Low profile sockets and ratchets

[noahwins]

Today at work I was assigned a water pump and SOHC timing belt on a E90 Toyota Corolla. Simple right? Well it was my first time doing a t-belt on a transverse engine. The Mitsubishi trucks I'm used to were so easy compared to this tiny little Corolla. The senior tech showed me, an apprentice, how to raise the engine using an engine bar to get better access but even that was really time consuming. Book time was 3.5 hours for both the pump and belt. Crazy fast. I muddled through.

There was maybe 1" to 1.5" inches in front of the water pump pulley to work on the 4x 8mm bolts. My deep offset wrench was too wide and my regular wrench didn't have enough offset. Even my tiny VIM RBR5 ratchet (terrific tool, BTW) and normal depth 1/4" drive socket didn't fit. No one in the shop had a shallow offset wrench.

A low profile ratchet and socket set would have made it a lot faster.

Any recommendations? I was thinking maybe Snap On 112RTM. Snap-On 210RAFSM looks too thick. A company called Laser I've never heard of makes these low profile sets. Anyone know anything about these? I like the price on a tool I probably won't use too often.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Laser-6887...855418&hash=item2607ac180a:g:KfgAAOSw~LBb025F

https://www.ebay.com/itm/Genuine-LA...012613&hash=item545a63457a:g:r28AAOSwkbpa0M68

 

[sreeb]

Maybe: GearWrench 3680 Ratcheting Wrench Serpentine Belt Tool

I have only used it a couple of times so I don't know how well it covers all the bases.

 

[nbpt100]

Maybe: GearWrench 3680 Ratcheting Wrench Serpentine Belt Tool

I have only used it a couple of times so I don't know how well it covers all the bases.

Yes. I have used a serp belt tool in a few instances where space did not allow for a std. ratchet. My Serp belt kit comes with 3 or 4 sockets. I think 13 mm through 15 or 16 mm. They are about .10 thinner and with the serpantine belt bar is only adds about 1/4" more in thickness.

Flex head ratcheting box wrench? Would that work?

Some go through sockets are pretty shallow and you can put a ratcheting box wrench on it.

 

[paulsomlo]

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-socket-cap-set/p-00943303000P?ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIkMecvYuf4QIVRCCtBh2wiAMnEAYYAyABEgIAm_D_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8592!3!317853285778!!!g!761465361272!&sid=IDx01192011x000001x1651384318&utm_campaign=9028925&utm_group=62569197599-317853285778&utm_term=pla-761465361272&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkMecvYuf4QIVRCCtBh2wiAMnEAYYAyABEgIAm_D_BwE

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=417826&highlight=koken

Add a ratcheting wrench or thinnest profile long handle 1/4" ratchet you can find. Those socket caps come in more sophisticated versions, I linked CM because that was the 1st one that came up.

 

[Skin]

Assuming you have a bunch of assorted ratcheting wrenches already Snap-on sells the sockets as a set with an 11mm external hex that will work in any 11mm ratcheting wrench. Its 110RTSMA.

https://store.snapon.com/Low-Profil...rofile-Socket-Set-5-ndash-13-mm--P650546.aspx

Wera sells a nice kit too but the sockets kind of have to be used with their special ratchet as the retaining ring is in that as opposed to on the sockets like Snap-on did.

The Carlyle long double box reversible wrenches are still on sale until the end of the month too and have extended box ends.

https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/CHQRWLBFL5M

https://www.sears.com/craftsman-3-pc-socket-cap-set/p-00943303000P?ef_id=EAIaIQobChMIkMecvYuf4QIVRCCtBh2wiAMnEAYYAyABEgIAm_D_BwE:G:s&s_kwcid=AL!8592!3!317853285778!!!g!761465361272!&sid=IDx01192011x000001x1651384318&utm_campaign=9028925&utm_group=62569197599-317853285778&utm_term=pla-761465361272&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIkMecvYuf4QIVRCCtBh2wiAMnEAYYAyABEgIAm_D_BwE

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=417826&highlight=koken

Add a ratcheting wrench or thinnest profile long handle 1/4" ratchet you can find. Those socket caps come in more sophisticated versions, I linked CM because that was the 1st one that came up.

I own ratcheting wrench socket adapters and you really don't gain anything over a 1/4" ratchet. For just a little offset the purpose made through sockets or ratcheting wrenches with the offset/extended rings are about the lowest profile you'll find.

