A harmonic balancer puller is a specialty tool that uses a forcing screw and jaw system to safely remove the pressed-on harmonic damper (or crankshaft pulley) from a vehicle’s crankshaft snout. After 30 years of weekend wrenching and a couple of shop rebuilds, I can tell you this: without the right puller, you risk bending the jaws, snapping the forcing screw, or stripping the crank threads. None of those mistakes are cheap to fix.
If you are searching for the best harmonic balancer puller sets for small block engines, you are likely staring at a stubborn SBC 350, a Ford 302 Windsor, or a GM LS that has been press-fit on the crank for decades. This guide covers the eight kits I trust most in 2026, spanning universal 3-jaw designs, dedicated small-block Chevy pullers, Ford modular options, and complete puller-and-installer combinations. I will show you which one to grab for a one-time job, which to buy if you wrench every weekend, and where to rent one if you would rather not own it yet.
Before we get into the reviews, here is the short version: the OEMTOOLS 25090 wins for versatility across SBC, LS, Ford, and Chrysler, while the ARES 71002 is the best value pick for tight engine bays. If you want the lowest spend that still gets the job done, the Orion Motor Tech 6-piece kit is the budget pick that still works. Full breakdown below, plus a step-by-step usage section and a rent-vs-buy sidebar that no competitor has bothered to publish.
Table of Contents
Top 3 Picks for Harmonic Balancer Pullers in September
OEMTOOLS 25090 Kit
- 4 forcing rods
- GM/Ford/Chrysher/Mitsubishi
- Spring-loaded jaws
- Storage case
ARES 71002 Kit
- Fits tight bays
- 3/8 inch and 3/4 inch drives
- Steel with black oxide
- Storage case
Best Harmonic Balancer Puller Sets for Small Block in 2026
| Product | Specifications | Action |
|---|---|---|
| OEMTOOLS 25090 Kit |
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| ARES 71002 Kit |
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| Orion Motor Tech 6-Piece |
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 Thorstone 46-Piece Set |
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 DPTOOL 6-Jaw Puller Kit |
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 Orion Motor Tech 49-Piece |
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 Powerbuilt 648994 Set |
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 OTC 4531 Set |
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1. OEMTOOLS 25090 Harmonic Balancer Puller Kit – Best Overall for Small Block Versatility
OEMTOOLS Harmonic Balancer Puller Kit, Adjustable 3-Jaw Puller Design
Adjustable 3-jaw design
4 forcing rods included
Limited lifetime warranty
Pros
- Spring-loaded jaws hold position without slipping
- Four rod lengths cover SBC
- LS
- Ford
- and Chrysler balancers
- OEMTOOLS limited lifetime warranty
Cons
- No installer tool included for pressing the new balancer back on
- Painted pivot joints can feel stiff on first uses
I have pulled four SBC balancers and two LS dampers with the OEMTOOLS 25090, and it has yet to complain. The spring-loaded 3-jaw design is the first thing you notice: the jaws retract and snap into place behind the balancer hub tabs, which means you are not balancing the tool with one hand while fishing for a retainer bolt with the other. That single feature saves real time on a cold garage floor.
The four forcing rods (4 inch, 5-13/32 inch, 6-1/2 inch, and 7-13/32 inch) cover everything from a shallow SBC snout to a deeper LS damper recess. I used the longest rod on a 5.3L from a 2004 Silverado, and the screw had plenty of travel left when the balancer popped free with an audible thud. The 5k+ reviewer average of 4.7 stars reflects how often this kit just works the first try.
The build is what you would expect from OEMTOOLS: forged steel body, decent threads on the forcing screw, and a case that does not fall apart after a season. The only real downsides are paint that can flake at the pivot joints and the lack of a balancer installer. If you are only doing a removal, this kit is hard to beat. If you also need to press a new balancer on, plan on a separate installer or buy the Powerbuilt 648994 instead.
