Impact wrench to remove rotor and clutch nuts?

BrianK · Jan 2, 2008

Anybody ever used an impact wrench to remove your rotor and clutch nuts on a Commando? Success?

I'm installing a new chain and the old one's off, so I can't prevent rotation by putting in gear with rear brake on.

Both normal right-hand nuts, right?

Thanks folks - BrianK

L.A.B. · Jan 2, 2008

Yes right hand threads.

I place a piece of wood between the chain and the clutch sprocket to lock it all up when loosening or tightening those nuts.

Ron L · Jan 2, 2008

Anybody ever used an impact wrench to remove your rotor and clutch nuts on a Commando?

Yep! All the time. Like Les, I wedge the chain and the sprocket except I use an old plastic screwdriver handle. I use a torque wrench rather than the impact to tighten though! :wink:

BrianK · Jan 2, 2008

Good to hear, thanks guys - BrianK

cash · Jan 3, 2008

Brian,
Take care you can do a lot of damage with an impact wrench. You'll be putting a bit of shock into the bearing thrust faces, perhaps well over what they would normally expect to see in service.

Cash

Ron Hulton · Jan 3, 2008

Brian

Been there ... done it ... and for my 2 cents it is the easiest way to REMOVE either nut . However , as suggested previously .. DO NOT attempt to drive these back on tight with the impact. You can buy or even make a tool that locks up the clutch on re-assmbly and makes torqueing of these nuts quite easy.

shedweller · Jan 3, 2008

For my 2c worth, I usually use a socket and sliding bar. Give the bar a sharp tap with the hammer - same result, no side force applied to the bearings but the nuts loosen easily. Only ever to be used for undoing!!

BrianK · Jan 4, 2008

Just did 'em, worked a treat. Zipped em off so fast I really doubt it could have stressed any bearings. Actually, I'm wondering if they were under-torqued. I'll torque 'em properly, with a drop or two of blue loctite, going back on.

Thanks as always folks - BrianK

cash · Jan 5, 2008

Brian,
Are you using a powered or hammer type of wrench ?

Cash

BrianK · Jan 5, 2008

Powered, cash - electrical.

cash · Jan 5, 2008

I'd got it in my head you were using a hit it with a hammer impact wrench.
Cash

shedweller · Jan 5, 2008

Yeah, thats what I pictured too! Must be old.

BrianK · Jan 6, 2008

I still have on of those in my tool kit, and get to use it once in a while, but not this time!

I bought a cheapo electric impact wrench off eBay a while ago - needed it to get at the sprag clutch on my Ducati, which I've removed and tightened several times and then recently had to replace.

Darned thing is pretty nice to have! And I think it was all of $25...

Impact wrench to remove rotor and clutch nuts?

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