I finally gave in and tried the zip tie trick for stuck caliper pins

For years I thought it was a hack fix and just kept hammering them out, which sometimes took an hour. Last Tuesday on a 2012 Civic, the lower pin was completely frozen even after heat and penetrant. A guy at the parts counter said to loop a small zip tie around the pin head and yank it with locking pliers. I was desperate, so I tried it. The pin popped out in maybe two minutes with way less fuss. What other simple tricks have you guys picked up for stubborn parts that actually work?

3 comments

3 Comments

jessica13010d ago

That trick is a lifesaver for sure.

miller.rowan10d ago

Honestly, that cable trick sounds genius.

betty_kelly910d ago

Oh man, I read a forum post once where a guy swore by using an old bicycle brake cable for a similar pull trick. You loop it around the part and yank with a slide hammer or just a good hard pull. It sounds a little out there, but the logic is the cable won't stretch like a zip tie might. I've never been brave enough to try it myself, but after your story, I might just keep a cheap cable in the toolbox.