So I took the derby cover off my softail to adjust it today and could not figure out how to get the clutch nut loose without having the engine spin. Tried in gear, out of gear, on lift, off lift, the engine tuned when I tried to get the nut loose. Do I need to hold the allen head portion of the nut while loosening this or what? I ahve seen the video on whatever site that is with the guy from utah numerous times. What am I missing. I also had slacked the clutch cable all the way. Anyone?

 

for sure you have to hold the adjusting screw to loosen the locking nut,then hold the adj. screw again when you lock it up again.
There you go you wrote rethorical question!!
Careful not to over tighten I have heard of guys breaking the screw clean off.

Actually it shouldn't be too hard to loosen the nut as it only calls for 6-10 ft lbs / 72 to 120 " lbs

 

So I have to use an allen to hold the center and an adjustable wrench to loosen the nut?

 

I tend to stay away from adjustables when working in delicate areas like that one it's just too easy to slip and damage something. but yes allen wrench and i think it's a half inch wrench not too sure the size right now

 

You should not have to to loosen it If the bike is in gear it should back of fairly easy try banging the wrench quick instead of turning it if you get my drift

 

An offset box wrench works real good. The bad part about adjustables is they can sometimes slip, which isn't too good on primary cases or your knuckles.

 

Is there a way to do this using a socket to loosen the outer nut?

 

Deep socket and vise grips.

 

yes just use a deep socket, you just cant tighten it that way because then you do have to hold the screw

 

I've never had a problem. But then again, I don't use a freaking adjustable wrench. Get some tools dude

Get a 11/16 offset box wrench or socket/rachet. Jerk it counterclockwise like you're snapping someones neck and it should loosen.