Describing Fastener "Access" And Tools Needed For Them

[oldschoolcraft]

I've been trying to wrap my head around the right tool for the job and an idea came to me that I assume must be taught in trade schools but I don't know how to search online since I don't know if it has a name.

The idea is that different fasteners may require different tools based on access availability. Imagine a fastener with full access, you could use a shallow or deep socket or an open-end wrench or a closed-end wrench.

But imagine a fastener that has only side access available. You have to use an open-end wrench on that, since there's no top access to it for a closed-end wrench or socket.

There could be a fastener that's down a "pipe" structure like a spark plug and in that case, you can't use a wrench because only "top" access is available so you have to use a socket.

Probably just common sense but wondered if there was specifc industry terminology around this I can learn more about.

 

[Bent Wrench]

Blind fasteners is what we call them in aircraft assembly. These are fasteners that can be installed when only the head side for instance is accessible and a compression sleeve is drawn from the stem side through the bolt from the top.

 

[LXCam]

I’ll take “recessed” for $200 Alex

 

[matt_i]

If you are an astute CAD jockey, you will model a ratchet/wrench/socket/OE/box etc and make sure it fits.

The problem is that sometimes that elusive tool that worked in the model isn't the one that the mechanic has in his hands...or maybe other stuff gets added in later that obscures the work that was put in by another.

 

[Phantomd]

Aren't all these details laid out in the Machinists Handbook?

 

[Wamsutta]

Lots of tools for otherwise inaccessible fasteners. My method of choice is swivel sockets with extra long extensions. They have to be real swivel sockets though; not the fake kind.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Probably just common sense but wondered if there was specifc industry terminology around this I can learn more about.

The correct terminology is call 'SNAP-ON'. Read their entire catalog and you'll know the correct name of whatever tool you may need for a particular application. Then buy them all and you'll be good to go!

 

[fsae0607]

Aren't all these details laid out in the Machinists Handbook?

Yes. Look in the index for "wrench clearance".

 

[FSrepair&fabrication]

What you are asking is hard to teach, it is mostly learned from experience. Knowing how to use your tools is what distinguishes an good mechanic from an expert. The pro brands like snap on and matco will have much more specialty acess tools than craftsman or husky offer. Its another good reason to establish a relationship with the snap on man. When you hop on the truck to browse youll see all kinds of tools that woulda made the last job you did easier, so you buy it for the next time.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

What kind of fastner NEEDS a deep socket versus using a regular socket plus an extension? I say needs as in you absolutely can't get it with a regular socket and an extension.

I get that time is money and sometimes something is faster and easier with a different tool. But can someone describe what a fastener looks like that just can't be done without a deep socket?

 

[Tallpilot]

What you are asking is hard to teach, it is mostly learned from experience. Knowing how to use your tools is what distinguishes an good mechanic from an expert. The pro brands like snap on and matco will have much more specialty acess tools than craftsman or husky offer. Its another good reason to establish a relationship with the snap on man. When you hop on the truck to browse youll see all kinds of tools that woulda made the last job you did easier, so you buy it for the next time.

Then by the time that job comes up again you forgot you bought the tool and where you put it.

 

[619DioFan]

I have had p/u trucks where the leaf spring u-bolts threaded end were very long and only a deep socket would reach the nut.

 

[The Cobbler]

What kind of fastner NEEDS a deep socket versus using a regular socket plus an extension? I say needs as in you absolutely can't get it with a regular socket and an extension.

I get that time is money and sometimes something is faster and easier with a different tool. But can someone describe what a fastener looks like that just can't be done without a deep socket?

a nut that has a longer stud coming through it so the short socket doesn't mate to the hex because it bottoms out on the stud first

 

[Billy Jack]

My father was a flat-rate dealer mechanic for years, before he went into management.
Unless he had a clearance problem, he would always grab a deep socket for virtually every fastener. Not only could he use the same tool for both bolt heads and nuts, saving trips back to the toolbox, but the extra length of the socket provided some extra hand clearance without the need for a short extension.
I also had a friend who was an excellent transmission rebuilder. He'd use a 3/8" butterfly impact with impact flex-sockets when doing teardown, as it saved time not having to perfectly align the socket on the bolt head.
Just another of those skills a pro develops when time is money, so you're trying to be as efficient as possible.
Bill

 

[wolf_from_wv]

A potentiometer on a crowded panel - wrench may not fit, regular socket won't fit, deep socket is needed, but if the shaft is too long you'll need a pass-through socket

All-thread might need a pass-through or wrench

Suspension bolt, maybe exhaust flange bolt, exhaust pipe clamp, u-bolt for springs, lower shock absorber bolt, maybe snow plow mount bolt, oil pressure switch (special socket), spark plugs (special sockets)

 

[Robinson1]

What kind of fastner NEEDS a deep socket versus using a regular socket plus an extension? I say needs as in you absolutely can't get it with a regular socket and an extension.

I get that time is money and sometimes something is faster and easier with a different tool. But can someone describe what a fastener looks like that just can't be done without a deep socket?

Maybe not fasteners but you run into alot of fittings air, gas, plumbing, hydraulic, ect that can be installed and removed with a deep socket but not a standard one.

Air tool "plug" fittings come to mind.