Adjustable Wrench Thumbwheel Axel Removal

We address one of the most frustrating aspects of restoring a Adjustable type Wrench...
Check out what prompted this video!
Ben Mall- • Rant About Crescent Wr...

[@mrbenmall]

Oh man. First of all, thank you so much for making a video to address my problem in the middle of the night. That is super considerate of you. I know you're so good at solving these kinds of issues. I will get some stronger reading glasses and attempt to fix. Might need to buy a screw extractor set, as well. Thanks again. You're the best.

[@jimpatton281]

I love your channel because you have practical solutions. when you come across a problem not everybody has a machine shop with 1000's of dollars in tools to fix a 50 cent yard sale find.. keep up the great work

[@salchristiano6606]

Thanks for the lesson this morning. This is why the community platform is so beneficial.

[@christopherlusk9385]

Thanks for the lesson. Bought a Channelock 810 this weekend at a garage sale for 50 cents. I cleaned it to the best of my ability and the jaws started working. I called the company and they told me it should unscrew to take the thumb-wheel out. I then saw your video on the axle removal. Thanks again.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks Christopher!!!!!!

[@johnkelley9877]

The pliers turned out beautifully! They look like they just came out of the box. And your right, the new nut you made for it looks so much better then the rivet. I had never seen a spoke tightener until now. Thanks for sharing these cool tools.

[@dradey]

Your tool restoration videos are like watching a Buddhist monk practicing zen meditation. Lots of concentration and zen like focus. I have learned a lot from you. Many many thanks.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks so very much! So glad you enjoy them!

[@darrinlawton2748]

The dreaded extractor bits.....it's fun when one of those snaps off in the broken bolt you're trying to extract.....cheers mate.

[@johncrable3349]

Hi Scout - just a note of thanks for trying to help out Ben. Have a happy day!

[@josephpaulestes8080]

I have a old J.H. Williams AP-10 adjustable wrench that had belonged to my dad who has passed away. Our barn took 21 inches of water in the flood of 2016. This wrench was rusted shut. I used electrolysis to remove most of rust, got it loosened up. I have never taken one apart, but I knew about the screw. I was able to back the screw out a good bit, but it hung up. I then searched KZbin, and and found your video. I ran the screw back in, aligned the slot with the peens, and at vise, I was able to use small punch to push peens back as you suggested. I have plenty of adjustable wrenches, but my curiosity led me disassemble the wrench. Thanks for your video. Joe Estes, Bossier City, La

[@jackthompson2132]

Thank you so much. I have been trying for about 3 weeks to get a pin out. I seen Ben’s post yesterday and realized I wasn’t the only one. Nice detail video and great tips. I want to thank you and thank Ben for posting his problem.

[@JackScurlock]

I am sure this will be one of your most useful videos. Addressing a problem that many of us must face. I am almost ready to open my tool channel yet, after 7 years, I find I am having to refurbish and/or locate many of the tools I will need to start. Seems that they have been scattered all around the five buildings or just piled in a corner. And all your videos give me more and more incentives to get with it. I will be back in Texas in a week or so from cold and raining Georgia. Thanks for this video...captjack

[@lewiemcneely9143]

I've had my knuckle buster for years and never gave the adjuster a 2nd thought till the pin fell out and took the thumbwheel with it. I just picked everything back up and crammed it back together. All my stuff is pre-oiled anyway so no worries. Thanks, Crafty Scout and happy day 2 U!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Lewie! Long ones too! LOL Thanks so much!!!!!!

[@lewiemcneely9143]

@@ScoutCrafter You got it, Scout! You GOT it!

[@dorey1985]

Ugh, easy outs or screw extractors... I broke one off in the engine block of an 87 Ford Taurus wagon I owned when I was in my early 20's. Needless to say that was the last time I used one. If I knew then what I know now and learned from people like you, that car wouldn't have become razor blades so soon lol. Awesome video as per usual.

