Number 7 in the greatest tools of all time list is that weightiest of tools known as the Tie-Rod Separator. This hard forged tool is reminiscent of nothing so much as a giant tuning fork and its use will bring music to your ears. It is no less than twelve inches in length and has a great heft in the hand.
Here are a few of its greatest uses.
- Taking the slack out of a heavy chain.
- Prying open just about anything.
- Lifting a heavy door in place while working on the hinges.
- Lifting up on suspension springs while inserting a spring “helper.”
- Wedge it under the door of the motel and you won’t need to worry about visitors when you are traveling.
- Pop open that rusty toolbox.
- Stick the grip end into the ground and you can brace your rifle between the tines.
- Engage in Medieval combat.
- Impersonate King Trident at the “Under the Sea” festival.
- Separate a tie rod end, but it does a poor job of it.
What are your uses for this indispensable tool?
Reg Adkins writes on behavior and the human experience at (elementaltruths.blogspot.com).
One can use a brand new piece as a fork to fork in finger chips in the mouth.
Never even heard of one of these. I’m sure it’s very useful and it is a subjective list, but I don’t even know what it’s originally intended for!
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I like to use mine to split firewood with. It also works as a pretty good crowbar in a pinch.
I’m trying to separate a tie rod ball joint from it’s mount and can’t get it off. I’ve tried a puller with heat applied (torch) to the female side of the fitting. I also just bought a tie rod separator and pneumatic hammer but that seems to be ineffectual because it presses on the rubber boot which absorbs all the shock. If I cut off the boot I believe that will destroy the joint. Any suggestions?
Thanks
Rodney,
Wood splitter! Never thought of that.
Curt,
What is the make and model of the vehicle? Where are you trying to seperate it, the steering knuckle?
The windows here in my apartment stick like they were super glued.. My tie rod seperator sits on the window sill in my room just waiting till I need some air. It works great at opening them and I highly recommend it anyone that DOESN’T worry about the finish/paint on their walls/sills. Oh and my windows ar the sliding metal type.. Im sure wood could be a splintering mess.. but ya gotta do what ya gotta do..
[...] Greatest Tools #7: Tie Rod Separator [...]