Tool that Works as Advertised-Reccomend

[VaTom]

Had my John Deere lawn tractor worked on 18 months ago for a major repair. Part of the service included blade sharpening. Tech must have over torqued with impact wrench the bolts that hold blades on spindle. The tractor has some age and bolt heads were somewhat worn making socket hard to grip. I sharpen my own blades and could not get the bolts loose. Manual calls for no impact wrench usage and 39 foot ponds torque. I finally bought an Irwin Brand Bolt Gripper sockets and WD40 penetration spray. Sprayed bolts and waited 10 minutes. Used the grip socket (see picture) and put a lot of muscle behind it and finally bolts came loose. Recommend these sockets for damaged bolts or nuts. $28 bucks at Lowe’s and $3 for penetrating spray. $ 31 - Saved me a trip to the dealer or service call.

 

[45Smashemflat]

Reassemble with some antisieze…

 

[Tom S.]

Reassemble with some antisieze…

And new nuts/bolts.

 

[VaTom]

And new nuts/bolts.

Yes. Local JD dealer didn’t have any in stock

 

[Tom S.]

That's why I use 6 point sockets/wrenches whenever possible. Much harder (but not impossible) to round off a nut/bolt with a six point.

 

[Shooter-2]

Thanks for the heads up on that Irwin set. It's always nice when something works as advertised. On my next Lowes trip, its going in the cart.

 

[ACORN]

Should have used Kroil or Liguid Wrench

 

[VaTom]

Saw both at Lowe’s but the small spray WD40 Specialist Penetrant was cheaper. All others in big cans. This is not the same as regular WD40. Thought I would give it a try. Lowe’s did have Kroil.

 

[VaTom]

Ordered some OEM JD bolts from Amazon Prime.

 

[45Smashemflat]

Kroil at Lowe’s? I’ll have to check that out. I need some on the shelf.

 

[chief38]

I had a large bolt and nut assembled on my neighbors fancy pick up truck that we needed to take apart. I first tried a combination wrench, then a 3/8" ratchet, then went to a 15" breaker bar - no luck. Tried Kroil, waited, then added heat - no luck! Finally I broke out my air operated 1/2" drive Snap-On impact wrench and the bolt came off like a piece cake! This nut and bolt was not having any manual hand tool budge it. Since living here in SWFL I have seen a few really super stubborn fasteners - guess it has something to do with the climate.

I have heard good things about the sockets you are talking about. I do not own any but am thinking of soon. That said, sometimes impact can trump pure gripping strength.

 

[greenwellg]

Had to get a wheel off at pick and pull for a backing plate, Locking lug that P&P could not remove. Took my 21 MM Snap on 6 point 3/8ths impact (shallow) socket and DROVE it on the round lug with a 2 pound sledge, SHAVING THE SIDES DOWN TO 6 POINT!!!!. Then I got a 3/8ths to half inch adaptor (KOBALT) and a 2 foot breaker bar.
I had to stand on the breaker bar and jump up and down all 207 pounds of me.
Praying nothing broke potentially breaking my bones with the two foot drop to the ground.
I estimated it took close to 800 pounds to break loose that 80 pound torque bolt. It came loose and did not snap the lug bolt off. To keep the wheel from turning I shoved an Estwig hammer through the wheel spokes to the caliper.
Backing plates were clean enough to wax, replacing my friends boat ramp rusted ones that were $600+ new with one no longer available from Toyota.
No damage to the socket.
An hour from home (each way) and any more tools

 

[tlawler]

Try PB Blaster. I’ve been using it since my Navy days and it’s never let me down. However, the smell is an acquired taste. But if you’re ok with Hoppes 9 and Balistol, Blaster will be no problem.