[@bat116]

Thank you so much for doing this video. I know it meant the world to Ben. And it was a great refresher for me as well. I have kept up with Ben since you mentioned him a while back and like his style. Hope he continues on and if so he will get better and better. Thanks for all you do to help us tool nuts.

[@mikemuscatiello8787]

I just bought an 18” vintage Jamestown, NY Crescent Adjustable wrench and was having this same issue. I dremeled out the peening and the screw backed right out. Thank you for your detailed videos!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Mike, They can be tricky, I do prefer the threaded in pin! Thanks!

[@andrewvuolo771]

Ingenious, thank you sir for sharing your experience with us. A simple yet effective method . Thanks again been struggling with a wrench for a few days already this video is invaluable. As always your skillful craftsmanship is amazing.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Andrew! I am so glad you enjoyed the video and it helped! Thanks!

[@briantraxler2780]

This is a valuable part of your channel topics. Problem solving. Any problems that might challenge restoration are important. For me anyway.

[@ScoutCrafter]

You are so right!!!!!

[@SARSteam]

There is no teacher like experience :D Nice video and thanx for spending the time to show us your experience.

[@troon5488]

I am learning something new with each video. Thank you!

[@michaelpugh4894]

Excellent information. I learn so much about tool restoration from you.

[@corydriver7634]

Awesome mock-up and instructional skills. A couple more ideas if I may; if you’re trying to isolate the heat to just the screw try applying the tip of a soldering iron to the screw head for a couple of minutes (this works great on old rusty screws in wood too). If you don’t have a soldering iron heat up a nail point to red hot while clamped in a vice then touch the wrench to the nail. If you have a pin instead of a screw that is frozen to the adjusting knob -like your auto wrench-slide a shim between the knob and housing then use a punch to drive the pin in slightly to break the bond. Awesome video-Time to regroup and re-attack Ben Mall! PS. Who the hell would give this a thumbs down?

[@johnkelley9877]

Great practical advice. Thanks for sharing this information. I had always wondered how to remove a thumb wheel pin or screw and after watching this I know how to.

[@ededmund5685]

wow i bought a small vice at an auction ,,cause i liked it ?? when i seen you turn yours on it's side i was amazed ,,, i didn't know what i had .. Thanks for the video Ed Loretto Ontario Canada

[@virginiagonzalez1138]

Thanks for the video. Great job of explaining the process. I like Ben's channel also and I could tell he was getting a little frustrated. I would hate to see him give up on those wrenches.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Virginia! Next time you are at Ben's Channel go to his "Videos" link and look at some of his original music! Really amazing!! Thank so much!!!!!

[@Rusty_ok]

No wonder the rest of us have trouble finding these old tools! You have them all! Good video, thanks for posting this for us amateurs.

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL- I have lots or tools waiting restoration! LOL Thanks!!!!!!!!!

[@uktony1525]

This video is unbelievably useful. Thank you so, so much. I have a combined adjustable spanner and alligator jaw spanner where this has shown me my next steps. A HUGE thumbs up.

[@tumbo1984]

I started my restoration... And pin removal the day before you posted this lol.great tips, would have saved me time

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello tumbo! When they go well it’s always nice but so often they don’t! Thanks very much!

[@frankg3072]

Very nice instructional video. It’s like going to tool restoration class. I’m sure Ben got something out of this and he will not be so frustrated. Thanks for all the interesting videos!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Frank! I saw the look on Ben's face and he wasn't having fun... Like me doing plumbing! LOL This should all be fun and everything a challenge! Thanks Frank!!!!

[@357magdad]

Excellent tutorial! We've all experienced the frustration Ben shared in his video.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Those dreaded pins!!!!! LOL I hate them!! Thanks!!!!!!

[@mtmchenry]

Great video. The info on Removing the pin is what I need to finish up old Ford wrench.

[@norherman]

Ah! Mr Finger helps us understand the instruction we are seeing. Thanks again.

