: 41
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #8 on: 06.12. 2019 00:01 »

 I was thinking bicycle too, but that's already covered...
Started building in about 1977/8 a on average '52 A10 -built from bits 'n pieces never resto intended -maybe 'personalised'
Have a '74 850T Moto Guzzi since '92-best thing I ever bought doesn't need a kickstart 'cos it bump starts sooooooooo(mostly) easy
Australia

Offline Rocket Racer

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 1670
  • Karma: 17
  • A kiwi with a racing A10 rig and too many projects
    • NZ Classic Sidecar Racing
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #9 on: 05.01. 2020 22:29 »
crikey guys, assumed this would have been easily nailed, its part of your tool kit for the B series.

A good rider periodically checks all nuts and bolts with a spanner to see that they are tight - Instruction Manual for BSA B series, p46, para 2.
New Zealand

Offline WozzA

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Nov 2011
  • Posts: 1480
  • Karma: 18
  • Melbourne Australia
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #10 on: 06.01. 2020 06:59 »
It's also listed as part of the tool kit in my April 1950 printed Golden Flash Instruction Manual    *smile*
'51 Golden Flash Plunger
'57 Golden Flash Swingarm

Melbourne
The biggest lie I tell myself is
"I don't need to write that down, I'll remember it"

Online bsa-bill

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2006
  • Posts: 5720
  • Karma: 66
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #11 on: 06.01. 2020 11:18 »
Quote
its part of your tool kit for the B series.

Never had a B only two A10 but I have three of those spanners (do they breed)
All the best - Bill
1961 Flash - stock, reliable, steady, fantastic for shopping
1959 Rocket Gold Flash - blinged and tarted up  would have seizure if taken to  Tesco

Offline RoyC

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Mar 2017
  • Posts: 1179
  • Karma: 10
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #12 on: 06.01. 2020 17:55 »
Quote
its part of your tool kit for the B series.

Never had a B only two A10 but I have three of those spanners (do they breed)
   

Only if you keep them in the same tool roll.
My bike is a 1958 A7SS
Staffordshire UK

Online chaterlea25

  • Wise & Enlightened
  • *
  • Join Date: Jun 2009
  • Posts: 4026
  • Karma: 54
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #13 on: 06.01. 2020 21:50 »
Hi All,
The same design 4 way spanner was also made or supplied by Chater Lea
I do not have any details of their motorcycle tool kit but I am assuming supplied with cycle tool kits ??

John
1961 Super Rocket
1963 RGS (ongoing)

Offline RoadRunner

  • A's Good Friend
  • ***
  • Join Date: May 2010
  • Posts: 210
  • Karma: 2
  • Thinking Time
Re: BSA Spanner - use?
« Reply #14 on: 07.01. 2020 20:28 »
Thanks for all your replies guys.  I've now sold my only BSA so surplus to requirements hence it's up for grabs if anyone wants to add it to their tool role?

Cheers
Road Runner.