elizabethmason•1d agoProlific Poster

PSA: Tried using a 3/8 inch drive on the main steam valve actuator at the Peabody plant and it actually held for the full torque spec.

I learned that sometimes the tool you think is too light for the job can work perfectly if you just take your time and keep everything square, has anyone else had a similar surprise with a smaller drive?

3 comments

3 Comments

jason_lewis31d ago

Had the same thing happen with a 1/4 inch hex bit on a stubborn truck door latch bolt. Thought for sure it would snap, but just went slow and kept it straight. It chewed up the bit a little, but it got the job done without rounding the head.

rowan9691d ago

Ever worry that going too slow just lets the bit heat up and get soft? I've had better luck with short, firm bursts.

max_torres441d ago

Man, I totally get that. I used to think slow and steady was the worst thing you could do, especially with cheap bits. But then I had this one screw in an old engine mount that just would not budge. I tried the short bursts thing and it started to cam out. Out of frustration I just leaned into it real slow with constant pressure, and it finally broke free. The bit was toast after, but it didn't snap and the screw head was still okay. Changed my whole approach on really stuck fasteners.