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[chrisgixer]

Yeah, when I said ''hitting it with a hammer'' I didn't mean swinging a sledge at it with a 10 metre run up  Just a solid forceful repetitious thump. I like to use the 1/2" ratchet. It's got a good sized head on it and cant exert too much force. Again, don't call the tool cops 

Good way to knacker a ratchet Webby - best to use a short bar with a hammer, and yes the "shock" method does work just like an impact driver

Except the impact driver is designed to shock, and the spanners isn't.

[Nick W]

How about buying some longer spanners in the bigger sizes? I bought double ended 15&13 and 17&19mm at a show for £2 each, and they are far more useful than I expected. Aux belt tensioners for example.

[Andy B]

.... I'd rather break a wrench and it comes loose.

spanner       

[aaronjb]

If you're talking about beating on a ratchet handle with a hammer - don't do it, as someone said that's a good way to end up with a freewheeling ratchet that's no use to man nor beast.

If you're talking about hitting the end of a spanner with a hammer .. works pretty well in my experience 

[Andy B]

...

If you're talking about hitting the end of a spanner with a hammer .. works pretty well in my experience 

Trouble is with some spanners is the chroming gets damaged & you end up with slivers of chrome in your hand when you use it properly 

some spanners are designed to be 'flogged'  http://www.ebay.co.uk/sch/i.html?_odkw=17+flogging+spanner&_osacat=0&_from=R40&_trksid=p2045573.m570.l1313.TR0.TRC0.Xflogging+spanner&_nkw=flogging+spanner&_sacat=0

[omega3000]

Unless you shear the bolt by applying too much force

I don't thing a hammer or mallet would do that, but a scaffold pole with two up can.....

Had 3 up on a scaffold pole to undo wheel nuts once  Windy gun numpties   

[aaronjb]

...

If you're talking about hitting the end of a spanner with a hammer .. works pretty well in my experience 

Trouble is with some spanners is the chroming gets damaged & you end up with slivers of chrome in your hand when you use it properly 

True - though I've not had a problem (ab)using Halfords spanners in such a way (the expensive ones, anyway).

Always cringe when a friend of mine does it to a ratchet spanner, though

[05omegav6]

Whack a ratchet hard enough and it'll bounce back a bit too easily

[Marks DTM Calib]

Hammer approach is last resort for me.

Standard is

1) Spanner using the usual technique
2) Short breaker bar with either a socket or crows foot (if space is limited)
3) Longer breaker bar
4) Usualy a soft headed (e.g. copper head) hammer on the breaker bar near the socket end

Its rare that approach one does not work but its all down to strength and technique.

[henryd]

Hammer approach is last resort for me.

Standard is

1) Spanner using the usual technique
2) Short breaker bar with either a socket or crows foot (if space is limited)
3) Longer breaker bar
4) Usualy a soft headed (e.g. copper head) hammer on the breaker bar near the socket end

Its rare that approach one does not work but its all down to strength and technique.

And how heavy that copper hammer is

[Nick W]

That's my approach as well.
One of the things I don't miss about working on older, simpler stuff is that modern fasteners seem to be much better quality and don't round off/snap/bend as often. BL cars in particular seem to be held together with bolts made from engineering grade cheese.

[omegod]

I usually give it a tap with a hammer first, breaker bar with a 6 sided socket and if still no joy scaff pole with a gentle pull.

[Webby the Bear]

Hammer approach is last resort for me.

Standard is

1) Spanner using the usual technique
2) Short breaker bar with either a socket or crows foot (if space is limited)
3) Longer breaker bar
4) Usualy a soft headed (e.g. copper head) hammer on the breaker bar near the socket end

Its rare that approach one does not work but its all down to strength and technique.

I'mlacking in both hence the easyapproach of smacking it

Oneuseful tip for doing it is this: hold thehammer as normal and hit the spanner BELOW the head of thehammer.... it then wont 'miss' but still has the force cos of the heavy hammer head

[aaronjb]

engineering grade cheese.

Pretty sure most French manufacturers used the same stuff in the 80s & 90s based on my (bad) memories..

[omega3000]

engineering grade cheese.

Pretty sure most French manufacturers used the same stuff in the 80s & 90s based on my (bad) memories..

Aye