Best 7mm Hex Socket For Brake Caliper Slide Pins

[bob_the_builder]

I am going to be doing a few brake jobs on my friends European cars and all the front brakes require a 7mm hex socket to undo the caliper slide pins. My current Mastercraft Maximum sets all skip the 7mm size. Being a DIY guy, I was wondering what the professionals use.

Am I better to use a chrome socket and get a Snap-on FAM7E (Standard Length)
https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Standard-mm-chrome-3-8--Socket-Driver-Metric-Hex-Standard-7-mm-P631216.aspx

Or is an impact socket a better way to go and get either a Sunex or Gearwrench one (I could not find any Snap-on impact hex sockets). I would be using the socket with my MG325 3/8 impact.
http://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench-84392-3-8-drive-impact-hex-socket-7mm.html

Thanks,

Bob

 

[OHMS LAW]

I'd just grab one at autozone when it breaks swap it out for new

 

[M6erfan]

I'm not a pro, but I've done plenty of BMW caliper slide pins and the SO in your 1st link will be fine. Better than fine, but no need for an impact version...

 

[wasabiboys]

I do this job on my merc and got a snap on hex socket. The last thing you want to do is round that head.

Look around on ebay for something decent made in usa

 

[bodyguy16]

I'm not a pro, but I've done plenty of BMW caliper slide pins and the SO in your 1st link will be fine. Better than fine, but no need for an impact version...

I agree with the s-o the only thing was the last time i serviced the rear brakes on my dads z4 i would of needed a stubby, got it done but wasnt ideal.

Sent from my SM-G903W using Tapatalk

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

I've used CMan, SK and SO on plenty of BMW/MBs... no issues. I do prefer the gold SO bits. Never used an impact, sometimes need to grind down bit (shorter) so it'll fit with ratchet.

 

[shockwave]

You will only need the standard 7mm and not a impact grade on these I have only ever used these by hand only you need to feel the fastener on these

And you will want a quality hex like snap on or vim

 

[vssjim]

I got an SK set that has sizes besides normal like 6, 7 10 ect. but it also had 9 and 11 which are becoming a needed size now. They are strong and of good quality.

 

[T45]

I agree with the s-o the only thing was the last time i serviced the rear brakes on my dads z4 i would of needed a stubby, got it done but wasnt ideal.

Snap on makes these in a chrome w/stubby gold bit. OP, If you are just buying the one, and are content to pay retail, this can be easily ordered online. If you are looking for singles on the used market they are more rare (and tend to come in sets).

The single FAMXS7E at $17 new is decent deal considering the list/used prices for the regular length version.

https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Stubby...et-Driver-Metric-Hex-Stubby-7-mm-P631235.aspx

 

[MINIz guy]

I would go with the stubby 7mm one too. I've done a few BMWs and the regular length versions don't clear the rear shock on some 3 series.

 

[Advan]

Lol, " Best 7mm Hex Socket For Brake Caliper Slide Pins". Snap on, Mac, Gray, ******* Powerfist, who cares? Just get a 7mm, and do your brake job. My B-in-L asked if I could help him do his brakes on a Golf recently, and I said sure, bring it over. Turns out I didn't have a 7mm anywhere at home, so I ground down a Taiwanese 8 to get it done. Everybody survived, and I bet I could do 20 more Volkswagens with that same tool. Imagine that!

 

[derosa]

The bondhus 7mm bit is impact grade if you have an impact socket, you can also buy the bit in a 3/8 drive socket which has worked well enough for me.

 

[ItsNemo]

Mastercraft does make a 7mm, they have them in the smaller bit sets.

That said, buy two...they always seem to break in the middle of a brake job and screw you over.

 

[Farleyfan]

I was gonna say Armstrong but Im liking that stubby snap on, for caliper bolts specifically.

 

[Fedwrench]

German cars need German tools, grab hazet, stahlwille, mueller kueps, Facom, sonic, etc. (ok, the last two aren't German)

 

[T45]

Lol, " Best 7mm Hex Socket For Brake Caliper Slide Pins". Snap on, Mac, Gray, ******* Powerfist, who cares? Just get a 7mm, and do your brake job. My B-in-L asked if I could help him do his brakes on a Golf recently, and I said sure, bring it over. Turns out I didn't have a 7mm anywhere at home, so I ground down a Taiwanese 8 to get it done. Everybody survived, and I bet I could do 20 more Volkswagens with that same tool. Imagine that!

Normally, I'd be all for this approach, but alot of shops don't carry 7mm on the shelf in L-keys. But yes, a cut L key will tend to work if you have a deep enough broach. Deep cman sockets are actually good for this, but don't fit the OP need for a stubby. [edit: Shallow broach thinwals tend to make me nervous with hardened hex keys tho for some reason (especially cheap ones!).]

Other field reports seem to indicate that the stubby impact ones (eg sunex) are boderline for non-impact use (too soft). And lastly, we have the guy who likes the 15 dollar set of ****-tier tools from sears (that fails, and probably doesn't have 7mm anyway).

None of those options are worth wasting time on. Just buy the correct tool. Or use this as an excuse to buy a new set. But that is also an even worse false economy. You don't save money by parking $$$ money in tools you don't need either.

 

[avmaine]

I owned a few Saabs when I was first learning to wrench on cars and found ended up using a Kobalt allen socket. Stil have it to this day.