[@mankerstone9581]

You sir, are the man! Excellent solution. I watched Ben's video before yours and felt his pain. You make it look so easy. Thanks for what you do

[@ScoutCrafter]

I felt so bad seeing Ben's frustration but I have been there more then once! LOL Thanks!!!!!!

[@big_air_jer9768]

Such a wealth of knowledge ScoutCrafter. Thank you for taking the time to help ben and us all with your solutions for this.

[@marcmckenzie5110]

Thank you, thank you my friend! This classical fits under great mysteries which seem obvious upon revelation! You are so generous with your knowledge. 👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@leebrewer1190]

Excellent tutorial Scout, thanks for sharing this. And as you said, this is the fun of restoring - figuring out how to solve the problem.

[@coryfarris3936]

Great video. Your timing is perfect. I’m struggling with one right now. Thanks!

[@ActiveAtom]

Really like that beginning with the speed nut wrench first time we have ever seen one at 55 wow never see it all. You sure have a GREAT accumulation of fine hand tools wondering back in time just how many of any type tool you select from your collection were made in America that would be an interesting story to share as would how many of the tools on a particular group of your collection are still in business. I think I love American history a lot sorry for that. MEMORY LANE HERE Being from aerospace job shop involving sub-assemblies for aircraft structures, we used a staking tool a circle of very hard tool steel of half moons protruding from the equally hardened steel cylinder you hit these with a hammer and it formed the material of the holes edge into the holes diameter equally in the circumference of the hole usually for bearings bushings even like in your great video share threaded headless screws. Nice video share thank you for the memories. Lance & Patrick.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello AA! Wow! Sounds like a great tool!!! I have to revisit the Speed-Wrench! I found that in the garbage! Thanks!!!!!

[@terryhill6380]

If it was easy everyone would do it. It's the challenge that makes it fun for me. Great video

[@ScoutCrafter]

Some challenges are fun and some are just a pain in the %#$! LOL Thanks!!!!!!

[@RobertBosworth]

Thanks so much for talking about this. Thanks to you, I'm trying my hand at tool restoration on a couple of wrenches. One has the threaded pin and I was able to get it out. The other (an auto wrench) has a pin. Thanks so much for the tips. Keep posting videos, I can't get enough.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Robert! It really helps in this hobby to watch other people restoring tools so you can see what works for you! Some tools are just tricky but easy if you know the trick! These adjustable wrenches are fun if they aren't to beat up! Thanks so much!

[@DG-zl6ml]

Thanks so much for taking the time to do such a detailed run through! I don't restore wrenches but a few of the tips are sure to come in handy on other things.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks so much!

[@tonyday7233]

Thanks for that, i have never needed to do that, but i have some of the older style wrenches, now i know what to do if need be, thanks again, from Australia.

[@danielgrenier3288]

"These jaws are too mangled." Hahaha! What great support and encouragement, ScoutCrafter. Fantastic! Thanks for sharing!

[@ScoutCrafter]

Those are some ugly jaws! LOL

[@lwoodt1]

As soon as we see the pointing hand come up,, we know this is an important tip to remember.

[@greenman9229]

LMFAO I know I've said it before, but that miniature hand pointer is so damn funny.

[@gordon7005]

Fantastic tips there giving me confidence to tackle those issues Keep it up Scoutcrafter

[@georgechambers3197]

I absolutely hate screw extractors. I found that HF has cheap sets of left hand drills. There are usual Chinesium but have always got the job done for me. Nice tips on removing the staking from those wrenches. I usually use the milling machine to remove the staking from the holes though. I have an old Palmgren vise like that and use it all the time. Thanks for a very informative video!

[@stevef8993]

That was a great tutorial ScoutCrafter!!! Love seeing all the detailed process!! Thanks!👍

[@DJSHADDY2K7]

Thank you for posting this video. Now I know why my crescent wrench will not screw or move at all.

