Attn Gearwrench Brand

[caper]

If the Gearwrench Brand guys are still checking in here on the board I have an idea for them.I work on heavy truck air brakes alot.Rockwell automatic slack adjusters require the use of a 5/16" internal square socket to adjust the brakes.Many of the trucks i encounter have limited clearance for using a ratchet and socket combo.Snap on has a kit,http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...p_ID=1680&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog,that works for many of these applications but it's the old style laminated ratcheting wrench.This doesn't work so well for this job as the grease that tends to build up on the adjusters gets into the open ratcheting mechanism of this laminated style of wrench.This is the perfect opportunity for Gearwrench to step into the marketplace with your closed in ratcheting wrench by simply putting a 5/16" internal square end in the wrench.It would save me about an hour a week cleaning crud out of the mechanism of my Snappy version.

Help us heavy truck guys out with a tool we can use!

 

[bmxr4life87]

fellow medium duty truck mechanic here... they could come out with a set of ratcheting spline or double or triple square wrenches and also maybe a set of long wrenches just like normal bleeder wrenches but with a ratcheting end

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I just use a long double box SK ratcheting spline wrench.

 

[daveblank]

fellow medium duty truck mechanic here... they could come out with a set of ratcheting spline or double or triple square wrenches and also maybe a set of long wrenches just like normal bleeder wrenches but with a ratcheting end

Look at set SRF102P here http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2494&page=1&#60532

You can get the size you want. They work on 6pt, square, triple square, torx, spline. They have a small head & can get into tight spots.

 

[adamcarp]

Matco already makes this tool. It comes in a 2 piece set with a fork looking tool to hold out the pawl when backing off slack adjuster and a reversible 5/16 internal ratcheting wrench. They have nice orange screwdriver handles. Matco seems to be making more tools for us heavy mechanics.

 

[krusty the clown]

kastar

http://www.aeincorporated.com/Kasta...detail&id=134&qs=cGFnZT1zdG9yZSZjYXRlZ29yeT02


i'm betting that they are all sourced.....they just put on the proprietary handles depending on which truck brand.

 

[adamcarp]

Found the link to the matco slack adjuster service set
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2254

 

[caper]

Found the link to the matco slack adjuster service set
http://www.matcotools.com/Catalog/toolcatalog.jsp?cattype=T&cat=2254

Same as the Snappy one I already have.Also has the same problem.Open gear that accumulates grease and dirt and starts skipping and jumping.

 

[upman]

For most I just use a 5/16 sq 3/8 dr socket and a stubby ratchet

 

[caper]

For most I just use a 5/16 sq 3/8 dr socket and a stubby ratchet

Yes but on some International chassis there isn't enough clearance between the adjuster and the axle housing to fit the ratchet and socket in.

 

[Merkava_4]

Same as the Snappy one I already have.Also has the same problem.Open gear that accumulates grease and dirt and starts skipping and jumping.

Is that the only issue you're having with the tool is the dirt accumulation? How does the tool perform otherwise? Just curious ...

 

[caper]

Dirt accumulation and the handle is to big/bulky for the size of the tool.Feels like they used a handle off a 6" screwdriver when one off a 4" would have been more appropriate.The square drive insert is also too thick.When used on trucks with automatic greasing systems sometimes it's hard to wedge it under the grease hose to access the adjuster screw.A gearwrench that would normally have a 1/2" size ratcheting end with a flexible head and reverse with no open end on the other end would be a perfect tool for this application in my opinion.A long wrench is not ideal either because of clearance issues.This is a low torque application so a long handle is a waste.