8 point socket question

[eejack]

Howdy all,

I have a need for an 8 point 1/4 drive 3/16 socket and am not only having a hard time finding one, I cannot even find a part number or a place to start.

There is a need to use a 1/4-20 bottom tap inside a light pole. We have used a 3/16" square ratcheting wrench but that is cumbersome to say the least. It turns out a 7/32 12 point socket works as well.

It might be that an E9 would work...but my set skips it.

My ratcheting wrench has 4 common hvac square sizes so I feel like it should exist and I doubt I will find one in time to complete the project, but I have to know...

Many thanks for any kind assistance

 

[four.cycle]

Both Don and I were a bit puzzled when I discovered that my recently-acquired "Carb-O-Mang" set contained an 8-point 3/16" socket.

I'm at a bit of a loss, however.... there is no way I would break up this set (especially after Don was kind enough to supply me with a 5/16" socket to replace the one that was cracked) and I kind of doubt you'd want to splurge on something like this just to drill a couple holes.

I found the photos. Not sure where I've put the set, though.

 

[KnurledNut]

How about an adjustable tap socket?

 

[dscheidt]

Have you looked at Lisle's tap socket set?

 

[Dave455]

Tough one. Most bi-square sockets seem to start at 1/4.

A proper tap socket would seem to be the best option. I own the KoKen ones, and they’re superb. The smallest would hold 3/16.

 

[sk farmer]

How about an adjustable tap socket?

these are ok. i have them but they seem to be a little sloppy, not holding the tap straight. the spring inside the larger one on my set broke so i need to be careful to not lose the jaws when loose or not tightened on a tap.

 

[FMB4]

I've never heard of any 8 pnt below 1/4" scoket. But that doesn't mean much. That said, you might consider modifying a sq. drive tap for the job.

 

[sk farmer]

Have you looked at Lisle's tap socket set?

i recommend these, they are sized for each tap, hold it fairly secure and true. not as solid as a normal tap handle but well enough.

 

[eejack]

Have you looked at Lisle's tap socket set?

i recommend these, they are sized for each tap, hold it fairly secure and true. not as solid as a normal tap handle but well enough.

Ordered a set, they look like they will do the trick. I honestly didn't know taps had 'sizes' like that. Way cool.

 

[eejack]

Both Don and I were a bit puzzled when I discovered that my recently-acquired "Carb-O-Mang" set contained an 8-point 3/16" socket.

I'm at a bit of a loss, however.... there is no way I would break up this set (especially after Don was kind enough to supply me with a 5/16" socket to replace the one that was cracked) and I kind of doubt you'd want to splurge on something like this just to drill a couple holes.

I found the photos. Not sure where I've put the set, though.

No way would I want to break up a set. However, it does exist!

Does this mean I am now doomed to haunt garage sales and flea markets?

 

[eejack]

How about an adjustable tap socket?

Tough one. Most bi-square sockets seem to start at 1/4.

A proper tap socket would seem to be the best option. I own the KoKen ones, and they’re superb. The smallest would hold 3/16.

They seem like they would fit the bill, but I have had unfortunate luck with adjustable things like this. KoKen sells a full set of individual sockets as well but very pricey. I bet they are very nice though.

 

[shanny19]

There’s got to be a spline socket of some size, metric maybe, that would turn that tap??

 

[KnurledNut]

They seem like they would fit the bill, but I have had unfortunate luck with adjustable things like this. KoKen sells a full set of individual sockets as well but very pricey. I bet they are very nice though.

They hold the tap well, which is great when dropping it is a risk.
I have the Mac version of the Irwin and also have this set:

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

 

[wtn1271]

JB weld with a sacrificial socket and tap but that's kinda a Bubba'd solution.

 

[Ronson25]

Lisle tap sockets are a must. Used one in a emergency on a semi trailer slack adjuster sadly mine were stolen and i yet to replace them

 

[Dave455]

They seem like they would fit the bill, but I have had unfortunate luck with adjustable things like this. KoKen sells a full set of individual sockets as well but very pricey. I bet they are very nice though.

I can see how cheap ones wouldn’t be great, but I use the KoKen ones regularly and haven’t had any issues. I’m usually using taps of about that size too.

The KoKen tap sockets are sized specifically to the metric size flats found on DIN spec taps, so might not work with your tap.

 

[BillK]

How far into the pole is it ? Would this work ? https://www.mcmaster.com/drive-sockets/size~3-16/for-drive-style~external-square/

 

[KnurledNut]

How far into the pole is it ? Would this work ? https://www.mcmaster.com/drive-sockets/size~3-16/for-drive-style~external-square/

Great idea.
A long reach tap handle would work in that setting too.

