KNOCK’ER LOOSE I used to struggle with a 30-ton press and heat to remove CV-axles from spindles, when replacing wheel bearings. I learned that a coating of penetrating oil and an air hammer with a blunt tip can be used to easily drive the axle from the spindle. I hold...

HELICOIL REMOVAL Sometimes when machining and repairing different things, it is necessary to remove helicoil inserts that have been previously installed. Without any knowledge of how to do this can make a simple repair seem like a complete disaster. From my...

PO’ BOY EZ OUTS Instead of using Easy Outs for removing broken bolts and studs, I use a cut nail. It is tapered, and has enough carbon to be hard enough to grab the bolt. It’s square shape makes it easy to use a wrench to remove. I’ve used these on a variety of bolts...

MELTED BOOT SOCKET This worked for me as a fix for removing the melted spark plug boots, as well as the spark plugs on a Honda head. It will work for any other engine with boot melting problems. I modified a spark plug socket with some notches or teeth that will cut...

DUAL-MASS CLAMP This is a hold down for grinding dual-mass flywheels that I made in my shop. It allows me to resurface many types of dual-mass flywheels. The round disk is used to put pressure on the flywheel and keep it from spinning while it is on the flywheel...

MULTI-PURPOSE WOOD STOVE During the winter months, I enjoy the heat from my wood stove that I have in my shop. I don’t have a flywheel ring gear heater, so I utilize the wood stove here as well. I put my ring gear on top of the stove (direct heat) for 10 minutes or...