Originally Posted by
wschruba
1) The manufacturer of the (bottom bracket) tool will not warranty it if you break it.
Don't care.
Originally Posted by
wschruba
2) If you accidentally turn the impact driver the wrong way, you will likely destroy the tool/strip out the bottom bracket splines.
Most likely not going to happen, if it does, don't care
Originally Posted by
wschruba
3) Trying to bust loose a stuck bottom bracket (especially if it is in an aluminum frame) has a good chance of toasting the threads in the frame. Use penetrant before attempting it, and realize that you'll likely need to chase the threads with a bottom bracket tap.
Don't care, and I have access to BB taps if there is any metal left to chase. And I know how to use them.
Originally Posted by
wschruba
If you observe all the above, and are still okay with doing it, it can work just fine, though the tools themselves are not built for impact use.
For what it's worth, I found that an impact gun was a great expedient to working on bikes that lived hard lives, but it was rough on the tools. You risk damaging parts, especially if they are stuck, but for removing square taper cranks in good condition, a 'universal puller' with a long impact socket is the fastest. Use on expensive cranks at your own risk--I only used it to remove for disposal...
I've never thought of that. I've never been defeated by crank arms, a puller, wrench and a dead blow works for me. The impact would make it easier.
Originally Posted by
wschruba
I maintained a 2 foot, 1/2" breaker bar for stubborn parts on a bike. If you wind up needing more than that, there's a good chance you'll damage something removing the part. A helper should hold down the bike on the ground (wheels on!), while you apply steady pressure. You may need a large socket to fit over the removal tool, especially for a bottom bracket; these are sold as impact sockets at auto parts stores, individually, for use on hub nuts. A 600 foot-pound gun simply may not have enough oomph for a stuck bottom bracket, given the size of the threading.
I used a breaker on the metal side of a BB after I destroyed the plastic side. Why would they make them out of plastic? I have a set of impact sockets.
The most important thing is getting it off, if it does damage to the BB and the bike has to be scraped, no big deal. It will be scraped if I don't get it off anyway. The exercise is to find out how much force it takes.