 

[californiaHank]

Taps have their own weird drive sizes, which are a bit off from standard fractional socket sizes. The square drive on an American 1/4-20 tap is .191", which is a hair bigger than 3/16".
It's usually best to choose a tap socket, chuck, or collet which is sized for use with taps, as standard fractional-size sockets are often either too sloppy or too tight, depending on what size hole you're tapping.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

My Lisle tap sockets are highly appreciated; especially when working in tight quarters. I am confident Your experiences will be similar .

 

[four.cycle]

dead-ends at Tacoma Screw and KC Tool in Kansas City.

 

[eejack]

How far into the pole is it ? Would this work ? https://www.mcmaster.com/drive-sockets/size~3-16/for-drive-style~external-square/

Great idea.
A long reach tap handle would work in that setting too.

It is a 10" diameter pole at the point of tapping, but the 'hand hole' is barely big enough to put a hand into, especially with all of the wiring in the way. I did score a set of walton tap extensions from a consignment shop sadly going out of business by me. Those combined with the mcmaster would probably reach.

I do not know why I didn't think of a longer tap handle. ( is there a forehead slap emoji? )

 

[KnurledNut]

It is a 10" diameter pole at the point of tapping, but the 'hand hole' is barely big enough to put a hand into, especially with all of the wiring in the way. I did score a set of walton tap extensions from a consignment shop sadly going out of business by me. Those combined with the mcmaster would probably reach.

I do not know why I didn't think of a longer tap handle. ( is there a forehead slap emoji? )

They also make long taps if it would help.

 

[Jlarson]

I wouldn't be without my tap sockets, we probably have at least 4 sets floating around the shop and trucks that I can think of cause we never use tap wrenches anymore.

Long pulley taps are really handy to have around too for electrical stuff like putting ground lugs in weird spots in cabinets.

 

[eejack]

We ordered a Lisle set and it arrived this morning. Made in the USA and we checked all of the sockets ( another thread someone found one with slag in it and didn't return it on time ). The #4 was perfect for the task.

We used an ancient 1/4" socket brace ( thanks grandpa ) and whipped through 30+ poles in a jiff. We used a Hougen Slick Stick to lube the taps.

Lost one tap when we let the apprentice try it out. Otherwise a very satisfying experience.

Ordering a Lisle set for my personal toolbag as well. Need a long tap handle too.

Back to the rabbit hole exploring long pulley taps.

Also, one of the on site ideas was to modify a hex 'drill tap' into a hex 'bottom tap' by scoring and snapping the drill tap. I can say that it was an unmitigated disaster.

Many thanks for all of the kind suggestions and thoughtful assistance.

 

[four.cycle]

glad to hear you finally solved the problem.

be sure to remind your apprentice that in order to get the job done right, adequate lubrication is required.

 

[Mallen]

JB weld with a sacrificial socket and tap but that's kinda a Bubba'd solution.

Or just some duct tape.

 

[seber]

Why not just use a pulley tap. I even have one that has been extended to 14" with a square sleeve.

 

[Tinner]

A proper tap socket would seem to be the best option. I own the KoKen ones, and they’re superb. The smallest would hold 3/16.

Those are really nice. I ordered both sizes when you posted this. In just a couple weeks they've seen a lot of use at work. I wish I had them years ago.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Why not just use a pulley tap. I even have one that has been extended to 14" with a square sleeve.

Shallows and deep, nice.

 

[nadogail]

I thought 8 point sockets went out of style with the adoption of the hex nuts that replaced square nuts.

 

[Mallen]

I thought 8 point sockets went out of style with the adoption of the hex nuts that replaced square nuts.

You still see square heads. Often in plumbing. My old IH truck has square headed coolant drain plugs on the engine block. It comes up every once in awhile. And of course in industrial settings. I find that when it does, they are 40 years old and rusted in place.

 

[Sgtboz]

Howdy all,

I have a need for an 8 point 1/4 drive 3/16 socket and am not only having a hard time finding one, I cannot even find a part number or a place to start.

There is a need to use a 1/4-20 bottom tap inside a light pole. We have used a 3/16" square ratcheting wrench but that is cumbersome to say the least. It turns out a 7/32 12 point socket works as well.

It might be that an E9 would work...but my set skips it.

My ratcheting wrench has 4 common hvac square sizes so I feel like it should exist and I doubt I will find one in time to complete the project, but I have to know...

Many thanks for any kind assistance

Walton tool used to make tap holders 'type A' they called them. Now they just make the 'type B' holders with two set screws to retain the tap. Very expensive too. I don't know if they make them in the size you need.

 

[eejack]

Walton tool used to make tap holders 'type A' they called them. Now they just make the 'type B' holders with two set screws to retain the tap. Very expensive too. I don't know if they make them in the size you need.

I actually scored a set of ancient Walton extensions that were size 5 and 6 from a consignment shop near me. They didn't work out for me but very nice anyway.