What Did You Do This Weekend?

Editor

I reaped the predictable result of applying too big a breaker bar to too cheap a ratchet extension (see below). The culprit was a head bolt that had been torqued down hard and then drowned in a solidified pool of JB Weld. After working at it with Simple Green to soften the epoxy (weird: that actually works), I chipped away most of the stubborn blob, but the bolt still wouldn’t let go. I had to get a length of steel pipe to put over my breaker, transforming it into a 4-foot oar. That eventually did the job, and so this weekend I was able to make incremental baby steps toward my diesel Escort head swap.

How about youwhat did you do this weekend?

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Posted at 6:07 pm in Jen Dunnaway, Project Cars, Tools, What Did You Do This Weekend?

Comments

Stewart
Apr 1, 2008 at 12:42 am

Well, I didn’t break anything.
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I did install new fuel rail covers and some more shiney stuff
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Keep up the good work Jen!

kap0w
Mar 31, 2008 at 10:25 pm

Wow Jen – that thing meant business… I just can’t believe that anything glued that tight is ever gonna come off. 4′ of steel can be pretty persuasive though…

atomicalex
Mar 31, 2008 at 9:03 pm

I did not break any tools. I did use a 3′ pipe on my axle bolt, but forewent the cheap extension. Do I have to come out there, girl? You should know better!

GTwildfire
Mar 31, 2008 at 7:27 pm

I neared completion of my resort-like backyard oasis. (no kidding…)

GTwildfire
Mar 31, 2008 at 7:22 pm

Nothing like a Persuader Bar. Jack handles are always dual-use tools for me, although my new, huge trolley jack has a handle that’s bolted on.
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I suggest using only 1/4″ and 1/2″ drives. Forget the 3/8″ drive sockets, but keep a set just in case you’re working in real tight spaces. The longer handles of the 1/2″ drives make life a little easier and you’ll probably never break a socket or extension like this.