Looking for recommendations on a first BFH

[GregBelleville]

I'm in the process of replacing my wheel bearings, u joints and ball joints on my Dana 30. This is the first time I've attempted this type of work.

Tonight my plan was to remove the steering knuckle which I had to abandon unfortunately because all I have is a general hardware type hammer that isn't heavy enough and I wasn't able to break the knuckle loose.

Anyway, I'm in the market for a good general purpose, primarily for automotive use type of hammer.

What do you guys recommend weight wise and any other things I should consider?

Edit.: would something like this be a good all around choice?

 

[astjp2]

Not a long enough handle, I like 18” or so for 3# or more

 

[Grant Lasson]

For the knuckles, I like two hammers: 3# and 5#. I set the 3# on the knuckle and hit with the 5#. Seems to keep the knuckle in better shape. Hammers are nothing special--HF or HD. Agree with longer handle on the heavier hammer.

 

[GregBelleville]

Would it be a mistake to go lighter than 3 pounds if I'm only buying one (for now)?

 

[Grant Lasson]

If your first task is to get the knuckles off, then I think lighter than 3# would not be a good idea.

 

[GregBelleville]

If your first task is to get the knuckles off, then I think lighter than 3# would not be a good idea.

Yeah the last thing I want is to go back to home Depot with my tail between my legs to go look for a heavier hammer. 3 pounds+ it will be then.

Would a dead blow be a good choice for a general purpose hammer, or are they for more specialized situations?

 

[Apparition]

You should ask Michael Keaton

 

[GregBelleville]

You should ask Michael Keaton

View attachment 542164

Haha, it was his ball joint video that got me to this point, so maybe I should summon the expert?

@hosejockey61

 

[Apparition]

Haha, it was his ball joint video that got me to this point, so maybe I should summon the expert?

@hosejockey61

He or @mrblaine probably have a good idea of what you need.

 

[Grant Lasson]

Would a dead blow be a good choice for a general purpose hammer, or are they for more specialized situations?

Probably not a good choice. You want to transfer as much energy as sharply as possible. Sometimes the knuckle comes loose pretty quickly. I've had a few that I thought I'd never get apart.

 

[BlueC]

For the knuckles, I like two hammers: 3# and 5#. I set the 3# on the knuckle and hit with the 5#.

Hitting a hammer with a hammer is not a good idea.

Hammers are nothing special

Also bad advice.

Anyway, I'm in the market for a good general purpose, primarily for automotive use type of hammer.

Hammers are designed for a specific use. Vehicles are made of metal. Ball-peen hammers are made for hammering metal.

 

[sab]

Would a dead blow be a good choice for a general purpose hammer, or are they for more specialized situations?

Personally, I wouldn’t use a dead blow hammer for what you’re trying to do. You’re looking for impact force, not energy transfer.

 

[Mike_H]

look up a dead blow ball peen. They are very nice for the type of work you’re doing. I have an icon I like, but it’s not that old, so no idea if it will last.

 

[Rickyd]

If the space allows i like to hold pressure with a prybar and hit with a ball peen for ball joints and tie rods.

 

[sab]

look up a dead blow ball peen. They are very nice for the type of work you’re doing. I have an icon I like, but it’s not that old, so no idea if it will last.

I'm on my second Mac Tools 32oz ball peen dead blow. The first lasted over 20 years and eventually failed because the plastic dried out enough that it cracked badly. Mac's warranty covered it, but they required me to ship it to them, so it cost me a few bucks. That said, I don't reach for that hammer when I want to use impact to break things loose. I've found a 32oz non-dead blow hammer to work better. My theory, which is just that - a theory, is that you want the highest impulse force you can get in that case, and a dead blow is designed to impart more total energy, but the peak force is less. Has my thinking been wrong all these years? (honest question)

 

[GregBelleville]

look up a dead blow ball peen. They are very nice for the type of work you’re doing. I have an icon I like, but it’s not that old, so no idea if it will last.

Something like this, or 32 oz probably too small?

Or something heavier like this?

 

[Rickyd]

Something like this, or 32 oz probably too small?

View attachment 542195

Or something heavier like this?

View attachment 542196

How skinny are you? I prefer more weight with slower controlled hits to a little hammer I'm swinging like a samurai sword

 

[GregBelleville]

How skinny are you? I prefer more weight with slower controlled hits to a little hammer I'm swinging like a samurai sword

I prefer to refer to my build as lean, not skinny. I can do 15 pullups but I only weigh 175 lbs.

I think I'll be looking for a dead blow ball peen in the 40+ oz range.

 

[Mike_H]

Something like this, or 32 oz probably too small?

View attachment 542195

Or something heavier like this?

View attachment 542196

I'd go heavier vs Lighter

 

[Mike_H]

I'm on my second Mac Tools 32oz ball peen dead blow. The first lasted over 20 years and eventually failed because the plastic dried out enough that it cracked badly. Mac's warranty covered it, but they required me to ship it to them, so it cost me a few bucks. That said, I don't reach for that hammer when I want to use impact to break things loose. I've found a 32oz non-dead blow hammer to work better. My theory, which is just that - a theory, is that you want the highest impulse force you can get in that case, and a dead blow is designed to impart more total energy, but the peak force is less. Has my thinking been wrong all these years? (honest question)

I don't know that its wrong, but my hands sure appreciate the lack of vibration that translates up the handle with the dead blow vs a traditional sledge. I've got both, and I grab the dead blow 9 out of 10 times now. I also feel like the last time I did ball joints, I hit the knuckle far less aggressively and fewer times with the dead blow vs using my traditional sledge.

@Rickyd's suggestion of using a bit of pressure from a prybar while striking is a good one too. Popping tie rod ends out of the knuckles is a one swing affair with a prybar and a dead blow.