Porsche / VW special tools 2062 and 681

[Bukowski]

for some tranny work I am planning - tranny diff seal replacement (user massive has a great writeup of this on his blog) - the shop manual calls for VW tools 681 and 2062. can anyone comment on the difference between using the specific tool and the Harbor Freight tools (or suchalike) linked below? The mandrel looks like it would stop at a specific depth, and the seal puller appears to be shaped to keep the opening of the tranny case safe.

links:

custom VW tool 681

VW+VW1500: Factory tool VW 681

commercial version:

VW681, Puller - Seal Lever

commercial VW tool 2062

2062, Seal Installer - Driveshaft Flange

there are Harbor Freight tools for these jobs, specifically:

Seal Puller w/2 Tips

18 Piece Seal Driver Kit

... though there is another seal press kit, but I think it is just slightly too big.

oh and of course, if Pelican Parts has competing versions of these please post, or I shall if I find some...

UPDATE: I changed the title to specify that this is a question about how well the tools work.

[Bukowski]

pathetic attempt to get comments after an empty couple of days.

[joeblow]

I have done many seals and have never used any of those. To remove take a small headed flat head screw driver and hammer it from the flange edge inward at an angle toward the case and center if the seal. Once in place just pry it out

To install the new seal use a matching sized socket/pipe/etc that fits the hard perimeter OD of the seal. Pound it in with a dead blow hammer.

[tamathumper]

Regarding the seal puller, do you care what kind it is? You're going to be replacing the seals anyway, and as long as you don't damage the mating surfaces, the tool doesn't much matter. I've used the Harbor Freight one on different jobs, but I've also resorted to sinking a screw into them and pulling them out that way when nothing else would work (didn't use that method on the P-car, yet).

[Bukowski]

cool thanks

I don't care what kind of seal puller it is as long as it does not inadvertently damage something...

I am really asking about what are the missing details about how these special tools work, and any specific reasons for their designs. yes of course they probably do multiple duty in the Porsche/VW/Audi shops, but really where it fits in to areas.... that guy's blog shows how the 681 heel rests above the tranny opening. I just imagine getting the HF tool, putting it in there, and all of a sudden BAM it is too tight or some stupid thing - and then the shop manual words come to mind to use 681 - "what did we say? USE 681 OR ELSE!".

however, I have some more confidence based on these comments - I also don't want to go down the blind Porsche worship route, that's no good either... well, its good, but you know...