smallest "radius" 12-pt box wrenches?

[sonoronos]

Hi all,

I figured you experts would know the answer to this one, pretty easily.

Does anyone know what manufacturer/model makes box wrenches with the smallest outside radius on the "box"?

I've attached a photo, since the terms are a little vague.

Basically, the wrench pictured is 9/16". The desired outside diameter is as close to 0.72" as possible.

I understand that the maximum torque that one can apply with this geometry is limited, but I don't really care. It really doesn't matter for the application. What matters is the outer diameter of the "box".

The easiest thing to do is to make my own tool by cutting a 9/16 12pt socket and welding on my own handle, but I figured I'd save my own time if I could.

 

[gdocktor3]

I would start emailing different manufacturers and asking for measurements.

 

[firebox40dash5]

I got tired of trying to do trig in my head and just measured a 9/16 12pt Craftsman USA chrome. I got right around 21/32 major ID- as in across 2 opposite points. That leaves right around 1/32 of 'meat' around those points... yeesh. Good luck!

 

[gdocktor3]

Look for industrial finish wrenches as they will be thinner without the chrome.

 

[BlueBomber]

Hi all,

I figured you experts would know the answer to this one, pretty easily.

Does anyone know what manufacturer/model makes box wrenches with the smallest outside radius on the "box"?

I've attached a photo, since the terms are a little vague.

Basically, the wrench pictured is 9/16". The desired outside diameter is as close to 0.72" as possible.

I understand that the maximum torque that one can apply with this geometry is limited, but I don't really care. It really doesn't matter for the application. What matters is the outer diameter of the "box".

The easiest thing to do is to make my own tool by cutting a 9/16 12pt socket and welding on my own handle, but I figured I'd save my own time if I could.

To be a MOTO (Master of the Obvious), you could just take any manufacturer's 9/16" wrench and then just grind down the outside until it reaches the radius you need. Lots of places you can pick up a 9/16" box end for cheap (garage sales, yard sales, flea markets, etc).

 

[LXCam]

To be a MOTO (Master of the Obvious), you could just take any manufacturer's 9/16" wrench and then just grind down the outside until it reaches the radius you need. Lots of places you can pick up a 9/16" box end for cheap (garage sales, yard sales, flea markets, etc).

I've done this several times. Just last year I needed to cut down a SK socket .100 in order to tighten some lug nuts in a adapter and had zero faith it would hold 100ftlbs of torque and was very surprised it did. I feel the key here is to start out with a good quality tool.

 

[leg17]

I've done this several times. Just last year I needed to cut down a SK socket .100 in order to tighten some lug nuts in a adapter and had zero faith it would hold 100ftlbs of torque and was very surprised it did. I feel the key here is to start out with a good quality tool.

So, in keeping with the MOTO theme, get a Snap-On socket and grind it down.

 

[Infinia]

To be a MOTO (Master of the Obvious).

 

[LXCam]

So, in keeping with the MOTO theme, get a Snap-On socket and grind it down.

I wouldn't say that. But I sure wouldn't be grinding down a great neck or HF tool that for sure.

 

[losvre]

Hi all,

I figured you experts would know the answer to this one, pretty easily.

Does anyone know what manufacturer/model makes box wrenches with the smallest outside radius on the "box"?

I've attached a photo, since the terms are a little vague.

Basically, the wrench pictured is 9/16". The desired outside diameter is as close to 0.72" as possible.

I understand that the maximum torque that one can apply with this geometry is limited, but I don't really care. It really doesn't matter for the application. What matters is the outer diameter of the "box".

The easiest thing to do is to make my own tool by cutting a 9/16 12pt socket and welding on my own handle, but I figured I'd save my own time if I could.

This one is very close to what you need, 18.5mm vs 18.3 (0.72")

http://www.tbs-aachen.de/Stahlwille...16_Double_ended_ring_spanners_i3565_50628.htm



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[firebox40dash5]

This one is very close to what you need, 18.5mm vs 18.3 (0.72")

Call me crazy, but being it's a 1/2 & 9/16, I'm thinking the smaller of those 2 is the 18.5mm end, and the 9/16 end is 20.7mm.

 

[sonoronos]

thanks folks....good call on grinding down the cheap wrenches. i was hoping to find a set, but i needed the 9/16 first.

thanks for the brainpower!

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[californiaHank]

firebox40dash5:
On the Stahlwille dimensions: You're probably not crazy, and I think you're right on this one.

 

[losvre]

You are right guys.

Stahlwile is still is quite slim and very strong compared to many others.

You could actually use the 1/2" size and file from the inside. That way you need to file less, 1.5 mm or even less considering the tolerances.

Just an idea

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[sonoronos]

I got tired of trying to do trig in my head and just measured a 9/16 12pt Craftsman USA chrome. I got right around 21/32 major ID- as in across 2 opposite points. That leaves right around 1/32 of 'meat' around those points... yeesh. Good luck!

Yes, this is why grinding is a bit of a risk, at that wall thickness, I'd want to the diameter to be as uniform as possible.

In tension, 1/32 steel is still extremely tough. In tool steel, it's even tougher. Total instantaneous torque in my application will be less than 45 ft-lbs. On average, I'll probably be applying 20-25 ft-lbs.

If I grind, I'm grinding a harbor freight wrench or a one-off home depot or lowes wrench. I don't think Snap on is able to practice black-arts metallurgy or has possession of ultra-secret steel recipes with magical heat treating capability. And Snap-On is expensive as heck!

Actually, the filing idea is awesome as well. Easy to try both, considering a 1/2 and a 9/16 share the same body!

 

[BlueBomber]

Yes, this is why grinding is a bit of a risk, at that wall thickness, I'd want to the diameter to be as uniform as possible.

In tension, 1/32 steel is still extremely tough. In tool steel, it's even tougher. Total instantaneous torque in my application will be less than 45 ft-lbs. On average, I'll probably be applying 20-25 ft-lbs.

If I grind, I'm grinding a harbor freight wrench or a one-off home depot or lowes wrench. I don't think Snap on is able to practice black-arts metallurgy or has possession of ultra-secret steel recipes with magical heat treating capability. And Snap-On is expensive as heck!

Actually, the filing idea is awesome as well. Easy to try both, considering a 1/2 and a 9/16 share the same body!

I have several box end wrenches in my collection that have had this modification done to them to fit into a tight space. You can probably use any good forged steel wrench (US-made or not) and it'll do just fine in a low torque application. Good luck!

 

[Cruzan80]

Stupid question, but why not use an open-ended wrench? You end up with no clearance past the bolt needed. Unless you need 200+deg of thin-ness.

 

[potato]

thinnest box ends i have are on a zero offset set.
this style.

 

[6PTsocket]

Hi all,

I figured you experts would know the answer to this one, pretty easily.

Does anyone know what manufacturer/model makes box wrenches with the smallest outside radius on the "box"?

I've attached a photo, since the terms are a little vague.

Basically, the wrench pictured is 9/16". The desired outside diameter is as close to 0.72" as possible.

I understand that the maximum torque that one can apply with this geometry is limited, but I don't really care. It really doesn't matter for the application. What matters is the outer diameter of the "box".

The easiest thing to do is to make my own tool by cutting a 9/16 12pt socket and welding on my own handle, but I figured I'd save my own time if I could.

Where I worked there were rotary solenoids that were frequently replaced, that were held by bolts with 10mm heads. They were so close to an obstruction that I ground down the box end of my wrench and those of several co workers. Just get a flea market wrench and grind away. You can sneak up on the right amount without
taking off more than necessary.

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