hammers, I like to use a big hammer, i can always choke up and tap easy but you can't make a little hammer hit big, 2 oz ball pein for delicate work,2 1/2 pound mini sledge with 18" fiberglass handle, 10# sledge with 18" handle, 12# and 20# sledges for serious work. brass,plastic,rubber and deadblow hammers also all have appropriate uses.
for axle/brake work on duals, a piece of heavy sheetmetal and liquid soap or lube to slide the tires and hub assembly on and off the axle saves a lot of physical work, jack up and support the frame so that the tires are still on the ground, loosen the axleshaft bolts, hit the end of the shaft with a sledge to pop the flange and wedges loose then remove the axle hardware and shaft, jack the tires up just enuff to slide the lubed sheet steel under the tires, lower the axle untill the tires just touch the steel, remove the wheel bearing nuts and tab washers, slide the wheel,hub,drum assy off of the axle, service the brakes and bearings and reassemble in the reverse order.
a scoop shovel is a handy way to lever tires up onto the hub/drum without leaving your fingernails behind if your not tire shop trained and equiped.
PPE, gloves, kevlar hi temp gloves are great for dry heat, but WARNING, they trap wet heat against your skin, do not wear them while working with hot liquids.
