When you're using the OTC 6980 Heavy Duty Brake Drum and Rotor Puller, safety should definitely be your main concern—it can exert up to 7 tons of force, after all! Here are some tips to keep things safe:

Know Your Tool

First off, get familiar with how the puller is designed. The manufacturer mentions its 5-inch reach and 12-3/4 inch spread, perfect for large brake drums and rotors. Understanding these details helps ensure it fits your vehicle correctly.

Setup is Crucial

Our research highlights the importance of setting up the puller securely. Make sure it's positioned correctly to grip the drum or rotor. You might need to adjust it based on different brake components.

Spending some extra time here can help prevent slippage or misalignment.

Gear Up with Safety

Don't skip the safety glasses—they protect your eyes from any debris. Wearing gloves can also give you a better grip and shield your hands from sharp parts or pinches.

Handle Carefully

Using a 1" socket to apply force can be tricky. Some folks find it challenging to maintain a good grip, especially with varying vehicle conditions.

Carefully apply pressure, and if things get tough, see if you can get someone to help stabilize the puller.

Clear the Area

Make sure the workspace is clear of people and pets. Keeping the area tidy reduces the chance of any accidents.

Easy with Lubrication

A bit of lubrication on the puller’s threads can improve performance by reducing friction. Just be cautious—overdoing it might cause slips.

Gradual Pressure

Once everything is set, slowly apply pressure and watch how the puller responds. Taking your time with this step can help avoid damage or sudden releases.

Stay Safe!

In a nutshell, the OTC 6980 is powerful and effective—but safety's key.

With careful setup, proper safety gear, and controlled use of lubrication, you can use it effectively and safely.

Take a steady, thoughtful approach to ensure everything goes smoothly.

The OTC 6980 Heavy Duty Brake Drum and Rotor Puller is designed for the tough job of getting stuck brake drums and rotors loose, and it seems to do the job pretty well. The manufacturer claims it can pull with up to 7 tons of force, which is pretty impressive.

It has features like a 12-3/4 inch spread and a 5-inch reach—good for dealing with larger parts. Plus, it weighs under 10 pounds, so most folks can handle it without breaking a sweat.

Based on our research, it performs well in practice. People have shared success stories, like one person who managed to remove a drum from a rusty, 26-year-old Chevy S-10, something that seemed nearly impossible before they tried this tool.

Another person mentioned finally removing stuck rotors on a Mazda 3 after struggling for hours.

However, it does have some limitations. You need to make sure it fits your vehicle's setup, as some people had trouble when the tool couldn’t grip properly, usually because other parts were in the way.

If that's an issue, you might need to use some extra tricks like lubrication or a breaker bar.

All in all, people generally find the OTC 6980 to be a reliable tool. It's definitely worth a look if stubborn brake drums or rotors are a recurring problem for you, whether you’re a pro or just doing some DIY maintenance.

So, you're wondering if the OTC 6980 puller can be used with air tools? Well, the OTC 6980 is mainly designed as a manual tool.

Our research hasn't really shown it being used directly with air tools. That said, some folks have mentioned it might be possible but you might have to get a bit creative or make some modifications. Air tools typically serve other purposes in automotive work, so it's not a straightforward match.

On another note, this puller really shines when you're dealing with tough brake drums and rotors, especially those rusty ones that just don't want to budge. It's powerful enough—up to 7 tons of pulling strength—but still weighs under 10 pounds, which is pretty neat for ease of handling.

There are a couple of things to keep in mind, though. Make sure the tool's threads are well-lubricated to keep it in good shape and working smoothly. Plus, using the included strap is a good trick to stabilize everything during use, which helps prevent slipping and potential damage.

Also, it's smart to check if it'll fit your vehicle's make and model. Some people have found that with older or uniquely designed vehicles, there might be some space issues, so minor tweaks could be necessary.

Overall, the OTC 6980 is a strong performer for heavy-duty tasks and has quite the following among both professional mechanics and DIY enthusiasts alike.