Quote: Scratches caused by tools etc cause stress marks that can cause failure. If the Vise grips don't leave marks then no harm done. Most tools do not have serations on them just flats to prevent scratches.
I never used a tool, ever. I always loosened the LCA and slid it back if the bar didn't come out on it's own. Many people don't clean the rear of the Tbar socket or release the Tbar completely by removeing the UCA stop. If you don't you will need the tool.
up north where the t-bars and hex sockets become one with rust the only way to get it out is the tool, or if you ever bent them racing, from wheelly pops, they wont be easy to get out. to monkey with loosing up lcas, to tap it all back, you will have to take apart sway bar links,strut rods,brakes,wheel,lower ball joint,ect...with tool its 5 minute job, dont even have to take front wheel off.jack up car, impact t-bar jack bolt loose,clamp on tool, remove rear clip, and tap out towards rear
