lens wrench alternative?

[Per Madsen]

I got my wrench here (allong with a couple of other tools) and it works fine.

I can also recommend MicroTool's wrench. I have the keys from Toyo and Rodenstock, but sometimes the keys are either too thick for the slots in the retaining ring or the key is too short to reach the slots for a given lens.

[venchka]

I can also recommend MicroTool's wrench. I have the keys from Toyo and Rodenstock, but sometimes the keys are either too thick for the slots in the retaining ring or the key is too short to reach the slots for a given lens.

Exactly what I have observed.

[Keith Pitman]

Even though I have a Grimes wrench, I prefer the Rodenstock/Linos wrenches. As Wayne observed, they do not work well on wooden lensboards with a relief cut on the back; they are too wide to fit in the cut. Then you need a true spanner like the Grimes.

[IAphotog]

I was able to, carefully, rig up two tiny screwdrivers to loosen the nut. I got the lens switched over to the correct lens board. I made my first couple of shots this afternoon. My re-introduction to large format has begun. Yay Me!

[Ivan J. Eberle]

I found a combo putty knife/paint roller scraper for about $3 at an Ace Hardware store that had nearly the right opening for a Wollensak Raptar (#1?) lens retainer ring, dusted it down with a Dremel and it works great. Also made up a tool out of a block of aluminum, with two bores drilled for stubs of 1/16" music wire for the shutter cover retaining ring. (I've fashioned my own tools mostly due to time constraints.)

[Robert Hughes]

I found a combo putty knife/paint roller scraper for about $3 at an Ace Hardware store ...

Pfft! What a piker. I use my teeth