 

[techieman33]

The astro nano sockets are pretty short, and you can put a 17mm wrench on them to save space.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Handyandy23]

The astro nano sockets are pretty short, and you can put a 17mm wrench on them to save space.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Was going to suggest these. I just got my set in and they look very well made. Nice and short (especially the 3/8 set) and couple that with a long handle ratcheting 17mm wrench and you have a very low profile tool with a lot of torque. And a set up that doesn't break the bank.

 

[snickers muncher]

The astro nano sockets are pretty short, and you can put a 17mm wrench on them to save space.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Was going to suggest these. I just got my set in and they look very well made. Nice and short (especially the 3/8 set) and couple that with a long handle ratcheting 17mm wrench and you have a very low profile tool with a lot of torque. And a set up that doesn't break the bank.

I was going to suggest the same.

 

[JVB]

If going the astro route...
Sunex has a set 3325sr available on eBay for 43.99 shipped that are badixally the same. Includes a decent ratchet. Like other have said they really shine with the wrench on there to get in tight areas.

 

[DFB]

I have the Craftsman wrench sockets and when used with a C man ratcheting box end wrench they are much more shorter combination than what the the standard C man 1/4" socket and 1/4" drive ratchet combination offers. 1" total distance vs 1-1/2"

I also mocked it up with a Gearwrench brand ratcheting wrench but since I only have a small set of SAE so I had to substitute a comparative size to a 12mm. Using a 1/2" gearwrench the total between that wrench with the 12mm wrench socket was only 7/8"

Used with a flex head style ratcheting wrench might even offer more adaptability

We have discussed these types of sockets in other threads before here on GJ. They are also shorter than using a wrench/hex drive insert/standard socket combo which as previously mentioned offers a configuration not much less if any than just using a ratchet.

Not current shelf stock anymore either but they often can be found on the secondary market

And also not the Snap On name you may be looking for.

 

[Crabman]

Noahwins,

A good long thread about the Sunex set here on GJ might give you ideas.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=413050

I got a set and they are nice. With a ratcheting wrench they will go in some skinny places.

Good luck finding an economical solution.

Bruce

 

[bonneyman]

The astro nano sockets are pretty short, and you can put a 17mm wrench on them to save space.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBK1FHG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Shoot, that looks like an awesome set of short stacks!

Might have to look into those. Thanks for the link!

 

[JBH]

A low profile ratchet and socket set would have made it a lot faster.

Any recommendations? I was thinking maybe Snap On 112RTM.

Here’s a better and cheaper option:

https://www.griotsgarage.com/produc...+set+1-4+drive.do?sortby=ourPicks&from=Search

https://www.ultimategarage.com/shop/part.php?cPath=35_100_232&products_id=8928

Cheaper is self explanatory. Ultgar lists for more than GG, but may have GJ discounts (haven’t checked).

Better because of the locking flex ratchet with superior feel to 1/4” drive Dual 80 (I own both) and nice case.

FYI Snapper’s bit drive adaptor fits on the USAG ratchet. Wera’s pass through sockets are the same design as USAG/Facom, too. Wera’s set is cheaper (I think) but has a fixed head ratchet.

 

[PureLeaf]

The two that have been mentioned in the past are the Snap on Low profile and the Koken Low profile. I have the Koken myself. However the snap-on are slightly lower profile if I recall. There is a comparison thread somewhere on this forum about it... Edit looks like the photos have been removed for that.

Also to note on the snap on low profile "the Snap-On low profile sockets are dedicated for their own low profile ratchet. The sockets will not fit on a standard 3/8" square drive as the broaching is too shallow. The Ko-ken sockets on the other hand are interchangeable with any standard 3/8" square. Likewise, unlike the Snap-On low profile ratchet, the Ko-ken ratchet will fit any standard 3/8" drive socket"

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=284709

Heres some pics from another thread of the snap on low profile, Post #34

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=6626461&postcount=34

 

[Jlbc212]

This reminds me of the time I was changing out the timing belt on a 1998 Honda Civic. I had most of the job done except for putting the plastic cover back on and the motor mount. I tried for well over an hour to get the small bolts for the cover started by hand. I just couldn't get my hand to work in the tight space between the engine and the shock tower. My daughter walked into the garage. I asked her if she could give her dad a helping hand. I showed her what I had been trying to do. She got it done in less than a minute.

 

[Gurp]

Pass through sockets or socket caps cam be a lifesavers in spots like these.

