Found a trick for getting stubborn cotter pins out on the ramp

Kept fighting with corroded cotter pins on landing gear bolts until I grabbed a pair of 90 degree snap ring pliers and used the tips to pry them open from the inside. Anyone else got a weird tool that saves time on routine stuff like this?

2 comments

2 Comments

noah_webb1d ago

Flip the pliers around and use the back of the tips like a drift punch if you can't get a good grip. The handle gives you just enough leverage to tap it out without bending the ears. Also, drench them with PB Blaster the night before if you know you're pulling them. That stuff breaks the rust bond way better than WD-40. Ever try heating the bolt end with a torch just enough to expand the metal?

verap521d ago

Got a neighbor who swears by heating bolts with a propane torch and then tapping them while they're still hot. He's the same guy who set his truck's undercarriage on fire trying to get a seized leaf spring bolt out. Fire department showed up and everything. He still insists it works if you don't leave the torch on too long. I just stick with PB Blaster and a breaker bar now. Not trying to explain to my wife why I got the fire department called on me again. But I will say, a little heat on the right bolt can make a world of difference if you're careful.