Fastener removal tool and method of using same

A method for removing a fastener head from a fastener using a tool, wherein the fastener head protrudes from a structural surface through which the fastener is installed, said method comprising:

• coupling an alignment surface of a body of the tool substantially flush against the structural surface proximate the fastener head, wherein the tool includes a blade coupled to the body for movement in a first direction generally parallel to the alignment surface, the blade including a tip;
• and
• applying an impulse to a force transfer member, the force transfer member coupled to the body for movement parallel to a longitudinal axis of the force transfer member, the longitudinal axis oriented at an acute angle with respect to the first direction, wherein:
• the force transfer member moves the blade from a first blade position to a second blade position in response to the impulse, and
• the tip severs the fastener head from the fastener as the blade is moved from the first blade position to the second blade position.

A method for removing a fastener from a rotor assembly using a tool, wherein a fastener head of the fastener protrudes from a surface of a rotor blade dovetail through which the fastener is installed, said method comprising:

• coupling an alignment surface of a body of the tool substantially flush against the dovetail surface proximate the fastener head, wherein the tool includes a blade coupled to the body for movement in a first direction generally parallel to the alignment surface and radially inward with respect to the rotor assembly, the blade including a tip;
• applying an impulse to a force transfer member, the force transfer member coupled to the body for movement parallel to a longitudinal axis of the force transfer member, the longitudinal axis oriented at an acute angle with respect to the first direction, wherein:
• the force transfer member moves the blade from a first blade position to a second blade position in response to the impulse, and
• the tip severs the fastener head from the fastener as the blade is moved from the first blade position to the second blade position;
• and
• removing the fastener from the dovetail.