looking for a slack adjuster wrench

[Lucky13don]

I'm looking for a wrench for slack adjuster on air brakes. 7/16 and 9/16 with offset boxends would be ideal. has anyone seen a wrench like this? thanks in advance..

 

[toolman9w]

Never seen an offset one. This set is nice.
https://www.tooltopia.com/ken-tool-...UXcwEmIxhWlN_-JNsmd1FAB3jUuX9MYW3g2P5i2LAir0b

 

[hrichard]

Why offset? Some kind of special equipment? I am a heavy equipment mechanic and have never needed anything other than my KD rebadged as Mac set. I believe if I needed an offset I would use a socket and ratchet.

 

[Lucky13don]

doesnt need to be offset. on some older trailers theres a airtank close but i can still get a hammer in there to tap it.

 

[Lucky13don]

Never seen an offset one. This set is nice.
https://www.tooltopia.com/ken-tool-...UXcwEmIxhWlN_-JNsmd1FAB3jUuX9MYW3g2P5i2LAir0b

man, i could spend some money on there...

 

[marineman]

Can't help ya on that one. I always carried the lang 5/16 set in the truck but all of ours are were the same size. You would think one of the truck brands would have something with the number of shops they cater to.

 

[Lucky13don]

thanks guys. any one like a certain type of tire bar? ones they gave me blow wheaties. too short..

 

[Lucky13don]

they're intermodal trailers, so some have sat for awhile.always fun..

 

[Mr Ratchet]

9/16" with a ratchet here. A wrench would be a pain if you have to back them all the way off. In fact I like my ratchet head on a slight angle locked into the first spot (forward) most times.

They can get caked up with a lot of road grime. Added rust would be fun too.

 

[Jazz1]

Back when we had adjustable slack adjusters I dont recall ever using anything but a 9/16",,,and a hammer. Never seen a 9/16 7/16 combo but you could make one with a little welding

 

[JuliusPepperwood]

Lang Tools (4651) Automatic Slack Adjuster Release Tool and Wrench

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000J4NM7U/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I bought mine off the cornwell truck, I have quite a few Lang tools brand stuff and all of it is good quality.

 

[NinnyCTSV]

I use the Matco rebranded Lang stuff. Works great

 

[NinnyCTSV]

Tirebar? Ken-tool or nothing I just bought the 34644 with a smaller pointier nose vs the old school spoon type and it works amazing when sliding in between the rim and the brake drum to release those rusted together rims

 

[Wamsutta]

HSA716

BSA916

 

[WittHay]

Besides a hammer and a old 9/16 wrench, we have used the Brake Buddy Tool for the manual slack adjusters on trailers, stays in the trucks. There is also a Brake Boss wrench available that works on both the manual and auto slack adjusters

 

[Lucky13don]

Besides a hammer and a old 9/16 wrench, we have used the Brake Buddy Tool for the manual slack adjusters on trailers, stays in the trucks. There is also a Brake Boss wrench available that works on both the manual and auto slack adjusters

thats slick...thanks

 

[Lucky13don]

Tirebar? Ken-tool or nothing I just bought the 34644 with a smaller pointier nose vs the old school spoon type and it works amazing when sliding in between the rim and the brake drum to release those rusted together rims

we have the spoon type they're too thick. thanks for the heads up on the ken-tool bars

 

[Mr_B]

I like offset ratchet box ends for the adjusters, don't have a 9/16 7/8 combo but I got a sae set .
you could buy cheaper ones and custom them into a special tool for those sizes .

 

[Lucky13don]

I like offset ratchet box ends for the adjusters, don't have a 9/16 7/8 combo but I got a sae set .
you could buy cheaper ones and custom them into a special tool for those sizes .

That's a good idea

 

[VocaTexas]

When I had my truck I used a Craftsman wrench like Mr. B posted to adjust my slack adjusters. The set starts at 3/8 and goes to 7/8 if I recall. Made easy quick work at adjusting.

 

[homebuilt burner]

Tire bars ken-tool t45a.

slack adjuster wrench is a Matco offset ratcheting reversible

 

[earthmover1980]

In my experience of maintaining a fleet of older end dumps in straight and tractor trailer combinations, here is how I handle it:
Manual slacks:
I adjust with a 9/16 combination wrench, and a hammer to push in the lock.
Gunite auto adjust slacks:
use a 5/16 square. I use a 5/16 8 point socket and ratchet for these.
Manual slacks on our lowboy trailers seem to use a 7/16" 6point adjuster. I use a 7/16" combo wrench.
I like non ratcheting wrenches to adjust, since my technique involves tightening down until I can't turn it in anymore, then backing off 1/4-1/2 a turn. Seems to always be close for me. Not sure why special wrenches are sought after for simple adjustments.

Special note,
My dad when he removes a slack adjuster to re-use, he puts the slack in a vise then uses an air ratchet or impact to spin the adjuster bolt fast, and greases em up at the same time to free up the worm gear. Works well. We have had slacks seize, and become un adjustable, and had em actually strip out the threads inside, among other mechanical problems.
My .02

 

[Lucky13don]

In my experience of maintaining a fleet of older end dumps in straight and tractor trailer combinations, here is how I handle it:
Manual slacks:
I adjust with a 9/16 combination wrench, and a hammer to push in the lock.
Gunite auto adjust slacks:
use a 5/16 square. I use a 5/16 8 point socket and ratchet for these.
Manual slacks on our lowboy trailers seem to use a 7/16" 6point adjuster. I use a 7/16" combo wrench.
I like non ratcheting wrenches to adjust, since my technique involves tightening down until I can't turn it in anymore, then backing off 1/4-1/2 a turn. Seems to always be close for me. Not sure why special wrenches are sought after for simple adjustments.

Special note,
My dad when he removes a slack adjuster to re-use, he puts the slack in a vise then uses an air ratchet or impact to spin the adjuster bolt fast, and greases em up at the same time to free up the worm gear. Works well. We have had slacks seize, and become un adjustable, and had em actually strip out the threads inside, among other mechanical problems.
My .02

thats how i do it. thanks for the tip on the impact, im gonna try it on some old trailers that have sat for a year. they're going to scrape. or i'll grab a "bad" one from the bin.

 

[Lucky13don]

thanks for the ideas guys...

 

[Professional Tool User]

I have not heard about an offset slack adjuster tool. I'm 99% sure that the tool truck ones are just rebranded Lang ones. Your other option is to buy a double box end ratcheting wrench in those sizes. You'll rarely ever need to use that style of slack adjuster tool which is designed for when clearance is an issue. Usually a 3/8 flex head ratchet with a 7/16 or 9/16 socket will do. I wouldn't even bother with buying one for the 9/16 manual slack adjusters. I only find them on old trailers and clearance has never been an issue.

 

[anndel]

Need slack adjusters for people I used to work with.

 

[tdwright1971]

I always used a set of reversible ratchet wrenches such as Blackhawk. They are a little longer which allows more torque. Used them for many years.

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