[@smellyellow]

Another great video. Thank you for sharing your methods. I always learn something.

[@bertalicea2397]

Yes sir you're a good guy always with the helpful tips, awesome video! 👍 👍

[@annachrissy4874]

I learned a few new things!!! Thank you!!

[@edhuck5664]

Truer words have never been spoken in regards to your comment on the screw extractor! Lol

[@perrylc8812]

Thanks, I’ve got a couple that have been through a fire and been a a lost what to do. Will definitely give this a shot.

[@altonriggs2352]

Glad to see Mr. Finger again...

[@rok1341]

Ready for bed, but noticed the video had to watch.The pointer you use awesome

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks so much! My fingers are just too big!!!!!! LOL

[@beerdrinker6452]

Great video. Always a great teacher.

[@illestofdemall13]

I would say you are an expert.

[@emersonaz]

Great tips. Screw extractors scare the hell out of me. You gotta have a soft touch with them. Break one off and your mentally scarred for life. Can't drill out the hardened steel.

[@ap45sontoolworks11]

Massively helpful. Big thanks for this one!!!

[@sneakysnake109]

Thanks for sharing that. I can definitely see that coming in handy.

[@wyattoneable]

That pointing finger cracked me up. Good instructional video but like you said, I hope I never have to do use those screw extractors.

[@drstrangefart]

Hammers are the secret. If you can't fix it with a hammer the problem is electrical.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Curiosity Forge Allan LMAO!!! 😂😂😂

[@bluemantom77]

Good one hammers fix everything don't they lol

[@drstrangefart]

In my blacksmithing shop, YES.

[@annachrissy4874]

Curiosity Forge ha!!!

[@edhuck5664]

Lol! also...hammer to fit then paint to finish!

[@johnduff6436]

Definately one for the "saved" file. Appreciate you!

[@williammcguire3rd]

Good little tip! Thanks for sharing.

[@fatal-sf7rh]

Really love watching your vids....i had the same issue with the same type of adjustable wrench

[@diYotamCh]

Great timing and Great tips and explanations. I have some wrenches to do as well. one is a very rusty thing my kid found on a biking trip, and brought me as a gift...(you can see it on my Facebook) Hopefully I will have it easy on the cleaning and derusting... Thanks for sharing.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hello Yotam! I already passed by a few wrenches because the screws looked very bad and I knew it was more work then I wanted to put into that tool! Thanks so much!!!!!!!!

[@TheFWAdmin]

The more videos I watch of you the more I'm sure you were used for the inspiration of Hank Hill

[@texasj49]

Thanks, Scoutcrafter! Really helpful video.

[@kadmaster]

Awesome tip for restorations as always...Thnx for your effort and vid...and I can buy this kind of chuck for my old dremel 3000.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Kadir! I think so! The Dremel tools are lifesavers!!!! Thanks!!!!!!!!

Thanks for parting with your hard learned knowledge.

[@JAResto]

Great advise Scout.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks so much JA! 😃👍

[@larryborkstrom3580]

that is nice of you to help someone out

[@alexstools]

Great tutorial, thanks!

[@MarkH10]

Oct.,'42. Men were fighting and dieing in Guadalcanal, and Tunisia. Leningrad, Stalingrad, and Moscow were under attack. There was a big industrial ramp up going on.

[@uglyfrog7263]

I love your pointer.

[@jughtful]

an impact screwdriver is a good tool to have & it helps to heat wear the the tread of the pin is as you said it sometimes on the other side nice video.

[@ivanivanych8212]

Hello Scout Good lesson. I hope to see the restoration and other keys from this box, there were interesting self-locking keys

[@coachjeff493]

Great stuff mate ...... love ya little pointy finger thingy.

[@andrewtaylor7377]

Cut the tip of a cheap drill bit so it's flat and carefully mill the punch bulge out from inside the hole.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Andrew! Excellent advise!!!!!!! Custom mill bit! =) Thanks Andrew!!!!!