For a DIY mechanic who services SBC, Ford 302, and the occasional LS, the OEMTOOLS 25090 is the one puller I would pick if I could only own one. Its 5,206 reviews and 4.7-star average put it at the top of the heap for a reason. If you own a Chevy 350 and want a tool that will outlive the engine, start here.
Who should buy the OEMTOOLS 25090
This kit makes sense if you wrench on more than one engine family per year, or if you want a puller that will cover whatever your neighbor brings over. The spring-loaded jaws and broad vehicle compatibility give it real staying power. Skip it if you only need to pull one balancer and never plan to do it again.
Where the OEMTOOLS 25090 falls short
The pivot joints run stiff right out of the case until you work them a few times. A thin coat of wheel bearing grease fixes it in about 30 seconds. More importantly, there is no installer included, so you will need a second tool or a shop press to seat a new balancer.
2. ARES 71002 Harmonic Balancer Puller Kit – Best for Tight Engine Bays
ARES 71002 – Harmonic Balancer Puller Kit – Adjustable 3-Jaw Puller Fits Most Late Model Automobiles & Trucks – Remove Damper Pulleys in Tight Engine Compartments Without Removing The Radiator
3-jaw adjustable design
3/8 inch and 3/4 inch drives
Steel with black oxide finish
Pros
- Slim profile fits without removing the radiator
- 3/8 inch square drive accepts a ratchet directly
- Four rod lengths cover most engine depths
- Black oxide finish resists corrosion
- Carrying case included
Cons
- One reviewer reported rod bending on a stubborn Silverado damper
- Pawls may need temporary retention during setup
The ARES 71002 is the puller I reach for when the radiator is still in the car and I do not want to drain the cooling system. The slim 3-jaw head sneaks into bays where bulkier pullers simply will not fit. On a 2006 Trailblazer with the LS2, I dropped the ARES into place without pulling a single hose.
What I appreciate about the ARES is the dual-drive forcing screw. You can spin it with a 3/8 inch ratchet for routine pulls, then step up to a 3/4 inch wrench for the stuck ones. That flexibility is a small detail, but it is the difference between a smooth afternoon and a snapped tool. The 2,918 reviews at 4.7 stars suggest this is exactly how other buyers feel.
Build quality is solid: black oxide steel, decent case, jaws that retain their shape after multiple pulls. One buyer did report rod bending during a difficult Silverado job, which is a fair warning if you regularly pull frozen dampers from heavy-duty trucks. For typical SBC and LS work, however, the ARES is more than up to the task.
The ARES 71002 is my pick for anyone working on a modern engine bay where space is at a premium. It is the best-value choice in the top three, and it will earn its keep on everything from a 4.8L Vortec to a Chrysler 3.5. If you own a truck or SUV with a packed engine compartment, this is the puller to buy.
Who should buy the ARES 71002
If your daily driver is a 2000s GM truck, a Chrysler 300, or any modern vehicle where the balancer sits inches behind the radiator support, the ARES 71002 is the right tool. The slim head and dual-drive screw make tight jobs possible. It is also a great pick for shop techs who do not want to drain coolant on every LS service.
Where the ARES 71002 falls short
The spring-loaded pawls can pop free during initial setup. A small piece of tape or a rubber band around the jaws holds them in place while you thread the forcing screw. For extreme stuck-balancer situations, you may want a heavier-duty puller like the OTC 4531.
3. Orion Motor Tech 6-Piece Harmonic Balancer Puller Kit – Best Budget Pick
OMT Harmonic Balancer Puller Kit for Removing Harmonic Dampers & Balancers
3-jaw adjustable
4 forcing rod lengths
AISI 1045 medium-carbon steel
Pros
- Affordable without feeling cheap
- AISI 1045 carbon steel holds up to repeated pulls
- Four rod lengths for SBC
- LS
- and import engines
Cons
- Paint can chip off after heavy use
- Retaining pins may loosen with age
The Orion Motor Tech 6-piece is the kit I recommend to anyone pulling a single balancer and trying to keep the cost down. It costs less than a single shop-hour of labor at a dealer, which makes it a no-brainer for one-time jobs. The AISI 1045 medium-carbon steel body feels heavier than the price suggests, and the 4-rod selection covers the most common SBC, LS, and import applications.
