Schwaben Inner Tie Rod Tool (Model #001293SCH01A)

[FlushingDIYer]

Still wondering what to spend my Sears points on... Just got word that I'll need to do some more inner tie rods soon... (Ah, these NYC roads...)

Anyone have success with the Schwaben Inner Tie Rod Removal/Installer Tool Available for $46 from Sears...

I like how it looks. I messed up the threads on my other inner tie rod tool...

I stripped the nuts (they're not metric!) and then when I installed metric nuts, they ripped some threads out...

Anyone use this Schwaben tool?

 

[WWheeler]

I've not used the Schwaben, but I have used a cheap generic one like the second one you have pictured and it always worked like a champ on round/no-flats tie rods. For $15 you really can't go wrong with one of those.

The shape of that Schwaben looks more like it's supposed to be used on a more typical inner tie rod that has the hex flats on the end. I'm not sure it'll actually grab on a round one like the cheaper one will because you snug it up tight with those two nuts. For tie rods with the hex on the end I always use a tube-type inner tie rod tool unless it's accessible with an open end wrench.

 

[FlushingDIYer]

I've not used the Schwaben, but I have used a cheap generic one like the second one you have pictured and it always worked like a champ on round/no-flats tie rods. For $15 you really can't go wrong with one of those.

I agree. I tried renting one of those big tools from Autozone and they just didn't work for me... I think I'll stick to what I know works (and keep the fractional socket that adjusts those bolts near the tool!) This Schwaben tool (and boy are there a bunch of rip offs on eBay for less than $15!) seems like it would be faster, not needing to adjust those nuts. But why reinvent the wheel...

The shape of that Schwaben looks more like it's supposed to be used on a more typical inner tie rod that has the hex flats on the end. I'm not sure it'll actually grab on a round one like the cheaper one will because you snug it up tight with those two nuts. For tie rods with the hex on the end I always use a tube-type inner tie rod tool unless it's accessible with an open end wrench.

I kind of get the feeling you're kinda "suggesting" that maybe I should pick up some larger wrenches or crows feet... hmmmm

 

[WWheeler]

I'd suggest you replace the inner tie rod tool with another one like you had and don't break it this time.

Those work surprisingly well i suspect on most any type inner tie rod, but I've only used it when I had to.

In addition to that ~$15 clamp style like you have pictured, I have two sets of the tube-style inner tie rod tools. I've had the Harbor Freight one for the better part of 10 years now which I've used a dozen or so times, and a Lisle Large Inner Tie Rod tool that I more recently picked up when I ran into some Moog inner tie rod ends that were too large for the HF to fit over (and I suspect they might have been too large for either style of tool you pictured in the OP).

The tube kind is just so much easier when you have a hex tie rod end that it fits. It's the right tool for the job. I guess if I knew that Schwaben hex-shaped end would be able to grip on the round part of an inner tie rod end then I might get it, but absent many good trusty reviews I'd stick with the kind you had just because it's cheap and I know it works.

On the other hand, there's also the OTC (7500) Inner Tie Rod Wrench which has gotten some good reviews

OTC (7500) Inner Tie Rod Wrench
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00B71RL08/?tag=atomicindus08-20
Can be found cheaper than Amazon tho
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?LH_PrefLoc=2&_nkw=OTC (7500) Inner Tie Rod Wrench&rmvSB=true
https://www.google.com/shopping/pro...X&ved=0ahUKEwiLyMut5p3RAhVqyoMKHTZBAJMQ2SsICg

 

[FlushingDIYer]

I'd suggest you replace the inner tie rod tool with another one like you had and don't break it this time.

Those work surprisingly well i suspect on most any type inner tie rod, but I've only used it when I had to.

WWheeler, thanks for being the voice of reason! My wife thanks you!

I might just pick up the Harbor Freight tool next time I'm out there. Thanks for the suggestion. Hope you have a great New Year's Eve tonight!

 

[dsmnickk90]

I have the Lisle kit. Some Chryslers have no flats on them and you have to use the u bolt style.