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Designed as a tool to make bearing removal and installation simple and efficient, bearing pullers often look like scissors. In some cases, the puller configuration will allow the removal of gears and bearings, including those that are connected to a series of shafts within the mechanism. Different sizes of bearing pullers make it possible to use the device on everything from a pair of skates to complicated industrial machines.
Portable bearing puller models are usually built along scissor lines. The main section of the pliers is controlled by simple inserts that allow the hand to easily open and close the mechanism. The small flat spots on the end of the pliers allow you to easily insert the device into a gearbox or other gear section containing the individual bearings and easily remove one or more of the small components. At the same time, extractors can also be used to fit new bearings back into the mechanism, without the need to completely disassemble the entire apparatus.
Larger versions of bearing pullers are manufactured for use in many factories. Since factories use geared equipment, the ability to replace worn bearings quickly and efficiently is important to maintaining production quotas. Industrial-size bearing pullers make it possible with little to no downtime in the production process.
In addition to working to remove and install bearings, some newer versions of the bearing puller include a small removal tool that helps serve as a guide for the pliers. This addition made it possible to work on the bearings in much less time than was necessary with previous models.
Portable bearing pullers can be purchased at any hardware store. Sizes range from simple models that work well with small toys and appliances to larger versions that are ideal for working on bikes and smaller motor vehicles and household tools. More sophisticated models are available from companies that supply bearings for various types of machines.