Another use for the M18 mid-torque impact wrench

[Kilgore Trout]

Well, I decided to flush my hot water heater today and swap out the sacrificial anode. Brought out the 36 breaker bar and socket to remove the anode. Despite it being full of 75 gallons of water and having one of my kids try to help hold it in place, the water heater would just start to shift rather than break the anode free. Then it hit me, time for the impact! Well, a few seconds later and out it came. So, just a friendly reminder that the impact wrench has uses outside of vehicles!

 

[CS454]

Did you try breaking a Snap On breaker bar first to prove a point?

 

[CR888]

The 1-1/16" or 27mm Anode fastener is a classic for being WAY harder to remove than the torque used to tighten it. Impacts are the ticked here. The big question is, do u use Teflon tape or don't use it. Many say u shouldn't as it breaks the contact between metal tank and sacrificial anode, others say the threads cut through tape and contact, others say it dont matter. I dunno...I use teflon. CHECK your tank anode!!!

 

[Kilgore Trout]

I did not use teflon tape. None on the original rod, so I figured, if it wasn't broke, don't fix it!

 

[bubinga]

Well, I decided to flush my hot water heater today and swap out the sacrificial anode. Brought out the 36 breaker bar and socket to remove the anode. Despite it being full of 75 gallons of water and having one of my kids try to help hold it in place, the water heater would just start to shift rather than break the anode free. Then it hit me, time for the impact! Well, a few seconds later and out it came. So, just a friendly reminder that the impact wrench has uses outside of vehicles!

Yes I have read many people having success using an impact on one of those things.

 

[bubinga]

Yes I have read many people having success using an impact on one of those things.

Well, I decided to flush my hot water heater today and swap out the sacrificial anode. Brought out the 36 breaker bar and socket to remove the anode. Despite it being full of 75 gallons of water and having one of my kids try to help hold it in place, the water heater would just start to shift rather than break the anode free. Then it hit me, time for the impact! Well, a few seconds later and out it came. So, just a friendly reminder that the impact wrench has uses outside of vehicles!

How often are you supposed to replace those things?

 

[drmarkr]

How often are you supposed to replace those things?

when the anode's all used up.....

 

[CS454]

when the anode's all used up.....

In-between that and when it starts leaking is an advisable interval

 

[Retroman]

I never new anything about these rods or replacing them. Got one ordered HWH is turning 5 years old next month.

 

[KnurledNut]

Last one I did, I smacked a standard length 1/2 drive SK ratchet with a 4 lb sledge. Came right out. Ratchet was fine.

 

[mike93lx]

I pulled mine this spring just to go through the process on a 2 year old heater. It took quite a bit of effort with even my Dewalt high torque. Between how tight it was and the limited access, I wouldn't have been able to do it with a breaker bar

 

[M635_Guy]

I pulled mine this spring just to go through the process on a 2 year old heater. It took quite a bit of effort with even my Dewalt high torque. Between how tight it was and the limited access, I wouldn't have been able to do it with a breaker bar

Wow - that's kinda scary.

 

[mike93lx]

Wow - that's kinda scary.

It had me a little worried. And the socket got hot.

Reminds me, I need to get a 1-1/16 impact...chrome probably wasn't the best to use for that

 

[Bacon!]

Some of the rods have such a shallow head, that you're tempted to grind off the chamfering on a socket just to get more purchase on it.