Opinions on which pickle forks to get?

[JBradley500]

I am tying up some loose ends in my tools. One thing I really need to get is pickle forks. Do you have opinions on what brands or sets are worth the extra coin or what brands to avoid?

Thanks.

 

[CobraRed]

I was using these on the front suspension of a 94 'yota and they took a serious beating. Some of the joints did not want to come appart so the persuader had to be used. I can post pictures, they still look new.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00P3O22PO/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Not exactly state of the art, but get the job done.
I really don't like the two-piece style designs myself.

 

[jim faston]

Although I avoid using them whenever I can I've gotten good service out of the Ken-Tool manual type (use with a hammer) forks and the Old Forge forks for use with a .401 air hammer.

 

[Vantastic]

Get the lisle set from sears.

 

[ChrisLS8]

Ive used the OEM brand one for years without issue except tearing up the boots. Ive since been using this guy for ball joints and tie rod ends

http://www.harborfreight.com/3-4-quarter-inch-forged-ball-joint-separator-99849.html

 

[malibu101]

Many years ago (when I first started working on my cars) I bought a set from a traveling tool truck sale. That was the place to buy cheap tools before HF. I was young and didn't know any better that they were not supposed to bend and deform a lot during use. I thought that what they did.

Then after they were bent, worn, gouged, and shot, I got a set of KD forks.
WOW! Night and day difference.

I'm not going to pimp a certain brand but I must say this- Whatever brand you choose make sure they are forged NOT just "plain" steel.

 

[PBCampbell]

I'd imagine any brand would do the job. Not exactly a precision tool. I think mine are K-D, but only because that was what was available at the time I needed them(pre internet).

 

[JBradley500]

I'd like something that will last, but most importantly something that won't come apart and lodge metal slivers in my arm... been there and it *****.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have 4 pickle forks total. One is from Autozone, the other from HF. They do just fine.


The two I use regularly fit into the chuck of my air hammer.




Honestly: I have a hard timing believing that there is a truly "bad" pickle fork out there. It's pretty basic.

 

[Lx460]

Honestly: I have a hard timing believing that there is a truly "bad" pickle fork out there. It's pretty basic.

Here you go...lol.

I've finally decided to throw them out. I bought them when I was 15 or 16 at some tent tool sale. It was one of my first specialty tool purchases. I've only used them twice I think. I now use the lisle set that can be used with either a hammer or air hammer but I also have an old ken-tool and herbrand that sit in the drawer as back ups.

 

[Anarius]

I don't think I even have a non-pneumatic pickle fork anymore. The ones I do have for a .401 air hammer are Olde Forge. They work well, but I never really use them. I hardly ever need something apart that it is ok to damage the boot AND I can't get off in a easier/faster way.

http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-6295.aspx

This solves 90% of the problems that a few taps of a hammer won't.

 

[Shootingblanks]

I have pneumatic and normal pickle forks. I rarely use them and find them unnecessary.

I take a big hammer and deliver a glancing blow on the knuckle to pop the tie rod or ball joints loose. This method works so much better and does not damage the boot ends like a pickle fork tends to.

 

[K-Dog]

I don't think I even have a non-pneumatic pickle fork anymore. The ones I do have for a .401 air hammer are Olde Forge. They work well, but I never really use them. I hardly ever need something apart that it is ok to damage the boot AND I can't get off in a easier/faster way.

http://www.tooltopia.com/otc-tools-6295.aspx

This solves 90% of the problems that a few taps of a hammer won't.

Yup.
I use that same kit 90% of the time. If the boot doesnt matter its the pickle fork in the air hammer.

 

[404]

Tell me why (No really) use a fork instead of putting the nut on loose and rapping the nut with an air hammer?

I really want to know. I do all my taper tie rod ends or ball joints with the air hammer hitting the loose castle nut. Why is a fork good or better?

Not trying to be a smart *** here (it comes naturally with no effort) but I don't get it.

 

[Nekit]

Yup.
I use that same kit 90% of the time. If the boot doesnt matter its the pickle fork in the air hammer.

I agree with this too.

 

[K-Dog]

Tell me why (No really) use a fork instead of putting the nut on loose and rapping the nut with an air hammer?

I really want to know. I do all my taper tie rod ends or ball joints with the air hammer hitting the loose castle nut. Why is a fork good or better?

Not trying to be a smart *** here (it comes naturally with no effort) but I don't get it.

By not tapping on the nut you completely eliminate the possibility of damaged threads.

yes I know if you put the nut in the right spot you eliminate the possibility of damaging the threads. By not tapping the threads at all you completely eliminate any chance of damaging the threads.

 

[Sam'sAutoParts]

I have an older OTC it has held up well, not sure how it compares to their current offerings

 

[devoncoolman]

I have otc brand manual set at work they have held up well. Have snap-on air hammer type they are the cats meow. I don't use them much because they work better for damaging stuff then actually getting balljoints apart.

 

[Jarhead0408]

Weird timing.

I just broke my Lisle pickle fork yesterday. It's the two piece version that takes either a standard handle or the air chuck type for your air hammer. I broke the standard handle off at the threads. It was screwed all the way in. Kind of surprised me when it broke. I thought the balljoint had popped but nooooo.

 

[2004.5cumminsman]

OTC MAKES A BAD *** SET!!!! with the air hammer adapter.

 

[2004.5cumminsman]

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000F5HUTO/?tag=atomicindus08-20