 

[MN_Runner]

For me Snap On hex socket is the only choice. I have Snap On 5mm, 6mm, 8mm and 10mm hex sockets. I have Mac Tools 6mm and Craftsman 10mm but do not use them.

 

[kball]

I was gonna say Armstrong but Im liking that stubby snap on, for caliper bolts specifically.

no, this is stubby

https://store.snapon.com/Low-Profil...c-6-Point-Low-Profile-Socket-Set-P651251.aspx

 

[Speed-Racer]

I have the Snap-On gold colored hex, buy it once and never again. Works great on BMW's, Snap-On ships orders under $500 for free. For a single socket, it is hard to beat the price from the factory.

 

[Coach James]

When I had my Grand Caravan, I picked up a 7mm hex socket from NAPA. Did a few brake jobs for mine and a couple friends and never a problem. A buddy got one from O'Reillys 3 or 4 years ago, in whatever their house brand was at the time. He's used it several times with no problems either.

If I was a pro using this item all the time, I might spring for a high dollar one like SO. For a DIYer, hard for me to justify the cost of SO. Now if someone simply wants a SO, that's different.

Coach

 

[T45]

no, this is stubby

https://store.snapon.com/Low-Profil...c-6-Point-Low-Profile-Socket-Set-P651251.aspx

Home > shop and technician tools > under car service > drive line > transmission > low profile hex sockets

Thos are stubby are drainplug sockets. The germans make better one piece forged hex bit sockets if anyone prefers the non-serviceble design. The hazet 1/4 dr very good if you need lower profile. Otherwise, stick with snap on. Better, serviceble design in 3/8 drive and real warranty.

 

[kball]

Home > shop and technician tools > under car service > drive line > transmission > low profile hex sockets

Thos are stubby are drainplug sockets. The germans make better one piece forged hex bit sockets if anyone prefers the non-serviceble design. The hazet 1/4 dr very good if you need lower profile. Otherwise, stick with snap on. Better, serviceble design in 3/8 drive and real warranty.

Is there a difference between a hex drain plug and a hex drive bolt?

 

[T45]

Is there a difference between a hex drain plug and a hex drive bolt?

Yes - drain plugs are low torque applications.

hence the chrome finish and 3/8 drive.

 

[kball]

Yes - drain plugs are low torque applications.

hence the chrome finish and 3/8 drive.

ok well, I guess you haven't met the drain plugs I have. Especially in diff's, but I digress, you may be right about their design. I bet they'll work fine on whatever though.

 

[superautobacs]

With the exception of a few models, the 7mm works on the entire BMW brand, and the only one I need to use is a stubby VIM socket with an impacting air ratchet. Picture was taken when brand new, but I've been using them for 4 years now...and I work on BMWs for a living.

 

[555]

Honestly, I bought mine at Harbor Freight.

 

[Super Mech]

I use the SO ball end standard length socket. The ball end gives you a little wiggle room which you could use on certain models. The Transit Connect and lower caliper bolt on the VW CC come to mind.

 

[gigamel]

Hint - If you are short on 7mm hex try a Torx T45 - same outer dim - works for me

 

[bcradio]

With the exception of a few models, the 7mm works on the entire BMW brand, and the only one I need to use is a stubby VIM socket with an impacting air ratchet. Picture was taken when brand new, but I've been using them for 4 years now...and I work on BMWs for a living.

This is also what I would go with if looking to buy.

 

[Adam.C]

Good bits sockets are really nice to have. I think the difference between run of the mill and high quality bit sockets may be greater than the difference between other tools. If you've got the scratch, buy a set of Snap On with the gold (really cad plate) finish. They are VERY good tools.

 

[Farleyfan]

Didn't know snap on even had that set, Those are nice !
http://public.snapon.com/R_RRD/ItemDetailImages/207FHRM.jpg

 

[Monte]

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Got a socket like that for removing mech fan bolt on older MBs... no space to radiator. Knuckles always look like they've been thru a cheese grater.

BMW caliper bolts need a "stubby" bit, but not that stubby. Older ones have a recessed rubber caliper bushing. I'd estimate the hex portion needs to be about 1/2" long (3/8" drive).

 

[bob_the_builder]

Thanks for everyone's suggestions. I did not consider getting a stubby Hex socket but it sounds like that might come in handy. I will either get one or cut down one of my older sockets.

Bob

 

[JJThrasher]

I use a Cornwell set at work. They've never let me down. I think I paid $100 for the set and its standard and long, metric and SAE, 1/4 and 3/8 drive.

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...tra-Long-SAE-&-Metric-Hex-Bit-Socket-Set.html

 

[afbrian13]

I was trying to get the front axle heat shield off my 97 a4. ALL stores were closed, so I lopped an inch off an extra Allen key, put it in a socket and it worked fine. I've since grabbed the right one, but just from the parts store. Don't over think it.

 

[theoldwizard1]

I was trying to get the front axle heat shield off my 97 a4. ALL stores were closed, so I lopped an inch off an extra Allen key, put it in a socket and it worked fine. I've since grabbed the right one, but just from the parts store. Don't over think it.

THIS !

Also use a small pick and maybe even some brake clean to clean out the hole where the Allen key needs to be inserted. You want to be sure the key seats all the way in to the bottom.

afbrian13 : Good midnight substitute !

 

[Sine Swept]

^ Hex or torx always do this