[@tonylenge424]

Very good . Thanks . If a floating pin is loose when putting it back, how do you tighten it up? Or do you just replace the pin?

[@thomasandroid8155]

Your videos are great and I appreciate the way you go through different scenarios. If the set screw was peened over to stop it from backing out, what do you do at the end of the restoration to prevent it from backing out in the future?

[@ScoutCrafter]

Mike- I use Medium strength Lock-Tite Never had an issue! Thanks!

[@woodacustoms8371]

Thanks so much, I was wondering why it was not backing out.

[@Sciayam]

Very helpful, thank you so much :)

[@SkyForgeVideos]

Thank you SC! For the best tutorial/info on how to handle this challenging problem. One question: When u went to the step of drilling out the pin - What do you think about drilling a smaller hole and tapping and threading a small bolt or machine screw into the end of it, and using that to pull the pin out? This would only be on a rusted/stuck pin. Is it worth it to try? Or too much hassle or risk of breaking a tap or screw off in there? Either way thank you again! My shop isn't set up right now, but when it gets a little warmer out I'll be taking a crack at this!

[@Silent.Stacker]

Some great tips in this video.

[@reynaldovalle1773]

Great video God bless you family and friends Scout.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks Reynaldo!!!!!!

[@zacharybradley7260]

Great video. Thanks for the information.

[@tooladdict7463]

Hi scoutcrafter Great video I watch a lot of your videos but they never seem to feature any snap on tools but they have been making tools for a long time just wondering do you own any of these tools ? And if not why that is all the best ben 👍

[@paedahe4975]

I found that getting over jealous on the bench grinder wire wheel can burn the metal and discolour the finish. Metal burns can ruin the restoration.

[@artsietopology]

Very instructive video, Scout. Did the third section of the pin just fall out after you cut the center section with the Dremel tool? Those jaws on that wrench look so gnarly you could paint it up a little and get it a job in one of those 1950's monster movies like Godzilla or Gamera. - Kathie

[@ScoutCrafter]

Hi Kathie! Yes! The two small pieces just fell out but the pin in the thumbwheel needed some persuasion! =) The wrench does look like something that could bite you! =) Thanks!!!!!!!!!!

[@upsidedowndog1256]

Lots of useful tips in this one, more than just for tool restorations. Next trick? Removing broken extractor tips anyone?

[@ScoutCrafter]

LOL! Broken taps and extractors are always a challenge. That's why there is a pucker factor involved in these operations! LOL

[@mgwood558]

Great teaching moment! Thx.

[@ScoutCrafter]

Melissa- I felt so bad seeing Ben not having fun at a hobby that's supposed to be fun! Thanks!!!!!!!

[@alanmullock381]

Great tips buddy!👍👍👍👍👍👍👍

[@UCpMA19LPZI]

I have recently bought a stainless Steel Adjustable and there the hole is welded over and ground flat again. They are non sparking as well and seem to have been used to defuse bombs and such things - guess you really dont want something to fall out when doing this kind of work haha

[@ScoutCrafter]

Yes! I too had a wrench that was welded closed but it was done after the fact by someone... I guess their screw kept backing out and one day they fixed it permanently! LOL Thanks so much!

[@elsdp-4560]

THANK YOU...for sharing.

[@robertgibson7716]

great work showing how to remove different pins waiting on next great video. Also mate you need to go to RetroHax published today what an amazing set of pliers never seen anything like them you will want a pair im sure

[@lb4082]

Love the little hand! What are the threads on that set screw holding in the wheel?

[@hadimanngoei]

Thanks for sharing great tutorial video !!

[@ScoutCrafter]

You are very welcome

[@davidk6271]

Great, an SC video with the tiny hands. Cool.

[@Santiago-iv7oi]

Thank you.. God Bless..

[@ScoutCrafter]

Thanks so much my friend!