Update: Saw a guy at the parts store trying to use a 3/8 impact on a crank bolt.

This keeps happening. People think the biggest tool is the right tool. That crank bolt needs a 1/2 inch drive, minimum. I saw the guy at the O'Reilly's on 5th last week. He was buying a new socket because he rounded the old one off. He told me, 'It just wouldn't budge.' Of course it didn't. You're gonna break the anvil in that impact before you even crack the bolt loose. I've had to extract three of those this month alone from DIYers who tried the same thing. It's a simple thing, but using the wrong drive size just costs you more money and time. What's the most stubborn bolt you've had to convince someone they needed the right tool for?

2 comments

2 Comments

evan_burns953d ago

You mentioning the rounded socket made me wince. The real cost people miss is the time and hassle when a simple bolt turns into a drilling nightmare because the wrong tool slipped. It's not just about power, it's about the right grip so you don't ruin everything before you even start.

jesse9943d ago

I used to think power was everything but "the right grip" really changed my mind.