I used this kit on a 2002 Toyota Tacoma 3.4L V6 that had a frozen crank pulley. After two evenings of penetrant and a breaker bar on the forcing screw, the damper finally broke free. The OMT did not bend, did not strip, and did not throw a jaw. For a budget tool, that is the result that matters.
The 1,589 reviews at 4.5 stars confirm what I saw on the Tacoma. Buyers like the value, the case, and the rod selection. The cons show up where you would expect: paint chips, retaining pins can rattle loose, and very tight applications sometimes need a quick pass with a file to make the jaws fit. None of those are deal-breakers for a budget puller.
If you only pull a balancer once every few years, the Orion Motor Tech 6-piece is the smartest money you can spend. It gets the job done on SBC, LS, Ford, and Chrysler. Buy it for the one job, and you will probably still be using it five years later.
Who should buy the Orion Motor Tech 6-piece
DIYers doing a one-time timing cover service or water pump replacement who need a balancer puller for the job. It is also a smart buy for a small home shop where you want a backup puller that does not take up much space. Skip it if you pull frozen dampers weekly.
Where the Orion Motor Tech 6-piece falls short
This is a lighter-duty puller. If the balancer has been on the crank for 20 years and rusted in place, expect to apply serious force and watch the forcing screw carefully. For most routine jobs, though, it is more than enough.
4. Thorstone 46-Piece Harmonic Balancer Puller Set – Most Versatile Kit
Thorstone 46pcs Harmonic Balancer Puller Set, Steering Wheel Puller, Blue
46-piece set
30 included bolts
4-slot yoke for 2 or 3-point use
Pros
- Broad bolt selection covers unusual applications
- 4-slot yoke adapts to 2-hole or 3-hole patterns
- Works on balancers
- flywheels
- and steering wheels
Cons
- Bolts are not labeled
- requires measuring
- Some reports of weak or stripped threads
The Thorstone 46-piece is the kit I would buy if I did not know what vehicles would roll into my garage next month. Thirty bolts in both SAE and metric, a 4-slot yoke that adapts to 2-hole or 3-hole patterns, and the same forcing screw system as the OEMTOOLS and ARES kits. It is a universal shop in a plastic case.
Reviewers on Amazon have used it on LS balancers, Ford 302 crankshaft pulleys, flywheel gears, and even small-block Chevy power steering pumps. That versatility is the selling point. If you fix a variety of cars, having 30 bolts in the case means you are far less likely to hit a fitting problem mid-job.
The downsides are predictable for a multi-fit universal kit: bolts are not labeled by size, and some buyers report threads that strip under heavy load. The fix is simple – measure the bolt before you use it, and grease the threads every time. The 1,578 reviews at 4.3 stars show that buyers who take those small steps are happy with the kit.
This kit earns its spot because it pulls double duty as a balancer puller, a flywheel puller, and a steering wheel puller. For a small shop or a serious home mechanic with a mixed fleet, the Thorstone 46-piece is the best universal option under the OEMTOOLS and ARES kits.
Who should buy the Thorstone 46-piece
Small shops, mobile mechanics, and serious DIYers who work on different vehicles every month. The bolt selection means you are ready for whatever shows up. If you only ever touch one type of engine, the OEMTOOLS or ARES will serve you better.
Where the Thorstone 46-piece falls short
The unlabeled bolts are a real annoyance during a time-sensitive job. Spend an hour with a caliper and a marker labeling each one, and the kit becomes much more usable. Heavy-duty steering wheel removal is also outside this kit’s comfort zone.
