For the majority of tasks involving stubborn nuts or bolts, a high-quality socket set typically suffices. However, certain tasks demand a bit more torque, such as removing a lawn mower blade for sharpening or loosening lug nuts during tire rotation.
Having struggled with extracting two seized blades from my father-in-law’s lawn tractor, I sought assistance by procuring the Craftsman Three-Piece Flex Handle Breaker Bar Set from a nearby home center. During the Labor Day Weekend, I transported the set to his property, aiming to successfully remove and sharpen the tractor blades.
The Craftsman Three-Piece Flex Handle Breaker Bar Set comprises breaker bars, which are non-ratcheting bars utilized with socket wrenches. Due to their extended length, they possess the capability to loosen exceedingly tight fasteners by generating more torque than standard socket wrenches.
This set incorporates three robust breaker bars made from heavy-duty steel alloy, catering to 1/4-, 3/8-, and 1/2-inch drive sockets. Each breaker bar features a 180-degree rotating head with wave washer joints, ensuring robust resistance across their entire range of motion. Furthermore, they are available in varying lengths: 15 inches for the 1/2-inch drive, 10 inches for the 3/8-inch drive, and six inches for the 1/4-inch drive.
The Craftsman Three-Piece Flex Handle Breaker Bar Set, coated with chrome, exudes a sense of durability and solid construction. Moreover, in line with the Craftsman hand tool range, this set is backed by a lifetime warranty.
Equipped with an angle grinder, sockets, and the Craftsman Three-Piece Flex Handle Breaker Bar Set at my disposal, I seized the opportunity to sharpen as many lawn mower blades as possible over the extended weekend. Additionally, given the need for tire rotations on our family vehicles, I decided to address that task as well.
Commencing with the lawn tractor belonging to my father-in-law, I initiated the process by removing the two worn-out blades using the 1/2-inch drive. Initially, I attempted to dislodge each blade solely using the nine-inch socket wrench handle. However, both blades necessitated the 15-inch breaker bar, with one requiring the added leverage of a pipe.
The 180-degree rotating head emerges as a practical feature, aiding in effortless alignment with the targeted nut. This feature proved immensely beneficial as I maneuvered and applied torque to the socket, breaker bar, and the extended length of the pipe to tackle the stubbornly seized lawn tractor spindle.
Optimal Effectiveness of Breaker Bars Requires Adequate Length
A breaker bar of superior quality necessitates excellent construction and sufficient length to deliver effective results. Notably, the lengths of the 1/4-inch and 3/8-inch breaker bars are comparable to that of my ratchet handles. While they may prove useful in certain circumstances, investing in this set becomes redundant if the same torque can be generated with the existing tools at hand.
On the other hand, the 1/2-inch breaker bar, though longer than my ratchet handle, was the shortest variant available (15 inches). While this length sufficed for the tasks at hand, I would have preferred an 18-inch, 24-inch, or even a 30-inch version for the additional torque that the extra length could provide.
Nonetheless, the Craftsman Three-Piece Flex Handle Breaker Bar Set proved instrumental in successfully removing six lawn mower blades and rotating the tires on two vehicles. Throughout these applications, the torque generated was adequate, except for one instance involving a lawn tractor blade where I required the added leverage of a pipe.
Among the tools in the set, I found myself using the 1/2-inch drive breaker bar most frequently, given its longer length compared to the others, and coincidentally, I possess a set of 1/2-inch drive sockets. My only contention lies in the desire for a slightly greater length for this particular breaker bar. With a slight extension, this set would indeed be perfect.
Pros
- Comprehensive coverage with three bars for all common socket sizes.
- Demonstrates solid, high-quality construction.
- Enhanced usability with a 180-degree rotating head.
- Assurance of quality with a lifetime warranty.
Cons
- Limited by relatively short length.
- Smallest bar has fewer versatile applications.
FAQ Q: Does the set come with a carrying case or bag? A: No. Q: Can a socket adapter be used with the breaker bar? A: Yes, provided you have the correct size adapters, enabling the utilization of various socket sizes with the breaker bar. However, caution is advised against excessive torque, as it may potentially damage the adapter or smaller-walled sockets.
Testimonials With nearly 1,000 five-star reviews on Amazon, the Craftsman Three-Piece Flex Handle Breaker Bar Set has been highly praised. INF1DELx4 enthusiastically remarks, “So glad I bought these. Definitely have come in handy on more than a few occasions.” Another satisfied customer, Kevin K, notes, “While my primary aim was to acquire the 15-inch breaker bar to facilitate the removal of three 15/16-inch lawn mower blades from my 61-inch Hustler mower deck, I was pleased to also receive the smaller 1/4- & 3/8-in. breaker bars. They will undoubtedly prove useful at some point.
Conclusion In summary, the Craftsman Three-Piece Flex Handle Breaker Bar Set proves to be versatile and practical, suitable for a wide range of daily tasks requiring the use of breaker bars. Its convenient swiveling head and exceptional lifetime warranty establish this breaker bar set as an essential tool for individuals with mechanical aptitude, including DIY enthusiasts and budding mechanics.
