Pick the Right Tool
This tool is the best choice when you need to quickly remove several bolts without lifting the tool off the fastener after every turn.
What is a ratchet?
Before putting significant force on a fastener, this is the first thing you should verify if the socket doesn't seem to fit correctly.
What is the correct socket size?
This tool is useful when you need to turn a fastener repeatedly but have limited room to swing the handle.
What is a ratchet?
This type of pliers is one of the most commonly used general-purpose pliers in an automotive shop.
What are combination pliers?
This tool should be selected when you need to remove a gasket from a sealing surface without damaging the surface.
What is a gasket scraper?
This tool provides more leverage than a ratchet and is preferred when a fastener requires significant force to break loose.
What is a breaker bar?
Using this type of socket incorrectly can increase the chance of rounding a very tight fastener.
What is the 12 point socket?
This tool can give you additional reach when the fastener is recessed or difficult to access.
What is a socket extension?
These pliers are particularly useful when you need to reach into a narrow or confined area.
What are needle-nose pliers?
This tool provides a cleaner and more convenient way to cut tubing than using a saw.
What is a tubing cutter?
This is the better choice for a very tight fastener because it contacts more of the fastener head.
What is a six-point socket?
This type of wrench is specifically designed for removing brake-line fittings without damaging the relatively soft fitting.
What is a flare-nut wrench?
When a socket cannot fully contact a bolt in a confined area, this types of tool or attachment can help solve the clearance problem.
What is a universal joint?
These pliers are the better choice when you need to clamp onto a component and have it remain secured without continuously squeezing the handles.
What are vice grips?
This type of vise can make it easier to securely hold an awkwardly shaped workpiece.
What is an offset vise?
This wrench should be chosen over an adjustable wrench when you have the correct-size wrench available for a tight fastener.
What is a combination wrench?
This tool may seem like a good choice because it can measure high amounts of torque, but it is not the primary tool for simply breaking loose a severely stuck fastener.
What is a torque wrench?
This is why simply choosing the longest tool available is not always the best solution to a difficult fastener.
What is the possibility of damaging the fastener, tool, or surrounding components?
This hammer should be selected when you want to strike something while minimizing the hammer's tendency to bounce back.
What is a dead-blow hammer?
This tool is designed specifically to remove broken screws, studs, or bolts from threaded holes.
What is a screw extractor?
For a severely rusted 18 mm fastener that requires maximum leverage and does not require torque measurement, this two-tool combination would be the best choice.
What are a six-point socket and a breaker bar?
Before resorting to excessive force on a bolt that won't loosen, these are three things you should check or
What are
1. checking socket size/fit,
2. making sure the socket is fully seated,
3. and using a breaker bar with appropriate penetrating lubricant?
A student has the correct six-point socket but cannot get enough leverage with a ratchet. This is the logical next tool to select if there is enough clearance.
What is a breaker bar?
This tool should be used to begin driving a stubborn pin before switching to another punch to continue driving it.
What is a starter/pin punch?
A bolt is stuck and the head is too damaged for a standard socket to grip. You need a tool designed to bite into the damaged head so the fastener can be removed. Which tool would be the best choice?
What is a bolt extractor socket?