Slide Hammer
A diagnostic or repair tool that uses a sliding weight along a shaft to generate pulling force on stuck components.
A slide hammer is a specialized hand tool designed to apply a sudden, high-force pulling action to stuck or press-fit automotive parts. It consists of a long metal shaft with a threaded adapter at one end, a heavy sliding weight that slides along the shaft, and a handle stop at the opposite end.
To use a slide hammer, the adapter end is secured to the target part (such as a CV axle, wheel hub, rear axle shaft, or dent puller attachment). The technician slides the weight along the shaft and slams it against the handle stop. The kinetic energy of the heavy weight is transferred into a sudden, outward pulling force that dislodges the stuck component.
Slide hammers are essential for extracting components that cannot be easily pushed or pried, such as seized wheel hubs, slide-fit axles, and fuel injectors in diesel engines. Using a slide hammer requires caution to ensure the tool is threaded securely, preventing the threads from stripping under force.