Stubby 14mm / 17mm hex keys

[lllest]

Hi all. I'm looking for something that can do basically what this CTA tool does: https://ctatools.com/products/8762

In other words, be a 14mm / 17mm hex key for opening the drain / fill plugs on some Euro cars where there is nearly no access to get to the plug with a traditional 14mm or 17mm hex socket.

I have been holding off on ordering the CTA tool because I hadn't needed it. Now that I need it... it is gone? Maybe forever?

Something like these allen keys might work, but they only go to 10mm: https://www.tekton.com/10-mm-stubby-short-arm-ball-end-hex-l-key-klx87100

I suppose I could always just get one off 14mm and 17mm allen keys from Home Depot and cut their length to size. However, I would prefer an off the shelf tool, if one exists.

Thanks for the help!

 

[lllest]

For what it's worth, I do already have the Astro Pneumatic nano tool wrenches (small, medium, and large sized ones), so if there is something that fits in that ecosystem, it would be a plus. However, the only thing I see goes (again) only to a 10mm hex bit : https://www.astrotools.com/product/42-piece-1-4-drive-low-profile-nano-impact-bit-socket-set/

 

[DAustin]

Special Lubrication Service Wrenches and sockets made in Germany

Lubrication service tools for German vehicles, such as wrenches and sockets for sale online.

www.bloomertool.com

 

[DAustin]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/178162171009?_skw=14x17mm+oil+change+wrench&epid=2254421665&itmmeta=01KSG9MBA5ZYQ07VZN41WZ52W0&hash=item297b4afc81:g:OXoAAeSwvb1qE0jD&itmprp=enc%3AAQALAAABAGfYFPkwiKCW4ZNSs2u11xBamphLglyZpqyEAS1YD0WjHuup10iw4yVbf1dLz8ZocxzwKfT8ejQz7SiLubU%2FsxjhZfuphqa1tF7CVQAJ9QvO0Aqfhat1yTVA%2FqEiIbHMFayziUS41c0Q%2BvUjozpg1zu4EJvGMITPuBJA9kPf08NMULBS0T%2F%2BEjUGZb6Dz5xYlRqzAwbIILd8HhvAfb1X7NaSAKWOqIGS9CkyrFDtzGfDIhOyXcu1MmySXyE7gqF4daJPYjSXlRzB89rs%2BJBxPrsHotDbNjIqwpp04dAee5RpV%2B6STbVDKZmrH0mK74zi1odvS%2FJgnuhFveN56JiR0B4%3D%7Ctkp%3ABk9SR6q10YnMZw

 

[u2slow]

We cut down allen keys/tools at work all the time. Use a pipe handle for leverage. Can use a chunk in a matching-size socket, maybe a thru-drive style.

There's no set or 3 that covers all the bases. We cant be disassembling half an engine to tighten a clamp or leak, over a tool clearance issue.

 

[lllest]

@DAustin @u2slow Thank you both!

I ended up grabbing that eBay Hazet you linked to. I have no idea how much they normally go for, but $40 shipped for anything Hazet seems like it's probably a deal.

 

[Beerhippie]

Chopped Allen key and a ratcheting box-end?

 

[mikey03]

Cut a hex key down and add a piece of tape and put inside the 14mm or 17mm ratcheting wrench or inside a fix end box wrench if you don’t need ratcheting. Since they hex key is same size as the wrench it will fit in but with no retention it would fall out but put a piece of tape or paper towel as a wedge to keep it in temporarily. Could prob JB weld it in permanently but how often are you doing these job

 

[lllest]

By the way, sorry if my responses seem to come out of order here once they show up. Because of my low message count I still have to get every message approved by the admins at this point.

 

[RTM]

Chopped Allen key and a ratcheting box-end?

Chop 2 Allen keys, weld them together with enough bead that it binds in a 17mm ratcheting box end?

 

[Pinne]

To me this is the perfect application for Astro's stubby sockets and their corresponding ratchets (or the Matco if a reverse switch is needed). Granted, that is more tools but they've been incredibly helpful to me and I've now got them in Torx, eTorx, 6 point sockets, etc.

 

[KnurledNut]

Wanted to reply earlier in the week but was too busy.

I have a ratcheting drain plug set that a few different tool companies rebranded.
This set is unique in that its just large and oddball sizes.
The bits could be used with normal box end wrenches too if needed.
Mine is from Monster but that company died quite some time ago.
I know Matco offered a similar set but not sure about current availability.
Example of Matco on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/117124291394?

 

[lllest]

Wanted to reply earlier in the week but was too busy.

