I have this tool I bought online, but truth be told I've been too nervous to use it to tighten a balancer bolt, I have used it to break a balancer bolt free though. Somehow I'm nervous to tighten a balancer bolt for fear of breaking the starter ear off on the block or damaging the flywheel somehow. Am I overthinking this on an iron block?

 

I doubt ive ever torqued a balancer "properly" and ive never had a problem. A good impact with lots of psi does the job for me.

 

That's exactly how I've done all of mine as well, but they've all been n/a, I was just checkin. I'll turn the psi up to like 120 and just hammer it.

 

The tool is the correct way. No you won't break the ear off the block. How much force do you think was used to remove the 250 Lbs of torque???

You will have no issue.

Crank snout threads are a bitch to repair. I would just do it right.

Hell I have stuck a screwdriver in the flywheel in a pinch just to achieve the correct torque value.

 

Good american 1/2" impact on high

 

^ What he said but that is a slick tool, how much was that little guy?

 

There is also the method where you use the accessory belt, but I also use an impact.

 

This. It's not "right" but it doesnt often fail...

 

That's how I do it. Wrap the crank and lock it to the steering.

 

Not right you say.....good usa made impact can produce over 250ftlbs........

Dont expect to buy a impact today thou thats usa made