I’m stuck trying to loosen this bolt, and it’s just not budging. I’ve already broken one extension trying. What should I do to get it off without causing more damage? Open to any tips or tricks.
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Your extension might be the issue if it’s low quality. Try getting a sturdier one from brands like Husky or Craftsman. Also, use a long cheater bar for more leverage to break the bolt loose.
Smith said:
Your extension might be the issue if it’s low quality. Try getting a sturdier one from brands like Husky or Craftsman. Also, use a long cheater bar for more leverage to break the bolt loose.
A ‘good extension from Husky’… LMAO
@Sidney
Hey, better than whatever cheap one the person used to break theirs!
@Sidney
Or Craftsman… most of my broken tools are Craftsman. They just don’t last.
Charlie said:
@Sidney
Or Craftsman… most of my broken tools are Craftsman. They just don’t last.
I use the Craftsman lifetime warranty like it’s my job. It’s hilarious how often I need it.
@Rory
That’s fair. I’ve moved on from Craftsman, but yeah, the old stuff was solid. It’s the newer ones that don’t hold up.
@Sidney
My Husky torque wrench is still holding up after 20 years. Not great, but not terrible… actually, it’s pretty terrible.
Smith said:
Your extension might be the issue if it’s low quality. Try getting a sturdier one from brands like Husky or Craftsman. Also, use a long cheater bar for more leverage to break the bolt loose.
I had a Husky torque wrench snap on the first try with lug nuts. Replaced it with a $30 one from Amazon, and it’s still going strong.
Smith said:
Your extension might be the issue if it’s low quality. Try getting a sturdier one from brands like Husky or Craftsman. Also, use a long cheater bar for more leverage to break the bolt loose.
Or just get ripped off by Snap-On. Your choice.
@Hayes
Snap-On tools are overpriced, but I won’t lie, they do the job like a dream.
Have you checked if it’s left-handed threads? That could be why it’s not budging.
If it’s the crank pulley bolt you’re struggling with, you might need an impact wrench. Even a basic one from Harbor Freight or Walmart should do the trick. Otherwise, a breaker bar with some serious leverage can help. Also, double-check if the threads are reversed.
You need an impact gun and a six-point socket. That’ll save you a lot of hassle.
Hayes said:
You need an impact gun and a six-point socket. That’ll save you a lot of hassle.
I had to borrow my dad’s big impact wrench for this exact issue. Nothing else worked.
Hayes said:
You need an impact gun and a six-point socket. That’ll save you a lot of hassle.
Yeah, an impact gun makes all the difference.
Hayes said:
You need an impact gun and a six-point socket. That’ll save you a lot of hassle.
Yeah, an impact gun makes all the difference.
I learned this the hard way with a harmonic balancer. Tried a ratchet first… never again.
If you have the budget, invest in a Milwaukee high-torque impact gun. It’s pricey but worth it. Just make sure to use proper impact-rated sockets with it. If not, a breaker bar and a six-point socket might be your best bet. Heating the bolt with a torch can also help loosen it up.
@Charlie
I just got one of those Milwaukee impact guns—over 1,000 ft-lbs of torque! Just be careful not to overdo it when putting bolts back on.