Using a hydraulic punch driver as a stud puller?

Cross-posted at Bigwalls.net, but I'm interested in the engineering-geek opinions over here, too.

Have any of you tried using a hydraulic punch driver as a stud puller?

Harbor Freight sells this one for $99. It has 3/4" and 3/8" threaded studs for the dies.
A coupler nut could connect it to the threaded stud in the rock...

http://www.harborfreight.com/hydraulic-punch-driver-kit-96718.html

A- Which bolt types are more likely to come out than break with this method?
B- Do you think it would be any more successful than a tuning fork for 1/4" bolts?

Here's a video of a more expensive one in action.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rozYZ0UhBdg&feature=player_embedded

Hmmmm. I guess you would need to add a plate so that the tool wouldn't gouge a circular ring into the rock. What about one of those slide hammers?

I think the 3/4" i.d. donut spacer would give a pretty nice footprint for spreading out the force. Making a bigger plate would limit you if the bolt were surrounded by uneven rock.
I'm thinking that if it makes the hole salvageable, a potential 2" circular impression around the new bolt definitely beats a patch job and a second bolt hole.
Time for some testing, I guess.

Definitely. I got a rechargeable Dremmel tool with an abrasive disc to cut bolts once. It of course would only cut them flush with the rock. It would be a lot nicer to get it out.

i used to work with the greenlee hydraulic punches...work great, but they are suuuper heavy

i think they used to make a ratchet version which might cut down on some of the weight, might be worth checking out.

bump:
Progress!
Chime in with suggestions.

youtube.com/watch?v=OfPtwr3…;feature=player_embedded

Yeah, one suggestion. Who forgot to bring the beers? I mean, how can you do all of that work in a nice backyard like that without some beers.

So the three piece Triplex bolt is better for later removal you say?

There was plenty of beer! Just maybe not visible in the video.

George Bell wrote:There was plenty of beer! Just maybe not visible in the video.

Well that's just poor photography.

Stich wrote: Well that's just poor photography.

Mike -
It's still early days, but those are two good assumptions.

We think we will end up with a viable method, and the equipment ACE has would presumably be available for use for all of Eldo's bolt replacement needs.

Stay tuned.

Nice work. That was super interesting to see.

Greg, that enhanced photo with the big red arrow is almost as incredible as the Magruder film. Nice that the hydraulic road show could in fact be available for other bolt replacement venues.

If I ever set any new routes anywhere, I'll definitely buy the Fixe bolts.

Bolts in Eldo:

Greg, Mike and all climbers...

Please do not make any assumptions about the results of the bolt removal effort displayed in the video.

Members of ACE, BCC, FCC, and AF met to explore different methods for removing bolts from rock. ACE has not discussed the results of our explorations. ACE has not discussed what if any recommendations to make to the climbing community.