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extra shallow sockets

vandezand

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Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
187
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
The oil drain nut is really close to the subframe in my car I cant get a socket and ratchet in there and my craftsman rp wrenches wanna round the bolt. Can someone recommend a socket that is shallower than a regular socket. I have all craftsman btw.

Im going to get an armstrong Maxx sometime they seem to have a thinner head. Could someone with both of these ratchets post a side by side please?
 
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vandezand

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Joined
Jun 17, 2012
Messages
187
Location
Cedar Rapids, Iowa
I was looking into some wright grips. I really like the looks of them and they seem tough as hell. Do you think they would be a substitute to the 6 or wrench
 

JDon99

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Joined
Aug 8, 2013
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1,039
Location
Desoto, MO
If the drain plug is nearly rounded off using a 12pt wrench, I would suggest replacing the drain plug first.
 

SLYDIT

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Mar 28, 2014
Messages
195
yup ...Koken socket or replace plug with an allen head plug and cut down allen wrench
 

rodm1

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Feb 17, 2008
Messages
2,270
Yeah it's a 3/8. I'd preferably have a socket than a wrench.

Try putting your socket on the nut then hold your 1/4 drive ratchet up there and see if there might be enough room. If you do maybe try the Wright Tool 3430 or flex 3440. That will probably be your only option unless you can get a 1/4 drive socket.

Try going to an auto board specific to your vehicle they might have what you are looking for.
 
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Robbie UK

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May 2, 2011
Messages
320
Location
UK
Another vote for the pass-through socket set. They are very handy when access is tight - examples on my bench:

normal_DSC02239.JPG
 

BFHtime

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Joined
Mar 31, 2012
Messages
983
I am going to list some options. Low profile 6 point socket, box wrench, pliers wrench especially if rounded and damaged. I would suggest getting help from someone with experience dealing with this effectively. Replace the bolt so you do not have fight with it next time. If the bolt is mangled maybe try a reverse twist socket if you can get it on enough (usually need to be tapped on with a hammer) then use a wrench to turn or socket if you can get it in.

I would try using the box end of a good wrench first, then something like a flank drive plus, then flank drive.

Good luck.
 
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AndrewV

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Dec 28, 2013
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1,368
Location
Fl
If the plug is toast spline drives. If just shallow work work area a low pass through set. But i have never had an issue with using a wrench, or easy-outs on **** plugs.
 

BK13

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Mar 1, 2013
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2,692
Location
PDX, OR
I would try using the box end of a good wrench first, then something like a flank drive plus, then flank drive.

Good luck.

Flank Drive Plus is on the open end.

I'd be looking at this as a perfect opportunity to try a Proto ratcheting combo with the spline drive...
 

Hpozzuoli

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Dec 11, 2013
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3,428
Location
Rhode Island
Like others said use a wrench with splines. I have an SK set I just ordered, but haven't gotten yet. I do have spline drive sockets which are very valuable.
 

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cbrxfr67

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Aug 6, 2013
Messages
87
ATD came out with this set last year. I keep meaning to pick one up.
https://scontent-b-dfw.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpf1/t1.0-9/r270/10417762_10204106987338226_3223682227109132536_n.jpg
atd 1222
 

sz0k30

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Joined
Feb 12, 2014
Messages
881
Location
SE Michigan
If all you need is 1 socket for 1 special application don't waste your money on a socket set. Do what most DIY's do, make your own special tool. Buy the one size you need, use a cutting wheel & cut it down to the size you need. I had to do exactly that for a spark plug socket.
 

wvrailroader

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Jan 20, 2014
Messages
951
Location
West Virginia
Sure I probably don't need a set, but that never stopped me from buying whole sets before.

Sent from my DROID RAZR HD using Tapatalk
 

barneyim26

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Joined
Dec 14, 2013
Messages
62
pipe wrench works every time. if not then TNT works well.


gearwrench, socket adaptor for wrenches. nutbuster pliers, standard wrench,shallow socket. lots of options here.
 

dede2897234

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Joined
Feb 1, 2008
Messages
1,716
Location
Northern, Ohio
Like some have mentioned, I have found the pass-thru ratchet to be invaluable in performing automotive work in tight fitting areas. Several times a year, Sears discounts these two Gearwrench pass-thru ratchet and socket sets 50% off: 49 pc set and 75 pc set.

I have owned the 75 piece set for a number of years. The locking flex handle is a great feature. The only thing that is not great are the extensions. When inserting a socket into an extension, no reassuring "click" sound is heard. The socket is held in with a snap ring. The sockets and 60 tooth ratchet have withstood light duty use (oil changes). It is a nice set for the money.


Dave
 
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Mr Ratchet

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Joined
Mar 3, 2011
Messages
928
Location
Michigan
Pass thru is about as low as it gets. I have an older Kolbalt set (Gearwrench Vortex) that I like quite a bit. It's not something I use much, but when I do, there's nothing else that works nearly as good.

They don't cost a ton and with the various adapters, you can really increase your drive options.

It would be nice to see a standard pass thru design become standard like the current square drive sizes. It would increase even more options for drive combinations.
 
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