If you don't have these items, go to HF right now and buy them. They will make your life better. And they're on sale.

#1 Impact drive. This thing will bust frozen screws loose. This will save you from stripping the head off a screw and having to drill it out.



#2 Stud extractor. Not as useful IMO as #1 but this can be a handy device:

 

I have the craftsman impact screwdriver... its not removed a single bolt or screw. Even with other people using it... and using large hammers/sledges.

I think when stuff is seized up here in chicago... its seized...

 

The car I bought that lived in Germany, New England, then Savannah, the impact driver saved me a bunch of times.

I find the key is take the ID, hold it on the screw, and apply a little counterclockwise torque. Then tap it a few times with the BFH to seat the ID bit into the screw. Then whack the **** out of the ID with the BFH. Usually takes 1-3 hits.

Ben

 

An impact driver and BFH combo saved me a while back when changing the rear brakes on an mx6. There's a set screw (phillips) that holds the rotor to the hub. PITA to get off. Only the impact driver proved successful.

 

I've got the summt stud installer kit. very nice.

 

That's exactly why I own one. Honda rotors were held on that way. The miata and STI don't have those screws (or at least I'm not using them). I had an auto-parts-store brand impact screwdriver that wasn't really working on my friend's NSX. We went and bought a craftsman, and it did the job. He bought the tool, but it lives in my toolbox, so I think I got the good end of that deal.

-Mike

 

Thanks for the heads up on some great tools!

 

I use the hand impact all the time at work when I don't have pneumatics around

This is my tool of choice for removing a stubborn screw


It goes inside a air hammer/rivet gun. give it a few blurps and a twist with the handle, Pure magic

 

I use those things all the time on honda rotors.

I just so happen to be going to HF at lunch time today. Wifey got me a little compressor for the garage so I need an impact wrench, air wrench, etc.