How Do I Remove My Socket Wrench Between the Idler Pulley and Wheel Well

Question

I, like an idiot, was using a socket wrench to remove the bolt from my idler pulley. I unscrewed the bolt too far, wedging the wrench between wheel well and the bolt. I could not even flip the switch to reverse the socket wrench. How can I remove the socket wrench?

Answer 1

For completeness, if you haven't tried it yet, see if you can rotate the socket/bolt at all by hand to tighten it back in some. Now that you've broken the bolt open it may move by hand.

If not, the socket wall should be able to hold up to some moderate clamping force so I would try a set of vice grips or other locking pliers if you have those available.

If not, then a regular set of pliers.

Depending on the length of the socket (if a deep socket was used), possibly a strap wrench (like an oil filter wrench) could fit onto it.

Once you have a good grip on the socket, you should be able to rotate the bolt back in some to free the socket wrench.

Next, you need a shorter socket or finish backing the bolt out with a crescent, box or combination wrench.

Answer 2

I tried numerous things. This is how I finally got myself out of the predicament: I jacked up the engine and then hammered out the socket wrench.

Other things I tried or thought of trying:

• applying vise grips to the socket, didn't work
• jamming something thin, yet strong in between the wheel well trying to switch the ratchet in reverse, didn't work
• cut off the socket with a reciprocal saw, didn't work
• cut off the bolt with a reciprocal saw, didn't try
• fracture the ratchet head with a hammer and wedge, didn't work

I'm an idiot.

Conclusion

I ended up knocking it out with a hammer. No damage was done to my car, thankfully.

Answer 3

Yes, cut the nail as much as possible.

Then place a long metal rod on top of the partially sawed screw, and bang it hard with a hammer!