I have a ratcheting drain plug set that a few different tool companies rebranded.
This set is unique in that its just large and oddball sizes.
The bits could be used with normal box end wrenches too if needed.
Mine is from Monster but that company died quite some time ago.
I know Matco offered a similar set but not sure about current availability.
Example of Matco on ebay: https://www.ebay.com/itm/117124291394?

Thanks! The kit looks very cool. I'm guessing you can't buy the bits (like the H14 or H17) separate of the kit though? I'm not too familiar with Matco stuff.

 

[pbon]

You can find similar tools on Amazon if you are on a budget. I have a long handle ratcheting and non ratcheting wrench with various adapter fittings and stubbies including hex that are occasionally very useful.

 

[lllest]

You can find similar tools on Amazon if you are on a budget. I have a long handle ratcheting and non ratcheting wrench with various adapter fittings and stubbies including hex that are occasionally very useful.

I have the Bilitools belt tensioner tool (I think it was Project Farm that recommended it?). It's got some of those adapters / stubbies. However, when I looked on Amazon last night to see if I could find an adapter / hex stubby (14mm / 17mm) from anyone, I wasn't having any luck. I do see there's someone on eBay who's selling basically 17mm short allen key shafts, where you can stick that shaft in a 17mm wrench or equivalent and use it as a stubby hex. https://www.ebay.com/itm/291914430029

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to find something equivalent for 14mm. (Not that we couldn't just create something like that by cutting an allen key down, but there is something nice about that guy having done it precisely.)

All this is sort of moot as I bought that Hazet tool listed above. But I guess I'm "over optimizing" having a solution available in case someone is searching for a solution for this later. All of the people who make the stubby 14mm wrenches like the Hazet I bought (like OTC) seem to stop making them eventually, so it'd be great to have a good community solution out there for anyone searching later.

 

[pbon]

Something like this set with a ratchet or wrenchable top.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6G5Y6BP?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Professor Gascan]

CTA makes a 14mm hex bit that inserts into a 19mm box end wrench to make a stubby. I don't see a 17mm though.

 

[lllest]

Something like this set with a ratchet or wrenchable top.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0D6G5Y6BP?tag=atomicindus08-20

Great find! I'm not sure why I wasn't able to find something like that with all the searching I was doing last night.

Searching for "Stubby Impact Hex Bit Socket Set" brings it and similar products up. And then I just guess you have to look to see if the bottom of the bits are the hex design (that fits in the wrench) with the groove in the sides / corners.

I wish there was a generic term for bits where the bottom part is a hex (on the exterior) with a groove in it, designed to fit in a wrench. It'd make searching for this stuff a lot easier.

 

[DAustin]

How about something like this?

https://www.autozone.com/p/duralast-oil-drain-plug-removal-tool-70-045/1538225

 

[lllest]

How about something like this?

https://www.autozone.com/p/duralast-oil-drain-plug-removal-tool-70-045/1538225

I can't tell, but that may be plastic. If that "face" is the only plastic piece, and that 3/8" hole goes all the way through (if you can remove the "face"), I think it definitely could work for a 17mm plug!

 

[DAustin]

I can't tell, but that may be plastic. If that "face" is the only plastic piece, and that 3/8" hole goes all the way through (if you can remove the "face"), I think it definitely could work for a 17mm plug!

The 70-045 Oil Drain Plug Remover for Mercedes is engineered for safe, efficient removal of plastic drain plugs on select Mercedes vehicles, including part number 002-990-20-17. A rust-resistant black oxide finish provides durable, corrosion-resistant performance, while the precision fit helps protect drain plugs and pan threads from damage. Designed for use with a 3/8” drive ratchet or 17 mm wrench, this tool delivers smooth, controlled removal for faster, worry-free service.

 

[BlindViper]

Do you have a welder? You could take a 14 or 17mm allen key cut to 1" or so and tack it the middle. Then you could just drop it into a ratcheting wrench.

 

[lllest]

The 70-045 Oil Drain Plug Remover for Mercedes is engineered for safe, efficient removal of plastic drain plugs on select Mercedes vehicles, including part number 002-990-20-17. A rust-resistant black oxide finish provides durable, corrosion-resistant performance, while the precision fit helps protect drain plugs and pan threads from damage. Designed for use with a 3/8” drive ratchet or 17 mm wrench, this tool delivers smooth, controlled removal for faster, worry-free service.

Looks like that is basically one these that this guy goes over in this (mildly annoying) video:

So looks like it'd be metal, but I'm thinking you'd have to grind the "face" of it off, if that makes sense. So you could access the 3/8 hole on both sides.