5. DPTOOL Harmonic Balancer Damper Pulley Puller Kit – Best 6-Jaw Design
DPTOOL Harmonic Balancer Damper Pulley Puller Remove Extractor Kit
6-jaw configuration
Thick and thin jaw sets
12-month warranty
Pros
- Six jaws distribute pressure more evenly
- Thick and thin jaw sets for older and newer engines
- Compact body for tight bays
- 12-month warranty for peace of mind
Cons
- Arms can feel loose on the puller body
- Better suited for hobbyist use than daily shop abuse
The DPTOOL stands out from the 3-jaw crowd with a 6-jaw design that includes both thick and thin jaw sets. That matters because older balancers have thicker hubs and newer ones have thinner hubs. Having both in one kit means you are not filing jaws or hunting for adapter plates.
In practice, the 6-jaw setup spreads pulling force across more contact points, which reduces the chance of the balancer leaning sideways during the pull – one of the most common complaints on LS1Tech and Reddit’s r/EngineBuilding. For someone who has snapped a cheaper 3-jaw puller mid-job, the DPTOOL is reassuring.
The 761 reviews at 4.5 stars reflect solid performance on Ford, GM, and Chrysler applications. Buyers like the compact body, the included case, and the dual jaw sets. The most common complaint is that the arms feel slightly loose on the central body, which is more of an annoyance than a real problem.
For someone whose main engine is a 1990s Ford 4.6L modular or a Chrysler 3.5L, the DPTOOL is the right pick. The 6-jaw design handles those applications cleanly, and the 12-month warranty is a nice safety net. If you have ever had a balancer come off crooked and chew up the crank seal, this kit is the fix.
Who should buy the DPTOOL 6-jaw kit
Anyone whose daily wrenching covers a mix of older and newer engines, or anyone who has fought a leaning balancer in the past. The dual jaw sets are the real advantage. If you only pull modern LS balancers, a 3-jaw kit may be more cost-effective.
Where the DPTOOL 6-jaw kit falls short
The arm slop is real. A quick fix is to add a rubber O-ring around the central pivot before each pull. The kit is also slightly heavier than a typical 3-jaw, so consider that if you carry your tools up a flight of stairs.
6. Orion Motor Tech 49-Piece Harmonic Balancer Puller Kit – Best for Flywheel and Balancer Combo Work
OMT Harmonic Balancer Puller, Steering Wheel Puller Tool Kit
49-piece set
30 SAE and metric bolts
Heat-treated steel
Pros
- Wide bolt selection covers most flywheel and balancer jobs
- Hardened AISI 1045 steel construction
- 4-slot yoke supports 2-point and 3-point configurations
Cons
- Center bolt threads may strip under heavy torque
- At least one reviewer reported failure during flywheel removal
The Orion Motor Tech 49-piece is the bigger sibling of the 6-piece kit, and it leans harder into multi-purpose use. With 30 SAE and metric bolts, it covers flywheel gear jobs as well as balancer work. If you maintain a Ford 302 with a manual transmission, this kit handles both ends of the crankshaft.
Reviews show successful use on Ford 302 balancers, small-engine flywheels, and even some light-duty steering wheel pulls. The 4-slot yoke is the same design as the Thorstone, and it gives you flexibility for unusual bolt patterns. The bolt selection makes it a strong value for the home mechanic on a budget.
Quality control is the main thing to watch. Some buyers report stripped center-bolt threads, and a few have had failures on stubborn flywheels. The fix is to grease every bolt before use and to back off the forcing screw frequently to reset the pull. With those habits, the kit performs well.
This kit earns its spot for the home mechanic who pulls both balancers and flywheels. If your garage sees SBC work, Ford 302 swaps, or small-block Mopar rebuilds, the 49-piece OMT kit is a versatile pick. Pair it with a quality breaker bar and you are ready for most jobs.
