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The right tool keeps the lift safe.

Sumner lifts are simple machines — you can complete every procedure in this manual with the contents of a midsize service tool roll. But three tools (wire-rope cutter, calibrated torque wrench, swage tool) are non-negotiable, and using the wrong substitute is the most common cause of repeat failures.

Tool Roll

What you need on the bench.

If you do warranty or fleet service on Sumner lifts, build a dedicated lift-service kit. The list below covers every procedure in this manual.

Required tools

01
Wire-rope cutterHardened jaw · 1/8" – 5/32" cable
Need
02
Hand swage toolFor drum-end swage stop
Need
03
Calibrated torque wrench10 – 100 ft-lb range, 3/8" drive
Need
04
Combo wrench set3/8" – 3/4" SAE; 7 – 19 mm metric
Need
05
Socket set3/8" drive; 1/4" – 3/4" SAE shallow + deep
Need
06
Snap-ring pliersInternal + external, 1" – 2" range
Need
07
CalipersDigital, 0 – 6", ±0.001" resolution
Need
08
Leather glovesCut-resistant, full hand
Need

Recommended tools

09
Cable inspection mirrorTelescoping, for sheave-side cable view
Nice
10
Magnetic parts trayCatches detent balls, R-clips, washers
Nice
11
Service jack / wedgeCarriage block during cable removal
Nice
12
Light machine oil3-IN-ONE or sewing-machine oil
Nice
13
White lithium greaseFor caster axles & outrigger pivots
Nice
14
Dry silicone sprayFor mast slide pads
Nice
15
Fine sandpaper320 grit, for de-glazing brake disc
Nice
16
Tag-out tags & zip tiesFor LOTO during repair
Nice
Torque Reference

Standard fastener torque values.

Sumner's service literature does not publish a comprehensive torque table for every fastener on every lift. Use the values below for general assembly — always defer to a Sumner-published value where one exists for safety-critical fasteners.

Size (UNC) Grade 5 · Dry Grade 5 · Lubricated Grade 8 · Dry Grade 8 · Lubricated
1/4"-20 8 ft-lb 6 ft-lb 12 ft-lb 9 ft-lb
5/16"-18 17 ft-lb 13 ft-lb 24 ft-lb 18 ft-lb
3/8"-16 30 ft-lb 23 ft-lb 45 ft-lb 35 ft-lb
7/16"-14 50 ft-lb 35 ft-lb 70 ft-lb 50 ft-lb
1/2"-13 75 ft-lb 55 ft-lb 105 ft-lb 80 ft-lb
Dry vs. lubricated "Dry" = clean, plain (uncoated/unlubricated) threads. "Lubricated" = oil, anti-seize, or thread-locker on threads. Lubrication reduces friction, so torque must drop ~25–30% to reach the same clamp load. Using a dry value on lubricated threads will overload — and possibly snap — the fastener.
Identifying grade Grade 5 bolts have three radial lines on the head. Grade 8 bolts have six radial lines. Grade 2 bolts (no markings) should not be used on safety-critical assemblies on a material lift — replace any unmarked bolts you find with at least Grade 5.
Common Fasteners on Sumner Lifts

Where each size lives.

LocationTypical SizeGradeSpec Torque
Cable anchor clip (Crosby-style, 1/8" cable) 1/4"-20 Per clip mfg.4.5 ft-lb (per clip mfg.)
Winch mounting bolts 1/4"-20 Grade 58 ft-lb dry
Carriage roller shoulder bolts 3/8"-16 Grade 530 ft-lb dry
Pulley sheave shoulder bolt 5/16"-18 Grade 517 ft-lb dry
Outrigger leg pivot bolt 3/8"-16 Grade 845 ft-lb dry
Caster mounting bolts (5" caster) 5/16"-18 Grade 517 ft-lb dry
Caster mounting bolts (8" Roust-A-Bout caster) 1/2"-13 Grade 8105 ft-lb dry
Fork extension kit (PN 783691) 3/8"-16 Grade 530 ft-lb dry
Mast section join hardware 3/8"-16 Grade 845 ft-lb dry
Always re-torque safety-critical hardware after first load cycle Cable anchor clips in particular bed in under load — re-torque after the first 100% load test. Outrigger pivots, caster mounts, and winch-mount bolts should be checked at every PM interval.
Lubricants

Quick reference.

The detailed reasoning lives on the Maintenance page; this is the one-look version.

LubricantWhereWhere NOT
Light machine oil (3-IN-ONE) Pawl pivot, ratchet teeth Brake disc, cable, sheave groove
White lithium grease Caster axles, outrigger pivots, fork pins Brake disc, cable, mast slide pads
Dry silicone spray Mast slide pads, mast surface Brake disc, cable, cable terminations
Anti-seize compound Outrigger leg threaded extension shafts Cable, brake, painted surfaces
Thread-locker (medium, blue) Carriage roller bolts, sheave shoulder bolt Anchor clip nuts (must be re-checked & re-torqued)