Tool Review: CTA Tools EZ Chamfer

April 5, 2024
Reviewed by John Baumgardt, owner, operator, and technician at Baumgardt's Auto Repair in Fillmore, Indiana.

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Q: How did the tool/equipment function as far as saving you time?

A: The CTA Tools EZ Chamfer, No. 3840, saves time filing damaged threads by putting a chamfered edge on the threaded end of a large bolt or axle shaft making it possible to get a nut back on. 

 

Q: How has using this tool impacted your shop’s profitability?

A: It saves time from trying to repair threads in less effective methods and allows parts to be reused rather than replacing a sometimes costly part.  

  

Q: What kind of setup was involved before using the product? 

A: All the setup needed is to open the plastic package and chuck it up in a drill or place the hex end in a socket, and then place it on the damaged threads of a large bolt or pipe. 

  

Q: How easy was it to use?

A: It is very easy to use. 

  

Q: How was its packaging? Did it come with any accessories?

A: It comes in a recloseable plastic holder with an insert showing tool information. It did not come with any accessories. 

  

Q: Was there a manual included? If so, did you use the manual, and was the manual easy to understand? 

A: It comes with a card describing the tool usage and some instructions. 

  

Q: What features did you like?

A: It's very easy to use, and it’s durable. This particular part number is for large sizes ranging from 23/32” to 1-1/2” (18-38mm).  

 

Q: Is there any way you could think to improve or add to this tool?

A: No, I think it works great. It is important to note that use with impacts will shorten the life of the tool and to use only at low speeds of 800 rpm or less. 

  

Q: What types of jobs/repairs did you use this tool for? 

A: The large size worked great on damaged threads of the outer CV that were damaged, and a few large bolts in a tractor that were hammered out and had to be reused because new ones could not be located. I plan on purchasing a smaller size that will work on lug nut studs.  

 

Q: On a scale of 1 to 10, how would you rate this tool overall?

A: I would rate this a 9.5. It's a great time and money saver. It makes it possible to reuse the majority of bolts or similar externally threaded parts that might otherwise need to be replaced. It can also be used on some threads before removing the nut to prevent damage to threads. 

 

About the Author

John Baumgardt III | Owner of Baumgardt’s Auto Repair

John Baumgardt III is the owner/operator of Baumgardt's Auto Repair in Fillmore, Indiana. He has been a professional auto tech for about 20 years. He attended the two-year Auto Mechanics program at Lancaster Vocational High School. Previously, Baumgardt worked at AAMCO Transmissions and earned about a dozen AAMCO certificates. He believes it’s important to provide an honest, quality service that people can depend on.

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