Warning: using an impact driver on rusted brake bleeder valves

I snapped two bleeders on a 2010 F-150 last week before I switched to a hand wrench with PB Blaster. Took 20 minutes of soaking and gentle back and forth instead. Anyone else learned this the hard way or is it just me?

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lucas_johnson2d ago

Man I gotta disagree here. Impact drivers have their place on bleeders if you know what you're doing. You just gotta use them on the lowest setting and let the hammer do the work instead of forcing it. I've popped loose bleeder screws that were completely round on the outside using a small impact with a six point socket where hand tools just stripped them more. Plus you're way less likely to snap the whole thing off in the caliper if you keep it on low torque and give it quick bursts instead of cranking on it.