 

[lugnut71]

i have the snap on 3/8 low profile sockets, the 14-18mm sizes fit any ratchet just fine, the 13mm and smaller still work but dont go on all the way

 

[DFB]

Even if you can slip a shallow depth socket on in a really tight spot the question remains...can you also remove the bolt

I did a John Deere water pump at work like that, every bolt came all the way out but one...no matter what still had to go back and remove the rad mounting

 

[Steve_P]

Flex head ratcheting wrenches are a must on transverse engines, both long and short wrenches. The reversible style with the offset ring on one side are great. Mountain RM6 is a long set

 

[sweet victory]

There was maybe 1" to 1.5" inches in front of the water pump pulley to work on the 4x 8mm bolts. My deep offset wrench was too wide and my regular wrench didn't have enough offset. Even my tiny VIM RBR5 ratchet (terrific tool, BTW) and normal depth 1/4" drive socket didn't fit. No one in the shop had a shallow offset wrench.

Why mess with the pulley with it still in the car? Wouldn't you remove the tensioner first, remove the belt, and then remove the water pump assembly? Replace the pulley with the pump on a bench, assuming replacement pump doesn't have a pulley.

 

[rlitman]

Was going to suggest these. I just got my set in and they look very well made. Nice and short (especially the 3/8 set) and couple that with a long handle ratcheting 17mm wrench and you have a very low profile tool with a lot of torque. And a set up that doesn't break the bank.

I have the 1/2" set, and am quite happy with it. The 3/8" set is about 1/4" shorter.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Why mess with the pulley with it still in the car? Wouldn't you remove the tensioner first, remove the belt, and then remove the water pump assembly? Replace the pulley with the pump on a bench, assuming replacement pump doesn't have a pulley.

Usually the bolts for the WP are obscured by said pulley. No holes drilled through, just a pulley bigger than the WP itself, because why make things serviceable?



OP - You need long offset wrenches, like the gearwrench XL series, proper low profile ratchets (snap on dual 80, Gearwrench 84), Koken 1/4 Zeal sockets if you want to go all out. And screw the support bars, raise the engine up with a jack with a block of wood on it to protect the oil pan. It's easy and out of your way.

EDIT: And screw Laser tools, I purchased some of their junk, never again. I see you list Oakland as your location. OEM tools makes low profile 3/8 drive, but they're 12 point. If you're in CA, 12 point might not matter.

 

[noahwins]

Why mess with the pulley with it still in the car? Wouldn't you remove the tensioner first, remove the belt, and then remove the water pump assembly? Replace the pulley with the pump on a bench, assuming replacement pump doesn't have a pulley.

No way to get the pump out with the pulley on. It's that jammed packed. I thought there had to be a way to pull it out as one unit but nope. That's what Alldata and the senior tech said to do -- take the pulley off first, then the pump. Total PITA.

Thanks for the tips, guys. My lack of experience beyond motorcycles, Subarus and dead simple Mitsubishi trucks and my not that deep toolbox really bit me in the ***. Good news is I got the job done (althought it took ridiculously long) and the car started right up without misfiring. No leaks and no squeaks.

Whew.

And I think I learned a few things so it will go faster next time.

 

[shockwave]

You really need a these short deep offset ratcheting wrenches steelman pro 96748 I have the older ezred ones but these are the same mine

 

[sreeb]

I drove by my local HF today so I took one for the GJ team and bought a 62327 21 Pc SAE & Metric Go-Thru Socket Set to examine. $16 after 20% discount and Pittsburgh (not Pro) branding.

Made in Taiwan. 72t reversible ratchet. Sockets are just under 1.2" high and their flats fit a 19mm box/ratcheting wrench perfectly, held in place by a ball on each. Sockets span 5/16"-3/4" and 10mm-19mm.

This is one tool where I wouldn't immediately toss a blow molded case but you don't get one. The crappy display plastic serves to keep all the parts together though. Open it by removing two screws from the back and don't break it up.

Quality seems better than you might expect. Finish and chrome is OK. I don't expect I will ever use the lifetime warranty. All in all, a perfectly serviceable tool for situations where other tools won't work.

 

[DFB]

I drove by my local HF today so I took one for the GJ team and bought a 62327 21 Pc SAE & Metric Go-Thru Socket Set to examine. $16 after 20% discount and Pittsburgh (not Pro) branding.

Made in Taiwan. 72t reversible ratchet. Sockets are just under 1.2" high and their flats fit a 19mm box/ratcheting wrench perfectly, held in place by a ball on each. Sockets span 5/16"-3/4" and 10mm-19mm.

This is one tool where I wouldn't immediately toss a blow molded case but you don't get one. The crappy display plastic serves to keep all the parts together though. Open it by removing two screws from the back and don't break it up.

Quality seems better than you might expect. