Unsung Hero of Motorcycle Maintenance

2lbs Slide Hammer — Not in your toolbox?...you will be surprised by its usefulness.

How can this tool be an asset to you?

Considering the metal gas tanks and fenders of old, and the preponderance of plastic on motorcycles of today, there is no question this tool was more popular with owners of older-style bikes. But the slide hammer is still an essential tool for your toolbox especially considering the potential pitfalls of some traditional repair methods of today.

Bearing and Seal Removal

One of the primary applications for a 2-pound slide hammer is in the removal of bearings and seals. Components like wheel bearings, steering head bearings, and engine seals are crucial to your motorcycle's performance and safety. Over time, these parts can become lodged quite tightly and can be difficult to remove without the right tools. Sure there are specialized tools, but many of us walk over to our toolbox in search of a solution and often resort to using a drift and hammer to dislodge these stubborn parts, but this approach can risk damaging the surrounding area, especially if the bearing is very tightly seated.

In contrast, a 2-pound slide hammer can exert enough force to dislodge these stuck parts without causing harm to the surrounding components. The variety of attachments, the lightweight and compact size of this tool make it useful in a variety of applications.

Dislodging Stuck Parts

Motorcycles are subject to the elements and over time, rust, grime, or long periods of inactivity can cause some parts to become stuck. Natural heating and cooling of parts can also contribute to seized or stuck parts and can be especially tricky to deal with. A small slide hammer can provide the necessary force to dislodge these parts while allowing for controlled application to prevent further damage. Being able to handle these issues in your shop keeps your bike on the road, ensuring you're never missing a perfect day for a ride because you're waiting on a mechanic.

Bodywork and Fuel Tank Considerations

With many of today's adventure motorcycles featuring bodywork made of plastic or aluminum, traditional methods of dent repair that involve a slide hammer may not be applicable. However, it's worth noting that the versatility of a 2-pound slide hammer can dislodge a spark arrester from that fancy aftermarket exhaust you just added to your machine. Similarly, this tool's value lies in its wide range of applications in many areas of motorcycle maintenance and repair.

Home Repairs

If you’re looking for other reasons to justify your investment in this tool I can say in addition to being an asset for motorcycle maintenance, a 2-pound slide hammer can also be useful for various minor home repair tasks. It can be used to remove nails or other fasteners that are deeply embedded or located in hard-to-reach spots. This lightweight tool provides enough force to remove the fastener while also offering control to prevent damage to the surrounding area. Combined with a set of Vice Grips the possibilities are endless.

No Shop is Complete without One

If you’ve ever been faced with a stuck bearing and resorted to bringing the offending part to your local shop to solve the problem. You know how potentially expensive and slow those service visits can be. What could have taken you minutes can easily turn into days and dollars. A small slide hammer makes difficult repairs easier and potentially less damaging and is surprisingly useful, manageable, and safe.

Yup, an indispensable tool that you never knew you were missing…you will thank me!