On Mon, 15 Jan 1996, Kevin Sullivan wrote:
> When removing studs from the head is it preferable to jam two nuts on the
> threaded part or try to grab it with vice-grips or something in the
> middle or is there another way?
If you're planning to install new studs, then vice-grips are okay since
any damage you do to the studs won't matter. If you want to reuse the
studs, DON'T use vice grips! They will score the studs, which weakens
them.
The best (but most expensive) stud remover is the collet type with
internal threads to match the stud threads. This type of extractor clamps
down on the threaded portion of the stud and doesn't damage the stud in
any way, but you need a selection of collets to match all the different
diameters and thread pitches you'll be working with. Snap-On makes very
nice ones.
Next best (and less expensive) is the cam-locking type which grips the
unthreaded part of the stud. This is a "one size fits all" tool, so you
save money compared to the collet type. However, the cam is knurled to
grip the stud so it does displace a bit of metal when it grips. Also,
this type is unsuitable for short studs that are threaded full length
since the gripping action of the cam will mash the threads.
If a real stud extractor isn't in the cards, use two nuts jammed on the
stud's trhreads. Don't jam them too tight, though, or you'll distort the
threads.
> Should new studs be used in all cases or
> are there times when the old ones may be reused?
The old studs are probably usable if they aren't stretched, brittle, or
physically damaged. OTOH new studs are cheap insurance against having to
pull the head again to replace a broken stud (and possibly to repair
other damage caused by the broken stud).
-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Chip Old 1948 M.G. TC TC6710 NEMGTR #2271
Cub Hill, Maryland 1962 Triumph TR4 CT3154LO (daily driver)
fold@mail.bcpl.lib.md.us
If cars had evolved as fast as computers have, by now they'd cost a
quarter, run for a year on a half-gallon of gas, and explode once a day.
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