4-point 1/8 in nutdriver, or socket?

[toolz]

i've searched without success for a 4-point hollow shaft nutdriver, for a 1/8 inch square nut. Even a 1/4-drive deep socket would work.
Not been able to find any 4-point sockets in smaller sizes at all. Anybody know of a manufacturer or source?

 

[dscheidt]

I've never seen a 4 point socket, nor have I seen an 8 point that small. the diagonal of 1/8 square is a bit less than 0.18". will a 3/16 or 4.5 mm 12 point work? they don't have 90 degree corners, but I can't imagine the torque is going to be that high.

 

[larry_g]

In times past I have driven a square spud into a piece of tubing to make a square driver. I have also cut a 1/8" wide slot into a rod to make a wrench. You only grab two sides if the fastener but it works.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[Steve_P]

Look at Williams and Proto for small sizes. I have ancient USA Williams and I don't remember if they're 4 or 8 point, but either will work. But mine are not deep sockets, and I don't think I own any 4/8 point deep sockets because these were for things like pipe plugs. Generally, 4 point nuts went away 50+ years ago unless it was for anti-rotation or similar; in which case you don't need a wrench or socket on it. So this is not exactly a hot seller. Sunex also makes 4 point impact sockets, but maybe not that small.

 

[Tools4Me]

4 point sockets are out there, often they are called "female pipe plug sockets". I have only ever seen them down to 1/4" square though. I've also never seen nut drivers that small in 4pt.

One option you might want to look into would be clock winding keys, or clock mainspring let down tools. You can find clock winding keys with 1/8" square female ends. They might alternately be labeled as a #3 (3mm) or #4 (3.25mm) keys (1/8" is 3.175mm). Something like that might work for you, but many of those tools have quite a bit of chamfer on the leading edge because they are designed for easy engagement with a square shaft instead of a nut, so you would want to either grind that chamfer off yourself or find one with minimal chamfer so you could have good engagement when used to turn a square nut.

Examples of what I'm talking about-

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGRL4TCV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYCM86X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[KnurledNut]

@toolz
12 point will work on square.
These are all 1/4 drive deep 1/8” 12 point:
Snap-on STMD04
Koken 2305A-1/8
Carlyle CHT SD14104

Edit: Brainfart. 12 point will still work in a pinch, (done it many times), but ignore the stated size.
Thanks for the correction @Tools4Me and @Steve_P

 

[Tools4Me]

@toolz
12 point will work on square.
These are all 1/4 drive deep 1/8” 12 point:
Snap-on STMD04
Koken 2305A-1/8
Carlyle CHT SD14104

It's not ideal, but 12pt will often work to turn square fittings in lower torque situations, but you can't turn a 1/8" square nut with a 1/8" 12pt socket. A 12pt socket needs to be larger than the size of the square nut for it to fit properly. A 1/8" square nut would likely need to be turned by something like a 4mm 12pt socket or a 5/32" 12pt socket.

 

[Steve_P]

This has been covered a lot, but 12 point geometry is different than 4/8 and is far from ideal. Maybe you can get one to fit, maybe metric will work... but it's not a direct fit per size stamped on the socket as said above.

 

[toolz]

4 point sockets are out there, often they are called "female pipe plug sockets". I have only ever seen them down to 1/4" square though. I've also never seen nut drivers that small in 4pt.

One option you might want to look into would be clock winding keys, or clock mainspring let down tools. You can find clock winding keys with 1/8" square female ends. They might alternately be labeled as a #3 (3mm) or #4 (3.25mm) keys (1/8" is 3.175mm). Something like that might work for you, but many of those tools have quite a bit of chamfer on the leading edge because they are designed for easy engagement with a square shaft instead of a nut, so you would want to either grind that chamfer off yourself or find one with minimal chamfer so you could have good engagement when used to turn a square nut.

Examples of what I'm talking about-

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0CGRL4TCV/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01MYCM86X/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Thanks for all the replies - these clock tools might be the ticket, a 3 or 3.5 mm square would possibly fit.
Use is for a pin, threaded on one end, that has a short square in the midpoint to drive it. It's called a dobby peg, part of a weaving loom control mechanism. Sometimes need to drive scores of them into a wood part. The pegs are about 1/2" long.

 

[Pinemarten]

Maybe a ratcheting tap holder would work.

 

[cgrutt]

Dobby Peg Wrench

The AVL Dobby Peg WrenchEngineered specifically for AVL dobby pegs. Construction of metal interface and wood handle contoured for comfort. Makes changing dobby pegs much easier. Hardwood, metal construction for durability. Fits all pegs for AVL dobby bars. 1 Year AVL Warranty

avllooms.com

 

[four.cycle]

maybe....

Morris / J.I. Morris Co., 394 Elm St, Southbridge, MA 01550 / https://jimorrisco.com/ / miniature screws and tools "E-Z Socket Wrench" /

 

[toolz]

Dobby Peg Wrench

The AVL Dobby Peg WrenchEngineered specifically for AVL dobby pegs. Construction of metal interface and wood handle contoured for comfort. Makes changing dobby pegs much easier. Hardwood, metal construction for durability. Fits all pegs for AVL dobby bars. 1 Year AVL Warranty

avllooms.com

Oh Yeah, that's the thing!
- but, frugal as I am, i'm kinda hoping for a 12 buck nutdriver, not 65and shipping for that piece... It ain't a Snappy...

maybe....

Morris / J.I. Morris Co., 394 Elm St, Southbridge, MA 01550 / https://jimorrisco.com/ / miniature screws and tools "E-Z Socket Wrench" /

What a great source, I will check them out.

Maybe a ratcheting tap holder would work.

Hey good call - a tap holder would clamp right down on it. I have several, I'll try them out.
Cheers!

 

[MarcSeattle]

Don't you need to remove it only once? Maybe use a 12pt socket, maybe a small wrench, maybe pliers, maybe vice-grips. At that point I'd just replace the nut with a six-point.

I have the same view of straight-blade screw or bolt heads. I figure if I'm ever going to touch that fastener again I'll remove and replace.

 

[JradM]

What about some 1/8" ID square tubing? I don't know if that exists, but that's so small that I'd probably look for it at a hobby supply store. Mount one end in a screwdriver handle.

Some googling and I spotted it from K&S Engineering in brass (don't know if that's strong enough for you). Model # 3406 (that's an assortment of sizes).

To be honest, I would probably try larry_g's suggestion first. E.g. find some round tubing that is a bit small and squish the sides flat. I imagine that would be easy if I had a tapered square (like a needle file for example) to place on the inside and used a pliers wrench to squish the outside, alternating at 90 degrees as I got the shape and size close.

 

[Wamsutta]

See if a 5/32 or 3/16 12-point fits that 1/8 square. One of them should.

 

[KnurledNut]

@toolz
If you have any deep etorx sockets try an E5.