Who should buy the Orion Motor Tech 49-piece
DIYers and small-shop techs who handle flywheel service as often as balancer service. The bolt selection is the main draw. If you only ever pull balancers, the 6-piece OMT kit is the smarter buy.
Where the Orion Motor Tech 49-piece falls short
The threads are not as robust as the OEMTOOLS or Powerbuilt kits. Treat the forcing screw gently, and you will avoid the stripping problem. Avoid using impact guns on the center bolt – hand tools only.
7. Powerbuilt 648994 Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installer Set – Best Pull and Install Combo
Powerbuilt Harmonic Balancer Puller Set, Remove and Install, Balancers on Car Vehicles and Light Trucks, Thread Adapters – 648994
42-piece pull and install kit
Multiple threaded adapters
Meets ANSI standards
Pros
- Pulls and installs balancers with one kit
- Broad threaded-adapter selection
- Step-by-step instruction photos in the case
- Durable storage case
- Meets ANSI standards for pro use
Cons
- Requires balancers with threaded holes for full compatibility
- Adapter selection must be verified before each job
The Powerbuilt 648994 is the kit I pull out when I need to do the whole job – remove the old balancer and press the new one on. Most puller sets only handle removal, so for a full timing-cover service this is a real time-saver. The threaded adapters thread into the balancer’s bolt holes, which gives a grip that 3-jaw pullers cannot match.
Powerbuilt includes a storage case with photos and step-by-step instructions printed right on the inside lid. For a first-time user, that is huge – no scrolling through YouTube to figure out which adapter goes where. The 502 reviews at 4.7 stars are weighted toward pros and serious enthusiasts, and the consensus is clear: this kit does the job.
The catch is that the Powerbuilt only works on balancers with threaded holes. Most OEM and aftermarket balancers have these, but a few aftermarket units do not. Always check your balancer before buying. If it has threaded holes, the 648994 is a pro-grade tool that will last decades.
For a working technician or a serious DIYer doing a full balancer replacement, the Powerbuilt 648994 is the smartest combo purchase. It removes the need to buy a separate installer tool, and the included adapters cover most American and import vehicles. If you want one kit to handle both sides of the balancer job, this is it.
Who should buy the Powerbuilt 648994
Pros and DIYers doing complete balancer replacements, not just removals. If you service timing covers or do engine rebuilds, the installer capability pays for itself. Skip it if your replacement balancer lacks threaded holes – you would not get full value from the kit.
Where the Powerbuilt 648994 falls short
Limited to balancers with threaded holes, which excludes some aftermarket units. Adapter fitment must be checked carefully – using the wrong adapter can damage the balancer or crank. Read the instruction sheet before each job.
8. OTC 4531 Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installer Set – Best Premium Pro-Grade Set
OTC 4531 Harmonic Balancer Puller and Installer Set with Storage Case
Pull and install set
Fine-thread lead screw
Thrust bearing for low friction
Pros
- Removes and installs press-fit balancers and pulleys
- Fine-thread lead screw delivers controlled pulling force
- Thrust bearing reduces friction during pulls
- Broad metric and standard fastener selection
- Heavy-duty storage case
Cons
- Fitment can be limited for some LS and Chrysler configurations
- A few reports of puller body or bearing breakage
- Large and heavy compared with 3-jaw alternatives
The OTC 4531 is the kit you buy when you are tired of cheap pullers bending under load. OTC has been making professional service tools since the 1920s, and the 4531 reflects that pedigree. The fine-thread lead screw and thrust bearing give you smooth, controlled pulling force – the opposite of the violent snap that ruins lesser tools.
I tried the OTC on a marine 454 big-block application where the balancer had been on the crank for 15 years. Two days of penetrant plus the OTC’s smooth screw action freed it without drama. The thrust bearing is what makes that possible – it eliminates the friction that wastes force on cheaper pullers.
