Nut Splitters?

[4x4gearhead]

Has anyone ever gotten a nut splitter to actually work? I had a couple given to me by my best friends father. Ive tried to use them here and there but with no success. I dont want to get rid of them as my friends father has since passed. I did a search but to no real success. Do the hydraulic porta power style ones work?

 

[Roots]

They work amazing, it's just that there is a huge quality difference between the ones that cost $20 and $200.

Cooper Tools $223, discounted to $161

 

[lotsoftools]

I have a Craftsman splitter and have used it successfully quite a few times.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Is it a matter of hardness? I find mine just sort of walk themselves above the fastener most of the time.

 

[lotsoftools]

You know, I can't say for sure if I've ever used it on a grade 8 nut. It definitely works on grade 5 and lower though.

 

[5lima30]

I have a couple of HF ones that I have used several times on farm implements that worked fine. Don't use them often but they did the job. JMHO.

 

[rsanter]

They are a tool of last resort...
I have a couple I bought years ago that are asian in origin and they have worked great

Bob

 

[Outlawmws]

I have a snap-on and a K-D and both work well, however the Snap-On is easier to fit, (slightly less bulky).

If you are having issue keeping it square, make sure the "anvil" rotates easily and has some lube in there, as it needs to rotate freely in the clamping screw.

 

[pipsters]

I have a snap-on and a K-D and both work well, however the Snap-On is easier to fit, (slightly less bulky).

If you are having issue keeping it square, make sure the "anvil" rotates easily and has some lube in there, as it needs to rotate freely in the clamping screw.

All nut splitters, no matter the kind, always need lots of lube.

 

[4x4gearhead]

I was thinking of maybe dropping a bit of coin on a real name brand one, sometimes it would be nice to have out there on the road. As I always say when everyone asks me why I have so much **** packed into my service van, it's good to have options, thanks for your input guys.

 

[ruquik]

I have a Craftsman splitter and have used it successfully quite a few times.

2x

 

[BMEdoc]

I've used a fairly cheap one to split many, many nuts. That single tool has saved me countless hours and effort when disassembling my Packard.

Just lube it well, and keep the point sharp.

 

[teletekman]

Has anyone ever gotten a nut splitter to actually work? I had a couple given to me by my best friends father. Ive tried to use them here and there but with no success. I dont want to get rid of them as my friends father has since passed. I did a search but to no real success. Do the hydraulic porta power style ones work?

Well my nut splitter works but most of the time it's a bit hard and confusing to figure out. You read the manual but as always offers me no help. Aparently there is no damn phone number to call for tech support and being that it's already past it's warranty period it would cost me too damn much to pay the restocking fee. It does work quite well however when the weekend comes around for some reason.

 

[Murphy4570]

What is the exact point of nut splitters? I use a cutting torch. Heat problem nut up, and it usually comes off with no problems. Are they for use in lieu of a torch?

 

[Outlawmws]

What is the exact point of nut splitters? I use a cutting torch. Heat problem nut up, and it usually comes off with no problems. Are they for use in lieu of a torch?

Enough heat to get a nut broke off and you'd best toss the bolt/stud as well. A nut splitter allows the removal of a problem nut without destroying the fastener it's on.

 

[Danglerb]

Cheap nut, expensive bolt, plus I'm not allowed to play with a torch.

 

[garfunkle24]

There are lots of places you can't use a torch or make sparks....

 

[usdemt]

This one works.

 

[Manco]

I have one of the relatively inexpensive Craftsman nut splitters. It will take up to a 3/4 nut. However the main probably I almost always have is that I can't get the dern thing to fit over the nut due to the available space around the nut. When I have lots of space it works fine. The rest of the time I either use my sharpest chisel or heat, depending on the situation. With a bit of care, the bolt or stud is usually fine.

 

[diggerrick]

My HF one broke the first time I used it. Antiseize probably wasn't the best thread lube. I noticed mine had a sharp vee thread profile - terrible for the application. Maybe they're different now.

 

[MarkJ]

I have one of the relatively inexpensive Craftsman nut splitters. It will take up to a 3/4 nut. However the main probably I almost always have is that I can't get the dern thing to fit over the nut due to the available space around the nut. When I have lots of space it works fine. The rest of the time I either use my sharpest chisel or heat, depending on the situation. With a bit of care, the bolt or stud is usually fine.

We must have the same model because I've also run into the space issue. When it works though it's a life saver.