Fastener Size or Fastener Access as first thought?

[oldschoolcraft]

Really nerdy question. When you have to remove or install a fastener, is your first thought what size it is, or what kind of access you have that would determine the type of tool to use?

Are you thinking “it’s a 10mm fastener, what tools do I have that works on 10mm?”

or is your first thought:

”it’s a fastener with full access on top, I can use a socket, which size socket do I need?”

in other words is your first thought:

“what tools do I have of the correct fastener size?”

or

“what tools do I have with this type of access?”

 

[General Geoff]

When you have to remove or install a fastener, is your first thought what size it is, or what kind of access you have that would determine the type of tool to use?

Access is first consideration if it's a job I'm familiar with. If I've never done the job before, size is first consideration because I'm not familiar with accessibility yet.

 

[subroc]

Both. Not really a zen mechanic when looking at a fastener for removal I am just a guy preparing to take something apart.

 

[PBCampbell]

Where oh where is that "head scratching " emoji, lol.

 

[zendriver]

Usually I'll then start working on the project right next to it, I have been putting off even longer.

 

[CGarage]

Both.

And then order of tool use:

- Socket is optimal

- Box end wrench is next best

- Open end wrench is final choice but least best solution

 

[speed bump]

Size, default go to is a deep socket and a battery impact. If that won't work I have all of the access tools and they start coming out as needed.

 

[jayemm]

If you use tools regularly I think it's almost subconscious about which tool to grab (say wrench or socket) as you scan the location of the fastener and note it's perceived size, without breaking it down into separate thoughts and actions. More of a 'flow ' type of thing. What do you do if someone is talking to you at the same time as you reach for the correct tool and your attention is divided? Or if you are really 'absorbed' into the job. It's like being on autopilot. Maybe I'm misinterpreting your question.

 

[tyyost]

Depends what it is I guess. I rarely remove oil drain plugs with anything other than a wrench because many moons ago I had a socket get cocked and stripped the plug.

From there it’s access - If an impact fits that’s what gets used. Living in the rust belt I tend to bring the biggest tool to the work that fits. Long ratchets, wrenches, whatever works. Much of my work is suspension, brakes and regular maintenance so clearance in the engine bay isn’t usually an issue.

 

[VolvoRyan]

Access and how much "oomph" it'll take to get something apart.

Size becomes immaterial because you bought all those "no-skip" sets of tools.

-Ryan

 

[RoninB4]

Really nerdy question.

-Nerdy answer here. My first thought is how large/small a fastener do I need to accomplish what the fastener is for? This also gets an estimation of what grade/type of fastener material is needed. Will rust be a problem? Will galvanic corrosion from the other materials be a factor? Is there a structural aspect to the assembly? Does it just keep the part from falling off?

Second considerations are for head type, (SHCS, HHCS, BHCS, FHCS, etc.) and whether the head can/should be below, flush, or above the surface. Maybe that's important, maybe it isn't.

Third will be access to the fastener head. I've made special tools to install/remove fasteners (that I also may make especially for the application). One of the few benefits of having machine tools is being able to make/alter/repair almost anything you need to. Sometimes the OEM is just fine, sometimes it isn't. Pick your battles and priorities accordingly.

 

[bwringer]

I don't know if I quite understand the question, or the reason for it.

The vast majority of the time I can glance at a fastener and know what size it is. I also have an excellent memory for fasteners (although I forget the names of real live humans almost instantly.) So if you regard that as a subconscious process, then the first conscious thought is choosing the right tool. Which, much of the time, is whatever tool is closest to being in my hand already.

That said, I can definitely say that in recent years I've been more mindful of the wear and tear on my poor abused and scarred hands and wrists, plus I've gotten a lot of nice battery tools, so I'm always biased toward the speed and convenience of power tools whenever it makes sense.

 

[KomatsuTech]

It's basically subconscious for me to identify a fastener size and what tools to grab. The only time I have to "think" what I need is when my first plan of attack doesn't work, and I need to back up and punt.

I am professional technician and it's what I do 5 to 6 days a week, 10 to 12 hours a day. So it's all automatic for me, however someone who doesn't do this kind of work for a living, would have to "think" more about what they need and how to proceed...

Hope that makes sense!

 

[cabot]

Living in the rust belt I tend to bring the biggest tool to the work that fits. Long ratchets, wrenches, whatever works. Much of my work is suspension, brakes and regular maintenance so clearance in the engine bay isn’t usually an issue.

Funny. I start with the smallest tool that fits to reduce my likelihood of stripping and breaking bolts except on suspension.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Thanks for replies so far guys. As a non-pro who just fixes a handful of things each week, I was wondering how pros think.

Do you think about what kind of tool you need first (wrench, socket, etc) or think about what size it is and then ask yourself what kinds of tools you have in that size?

It does make sense that if you’re a pro you have an instinct for it and just know At first glance Exactly what tools and what size.

 

[nadogail]

The answer is always “It Depends”. Some times I am told enough by the dispatcher to have the Test Equipment, Tools and Repair Parts in my pocket as I walk through the Customer’s door, other times concuss thought is required.

 

[toolenthusiast]

…was wondering how pros think.

Do you think about what kind of tool you need first (wrench, socket, etc) or think about what size it is and then ask yourself what kinds of tools you have in that size?

People who wrench for a living are motivated to perform their repairs as efficiently as possible, whether because they are on commission or simply because they have KPIs to hit. Every footstep is lost time. Every trip to the supply cabinet is lost money, plus wear and tear on your knees. Every switch between 1/4” drive and 3/8” drive is a waste - not just because of the biomechanics of the actual tool switching process but also because rooting through toolbox drawers and fumbling with adapters and extensions will quickly knock you out of your precious “flow state” where you’ve mapped out the job in your mind and are running on autopilot.

Example: if you’re a Ford technician you probably grab a 20V 1/4” impact, an 8mm, a 10mm, a 13mm. You already know if the job requires a 5.5mm, 7mm, or T25. You throw a 1/4” flex ratchet and a long extension in your hip pocket. You’ll have a pocket screwdriver or pocket prybar in your shirt pocket already. You now have - on your person - virtually everything you need to tear down anything above the suspension.

If you’re taking a fender off a Chevy you’re gonna grab the T15, 7mm, and 10mm. Et cetera