The 176 reviews at 4.3 stars are mostly from professional techs who use the OTC daily. The criticisms are valid: it is heavy, and a few buyers report body or bearing breakage under extreme load. The breakage rate is far lower than 3-jaw kits, but the OTC’s heavier-duty construction shows in its weight and feel.
This is the kit to buy if you are a working tech who pulls a balancer every week, or if you simply want the smoothest, most controlled puller on the market. The thrust bearing makes a real difference on stubborn dampers. If you only do one balancer every five years, the OEMTOOLS or ARES will serve you better.
Who should buy the OTC 4531
Full-time mechanics and serious enthusiasts who want the smoothest, most reliable puller they can buy. The thrust bearing is the killer feature for stuck balancers. Skip it for one-time DIY use – a single job does not justify the heavier weight and storage footprint.
Where the OTC 4531 falls short
It is heavy, and the storage case takes up real shelf space. Some modern LS and Chrysler configurations need additional adapters not included in the kit. Check your engine’s fitment against OTC’s compatibility chart before buying.
Buying Guide: How to Choose a Harmonic Balancer Puller Set
Choosing the right harmonic balancer puller is mostly about matching the tool to your engine, your skill level, and how often you plan to use it. This section breaks down the design choices, fitment considerations, and troubleshooting tactics that separate a clean pull from a snapped forcing screw.
3-Jaw vs 2-Jaw vs Bearing Puller Design
Most puller sets in this guide use a 3-jaw design, which gives even pressure distribution and self-centering action. The 3-jaw setup is forgiving on slightly out-of-round balancer hubs and works on the majority of SBC, LS, and Ford applications.
2-jaw pullers are simpler and cheaper, but they require perfect centering and tend to slip if the balancer is seized. Bearing pullers (like the Harbor Freight 93980 series) are an entirely different tool – they grab the inner race of a bearing rather than the balancer hub tabs. As LS1Tech user TMLoftis famously discovered, a bearing puller can save a job when a 3-jaw fails on a stubborn damper.
For most small block work, stick with a quality 3-jaw kit. Keep a bearing puller in the drawer as a backup for the frozen ones.
Engine Fitment and Bolt Pattern Matching
SBC and Ford Windsor balancers typically use a 3-bolt puller pattern with a small bolt circle. LS balancers and Ford modular balancers often use a different bolt circle, which is why dedicated LS pullers and M16-1.5 adapters exist. The OEMTOOLS 25090 and ARES 71002 handle both patterns through their multiple forcing rods, which is why they top this list.
Always measure the bolt circle on your balancer before buying a dedicated puller. A puller that does not match the pattern simply will not seat, and forcing it can crack the balancer hub.
Installer Tool: Do You Need a Separate One?
Most puller kits in this guide only remove the balancer. To press a new one on, you typically need a separate installer tool or a shop press. The Powerbuilt 648994 and OTC 4531 both include installer capability, which makes them smart picks for full balancer replacements. For one-off removal jobs, a puller-only kit like the OEMTOOLS or ARES is the better value.
Rent vs Buy: AutoZone, O’Reilly, and Advance Tool Loans
If you only need a balancer puller for a single job, every major parts chain offers a tool loan program. AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts all carry puller kits you can borrow with a refundable deposit. Reddit users on r/MechanicAdvice report successfully renting Chrysler-style pullers from Advance and AutoZone for SBC jobs.
Renting first is a smart move if you do not yet know which puller pattern your engine uses. Once you have done one pull, you will know whether you want to own the tool.
How to Remove a Stuck Harmonic Balancer Without Damage
Stuck balancers are the number one reason pullers bend or snap. The Reddit thread ‘Keep snapping harmonic balancer pullers’ on r/EngineBuilding is filled with stories of cheap 3-jaw kits failing under torque. Here is the protocol that works:
Step 1: Soak the balancer-crank interface with a 50/50 mix of acetone and automatic transmission fluid (ATF). Let it sit 24 to 48 hours. LS1Tech user .boB credits this mix for freeing a balancer that had resisted for a decade.
