Abstract: Apparatus and method for cracking a connecting rod comprises long and short semi circular dies. The dies include self-contained means for biasing their flat surfaces together to enable them to be inserted through the connecting rod bore. The long die is supported on both sides of the connecting rod. The connecting rod bore initially contacts only the long die. A force generating tool passes through the long die and contacts the flat surface of the second die. The tool operates to separate the two dies against the self-contained biasing means such that both dies contact the connecting rod bore. The tool applies a force to the second die along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod bore. The force is sufficient to crack the connecting rod. The force may be either an impulsive force or a relatively slowly applied force.

Abstract: Apparatus and method for cracking a connecting rod comprises long and short semi-circular dies. The dies include self-contained means for biasing their flat surfaces together to enable them to be inserted through the connecting rod bore. The long die is supported on both sides of the connecting rod. The connecting rod bore initially contacts only the long die. A force generating tool passes through the long die and contacts the flat surface of the second die. The tool operates to separate the two dies against the self-contained biasing means such that both dies contact the connecting rod bore. The tool applies a force to the second die along a plane parallel to the longitudinal axis of the connecting rod bore. The force is sufficient to crack the connecting rod. The force may be either an impulsive force or a relatively slowly applied force.