Sprocket removal

Trying to remove the engine sprocket on my Dommy i used everypuller i could find and borrow including hammers and a torch. Eventually i borrowed the correct Norton puller from Les Rogers , The sprocket came off with a big bang and flew. A hammer and punch? ,no way.

The sharp blow is significant. The first time I tried to remove the engine sprocket from my 99 (I wasbut a callow youth at the time) the proper extractor wouldn't budge it. So I borrowed a hydraulic sprocket puller and wound it on. Nothing. I then put a length of tube on the puller T handle and would it up even tighter. Nothing. I peered closely at it to see what was amiss. Couldn't see anything so I started to stand up at which point there was an almighty bang as the sprocket and puller shot through a new gallon can of oil and embedded themselves in the brick wall of the garage. 2 seconds earlier and it would have been through my head, then the can of oil, then into the wall.

What I should have done of course is use the normal puller, wind it up reasonably tight and then tap the end of the puller (or indeed the sprocket using a drift) to shock the sprocket off without danger to cans of oil, walls or even the idiot's head. A bit of a lesson there.

I suppose it could be possible, BUT, I personally don't like hitting anything with a hammer, particularly the magneto sprocket. Every one seams to have a different interpretation of 'HIT'. I have seen too many hammer marks to think otherwise.

Correct pullers is the only way to go on our old machinery.

Indeed. You have to apply a force along the taper - using a puller - and then you can shock the taper to get it to release using an appropriate sharp tap. I watched a foreman fitter remove a taper-fitting track rod end by battering it with a hammer until it released - the taper by this time was b******d. Not the recommended method.

The proper dommy puller is a serious bit of kit. looks too small to do much but applies the force in a direct line and has a fine thread. I would not sell mine .