I have a craftman 19.5 hp 42 in deck model 917258560. The star nub that holds the mower blade in place has been broken off. I can not stop the spindle from turning to get the flange nut off on top off the pulley. There is no pin hole to stop spindle and no flat spot. there is no way to get anything on the shaft to stop it from turning. How do I get the nut off so I can replace the spindle so there is a nub for the mower blade to hold too?

Michael Wenzelman, June 2008

Impact wrench is the answer. I use a 12V electric one - best tool I ever bought. Does blade bolts, pulley nuts, flywheel retaining nuts, car wheel nuts/bolts - all without the need for any kind of holder to prevent rotation.

phil_saunders@bigfoot.com

Phil Saunders, June 2008

GET YOUR LOCAL GARAGE /SERVICE STATION TO USETHEIR AIR IMPACT WRENCH ON IT

CAINE, June 2008

well if your gonna change the thing anyway....maybe you can drill a hole through it and use a screwdriver to hold it from moving?

JoeP, June 2008