I'm looking for a (the) tool used to hold the shaft on my Kitchen Aid Blender so I can remove a broken coupler that drives the blades that do the blending.

Fred Wertz, May 2007

I used one of those flat nut crackers and it fit perfectly between the coupler and the base. Just squeeze and turn it a few times and it will loosen the coupler. Next, just turn the coupler by hand clockwise to loosen it.

Lino, June 2009

Here are instructions online for removing the coupling:
http://site.appliancepartsatwholesale.com/W10129076A.pdf

I did it, and the idea is this: the metal of the coupling is softer than the metal of the drive shaft. By prying up on the coupling, you strip its threads and it can be removed without damaging the shaft. Be careful not to damage the metal housing of the drive shaft; I did scratch it with my screwdriver.

MF, April 2009

I followed a similar approach to Susan (above), but I used a pipe wrench to turn the coupler in the clockwise direction instead of drilling holes. This was quick and easy. I inserted a thin screwdriver through the propeller blades from the bottom to keep the shaft from turning.

Ken, February 2008

The coupler has a reverse thread, so it has to turn clockwise to loosen it. To stop the rotation, I put a blade screw driver through the propeller blades in the motor. Then, I drilled 2 shallow holes through the coupler only, and used these as the 'keyhole' for my needle nose pliers. Twisting the pliers clockwise, it came loose. (NOTE: The coupler has a metal base below the rubber, so you need a drill bit that will go through metal. You may have to scrape off the rubber on top.)

Susan, June 2007

Use a flat head screwdriver and a hammer. Hit the coupler on the left side by placing the screwdriver almost level with the bottom of the coupler. Hit hard. It should screw off. You might have to hit it a few times to loosen it. I did it with one shot. Good luck.

Pamela, June 2007