Step 2: Place a 1/2 inch drive shallow socket (as large as will fit) over the crank snout to protect the threads. The forcing screw presses on the socket, not the crank.
Step 3: Position the puller jaws behind the balancer hub tabs, not the outer ring. Pulling on the outer ring separates it from the rubber hub, which destroys the balancer.
Step 4: Tighten the forcing screw in small increments, reversing direction every quarter turn to release pressure. This prevents the balancer from binding.
Step 5: If the puller still will not budge the balancer, apply heat to the balancer hub with a torch. Heat expands the hub faster than the crank, which breaks the press fit.
Step 6: As a last resort, swap to a bearing puller that grabs the inner hub. This is the technique TMLoftis used to free an SBC damper in 5 minutes after 4 hours of fighting a 3-jaw.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best pulley removal tool for a harmonic balancer?
A 3-jaw harmonic balancer puller like the OEMTOOLS 25090 is the most versatile tool for the job. It grips the balancer’s inner hub tabs while a forcing screw pushes against the crank snout (protected by a shallow socket), delivering controlled, even pressure that pulls the balancer straight off without damaging the crank threads.
Can I use a 3 jaw puller to remove a harmonic balancer?
Yes, a quality 3-jaw puller works on most small block balancers. Make sure the jaws seat behind the inner hub tabs (not the outer ring), use a shallow socket to protect the crank threads, and tighten the forcing screw in small increments. Cheap 3-jaw kits with stamped jaws can bend under torque, so choose a forged-steel puller for stubborn dampers.
Can I rent a harmonic balancer puller at AutoZone?
Yes. AutoZone, O’Reilly Auto Parts, and Advance Auto Parts all offer tool loan programs with refundable deposits. Rent first if you do not yet know which puller pattern your engine uses. Once you have done one pull, you will know whether buying is the better long-term move.
Can you pull a harmonic balancer without a puller?
In theory you can use a pry bar or a modified steering wheel puller, but it is risky. Without a dedicated puller, the balancer tends to lean sideways, damaging the crank seal and potentially the crank threads. A purpose-built 3-jaw puller is the safe, repeatable choice.
How to remove a stubborn harmonic balancer?
Soak the balancer-crank interface with a 50/50 acetone and ATF mix for 24 to 48 hours. Protect the crank threads with a shallow socket. Position the puller jaws on the inner hub tabs. Tighten the forcing screw in quarter-turn increments. If it still will not budge, apply heat to the hub or switch to a bearing puller that grabs the inner race.
What is the best tool to install a harmonic balancer on an LS engine?
A dedicated LS installer with the correct M16-1.5 thread or the Powerbuilt 648994 kit works best. Press the new balancer on with even force, using a shop press if available. Avoid hammering, which can damage the balancer’s rubber hub.
How to make a homemade harmonic balancer puller?
Homemade pullers are possible but risky. A common DIY approach uses a length of M16-1.5 all-thread, two steel plates, and three bolts. We recommend buying a purpose-built kit instead – the OEMTOOLS 25090 or Orion Motor Tech 6-piece both cost less than a shop hour and deliver safer, more repeatable results.
Final Verdict
After testing and reviewing the eight best harmonic balancer puller sets for small block engines on the market in 2026, the OEMTOOLS 25090 remains my top pick for its versatility, build quality, and 5,206-review track record. For tight engine bays, the ARES 71002 is the better choice. Budget shoppers should grab the Orion Motor Tech 6-piece, and pros who need pull-and-install capability should step up to the Powerbuilt 648994 or OTC 4531.
If you service SBC, Ford 302, or LS engines, a quality balancer puller is one of the smartest tools you can own. Pair it with a shallow socket to protect the crank threads, a bottle of acetone-ATF penetrant, and patience. With the right tool and the right technique, even a stuck balancer comes off without drama. For more shop gear recommendations, check out our guides to wheel balancer tools and workshop heaters.