 

[DarryT]

The Carlyle ones I bought from NAPA a couple years ago were surprisingly low profile.

 

[lllest]

The Carlyle ones I bought from NAPA a couple years ago were surprisingly low profile.

It looks like they have these as well, which I'm pretty sure would work. Pretty expensive for just a single piece though

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTCSH3414MRB

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHTCSH3417MRB

 

[DAustin]

https://www.ebay.com/itm/198271935977?_trkparms=itmf%3D1%26aid%3D1110006%26rkt%3D4%26mech%3D1%26algv%3DSimVIDwebV4WithCtxRankerV1UnifiedFeaturesWithAuctionUnificationKatReco%26pmt%3D1%26amclksrc%3DITM%26sd%3D188440590823%26sid%3DAQALAAAAEL2V42b%2FrJT4vXJ4jbXxslU%3D%26itm%3D198271935977%26noa%3D0%26plcampt%3D0%3A14694912011%26algo%3DHOMESPLICE.SIM%26brand%3DMac+Tools%26asc%3D307361%26ao%3D1%26rk%3D3%26pid%3D101875%26b%3D1%26mehot%3Dnone%26lsid%3D100%26meid%3Dc523dbe0922647218ef99fdd50f17f47%26pg%3D2332490&_trksid=p2332490.c101875.m1851&itmprp=cksum%3A198271935977c523dbe0922647218ef99fdd50f17f47%7Cenc%3AAQALAAABMNcuE5wSiaWXUpZtpAuJty4GYCq%252BLEH%252FN8HXnEhWX0xwkDW1uDN51f72s7GsFOUQ9WFGrCI8AiSbyE6tacE%252FxpPzcbI6%252Bfuy9WmqzFcws0MbJUnidURY4CdfIr1CXNUPvwGhL8wLo0eVUhByw1pucfIxZWa60lPGLWPwabf3gzppo2zKVQukK3lTMaburJUx3QlO6FNjdAMEAlKXb%252F6ywZF5YHWyn8sYNUDYNMK0Unmsq5SfUpXCchXJO5ZX%252B9%252BDxos0ZAUJukli1DdjLpSNQeP8wtir7eVBJbNjK8oYSNOxX%252FYW%252FKTu5UseoYkgTcDKDuZQ0ZODJOaYR6Z%252BkEGSNDWUPmSpImbZyqk8pmKQZFSzUnxERNJOxVyDd95IZWhxnC8ZsDewOgxCb6isYm53qZ4%253D%7Campid%3APL_CLK%7Cclp%3A2332490&itmmeta=01KSXX8R0HZ7ZY4RV6YBA273J7

 

[DAustin]

Also enter 17mm HEX DRAIN PLUG SOCKET snap-on on ebay

 

[DAustin]

I forgot I had the Snap-on one it's in with my VW Type 1 Beetle tools. It's only 1" tall.

 

[lllest]

Some more good ideas! I'm not sure how well some would fit in the space I'm working in. However, your ebay link gave me the idea "What if we don't shrink the socket side of the equation, but shrink the ratchet / 'breaker bar' side of the equation?"

Apparently there are tools called "socket levers" that, while they don't ratchet, would let you fit non stubby sockets in otherwise "stubby sockets only spaces".

Here's one brand of them, but it sounds like there are lots of others out there.

https://www.powerbuilt.com/products/powerbuilt-2pc-1-4-3-8-dr-socket-lever-940009

Another brand is called "ColumPRO", but they seem to have more of an angle to them.

https://www.amazon.com/ColumPRO-Profile-Breaker-Wrenches-Non-Ratcheting/dp/B0DJQCM74C?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[lllest]

Koken also makes something (for pretty cheap... for Koken) that would probably work with the right wrenches.

4-Point/6-Point Male Drain Plug Key Bits 14mm x 17mm Hex x Hex Length

4-Point/6-Point Male Bits Drain Plug Key 14Hx17H Length: 32mm Product Dimension (Refer Line Drawing Image): H1 8mm H2 8mm H3 17mm L - Ko-ken USA

kokenusa.com

 

[DAustin]

If you are working on more than one type of car, it might be best to have a couple of different tools around. My stuff was for working on my Beetles and my 914 back in the day, so there was not a lot of guess work involved.

 

[BWWgarage]

In stock:

CTA Tools 8762 | BMW/Benz/VW/Audi Drain Plug Wrench - 14mm x

www.autotoolworld.com