Table of Contents
Last Updated on March 16, 2024 by John Patterson
Automobile repairing is a very crucial task because every single aspect needs to be handled carefully. If you prefer to do this kind of work by yourself, you are conscious of the safety of your vehicle parts. You would never want any of it to get damaged along the process.
So, during the repairing process, you might need to take out some of the internal parts of the vehicle. Thus, the use of a slide hammer comes into play.
In that regard, this article on how to use a slide hammer will be helpful for you if you are looking for the best process to solve this kind of problem. Everything is written comprehensively so that you can have a clear understanding of the overall scenario. Read on to find out more.
What Is A Slide Hammer?
A slide hammer is a friendly tool that will help you out in a situation where you need to pull something out from an automobile. If there is a dent in the car or you need to free some internal parts that are very tight, this tool will perform very effectively without a doubt.
Its Outlook
The name ‘Slide Hammer’ is confusing because people think of it as a hammer that they usually use to strike something. But the surprising fact is that you don’t need to do any of that. This tool only requires your flexible motion to pull something out.
If you take a slide hammer, you will see that it is entirely made with a steel rod with a hook that can be replaceable. This hook is fixed on one of the ends, and there is a handle mounted with a steel ring on the other.
Therefore, the whole portion looks like a significant metal cylinder, but you won’t face any hassle when it comes to gripping the tool.
There are lots of hardware stores that sell various models, and it is a strategic step that you should consult with the supplier first before you buy one.
How to Use a Slide Hammer? Step-By-Step Guide
Below, you will find a step-by-step process about the way of using a slide hammer. Go through it precisely and take notes (if possible).
Step 1: Assemble Everything
Before you start working, it is better to take precautions beforehand. Wear safety gear like goggles, gloves, and a face mask. Please take all the necessary tools, including the slide hammer, and put it in your workstation.
Step 2: Adjust the Slide Hammer
Place the hammer onto the spot where you are going to repair it. If you have to do the work in the internal portion, gently detach all the external parts of the automobile.
After you are done with that, position the legs or the ends of the tool and make sure it is locked tightly with the locknuts. The slide hammer should always be in the direction of the slide rod.
Step 3: Turn the T-Handle
When the adjustment and attachment portion step is done, and you are satisfied with it, turn the T-handle clockwise. Use one of your hands to hold the hammer firmly and the other to do the turning.
Do it to the point until it gets tight, and you are unable to turn it further.
Step 4: Apply Gentle Pressure
Move the hammer forward and backward along the metal cylinder. When you are targeting the center, always apply gentle pressure; otherwise, you will damage the repairing spot. On the contrary, other than this situation, you need to exert an extra amount of pressure to get your job done.
Step 5: Finish It Off
It would help if you did the sliding until you have successfully pulled the internal parts out. As you are done with your main purpose, turn the T-handle in an anti-clockwise direction and let it loose. If you have other locations to work on, apply the same process to that spot.
How to Use a Slide Hammer Dent Puller?
Slide hammer dent puller is very useful in pulling out the dents from your car. The process is straightforward, and it is highly recommended that you should practice beforehand to level up your confidence.
Make sure you are working in an area where there are zero distractions. In addition to that, take some time out for this task and don’t be in a hurry.
Way to Use the Puller
First and foremost, wear protective gear. Tightly hold the end of the handle and hook the other end into the dent. You can do this by making a hole into the uneven area where the problem is initially created. As the adjustment is made, gently pull the slide towards the handle.
This process will force the dented area to come back to its original even shape, and you will be surprised when you get to look at it.
Accordingly, pull the slide with moderate force and avoid applying additional pressure or else you will either increase the size of the hole or damage the overall dent. This accident will cost you both time and money, and you would never want that, right!
Likewise, when the metal is even and suitably flat, apply automotive body filler and paint to make it look as good as new.
How Does a Slide Hammer Work?
The shaft of the slide hammer is vast and round, and the weight of the hammer mainly moves through it. There is also an endpoint where all the weight will be exerted. Whenever a force is produced due to the weight movement onto the shaft end, the overall pressure pulls out the dents or tightly joined-parts.
So, to make this tool work effectively, you need to have a good grip on the handle, and the other end must be tightly fixed towards the problematic area.
Let’s watch the below video to remove a dent with a slide hammer:
Final Words
I hope all the valuable information will turn out to be helpful as well as beneficial for you. If someone asks you the question ‘How to use a slide hammer?’ you can share your knowledge from this article and also suggest them to have a look at it.
Best of luck!
