In workshops, factories, or maintenance environments, pulling tools are essential for disassembling components without damaging them. However, improper use of these tools—whether due to ignorance, haste, or bad habits—can result in anything from damaging the puller to causing personal injury.

In this article, we review the most common mistakes when working with mechanical pullers and explain how to avoid them, based on hands-on experience and the technical recommendations of specialized manufacturers.

1. Using Impact Wrenches: A More Common Mistake Than You Think

One of the most frequent (and dangerous) mistakes is using impact wrenches or hammers to turn the puller’s spindle. While it may seem like a quick way to apply force, it can actually damage the spindle, deform the threads, and seize the tool.

Recommendation: Always apply force manually by turning the spindle with a wrench or ratchet. Never strike or force it using impact tools.

If greater extraction force is needed, use hydraulic pullers instead.

2. Failing to Lubricate the Spindle Before Use

A dry spindle creates additional resistance when turning, wears out faster, and can overheat during use. This not only affects performance but also shortens the tool’s lifespan, potentially leading to a seized spindle.

 Recommendation: Before each use, clean and lubricate the spindle with an appropriate lubricant. This ensures smooth operation, reduces friction, and prevents premature damage.

3. Improperly Positioning the Puller Legs

When the puller’s legs (or extensions) are not properly centered and aligned, the force is distributed unevenly. This can cause the component to come out crooked, or even displace or deform the puller.

Recommendation: Always ensure the legs are perfectly centered and aligned with the component to be pulled. Use the appropriate type of legs: short legs for parts close to the axis and long legs for parts located farther away.

Self-centering pullers are ideal for guaranteeing correct leg placement.

4. Not Checking if the Shaft Is Center-Punched

Many shafts feature a small indentation in the center to accommodate the spindle tip. If no such indentation exists and a suitable protector isn’t used, the tip may slip or damage the part.

Recommendation: Check if the shaft is center-punched. If it isn’t, use a point protector (for fixed-tip spindles) or a retractable-tip spindle (such as Forza’s model 1110S-1204B). This improves stability and protects the material.

5. Applying Force Far from the Puller’s Body

When working with pullers that have long legs, sometimes the spindle used is as long as the legs themselves. This causes the force application point to be too far from the puller body, potentially bending the spindle slightly—often without being noticeable

Recommendation: Avoid using excessively long spindles with long-leg pullers. If needed, place a spacer between the shaft and the spindle to shorten the force application distance. A bent spindle tends to seize and damages the internal threading

6. Assembling the Puller Backwards

It may sound basic, but it happens more often than you’d expect: assembling the puller body backwards can subject small screws (like the M-5 screws used in some models) to forces they weren’t designed to withstand, leading to breakage

Recommendation: Always follow the manufacturer’s assembly diagram and double-check the body orientation before applying force

7. Not Using Personal Protective Equipment (PPE)

During extraction tasks, parts may pop loose, deform, or break. Working without adequate protection can cause injuries, particularly to the eyes and hands.

Recommendation: Always wear safety goggles, sturdy gloves, and protective clothing. Prevention is key, even during operations that seem routine

8. Skipping Basic Tool Maintenance

A puller that isn’t regularly inspected may accumulate dirt in the spindle, lose small parts, or become loose. This not only puts the operator at risk but also endangers the components being pulled.

Recommendation: After each use, clean the tool, inspect the spindle, legs, and nuts, and store it in a dry place. A well-maintained puller can last for years

Conclusion

Pulling tools are designed to apply force in a controlled and precise manner. However, their performance largely depends on how they are used. Avoiding these common mistakes not only extends the life of the puller but also protects both the components and, most importantly, the safety of the professional using it.

Forza pullers are manufactured from high-quality forged steel and engineered for strength, durability, and precision. But like any professional tool, they require responsible use and proper maintenance.

Good work starts with a good understanding of your tools.

Tomas Reyes : Communication Tean Member at Habitium.com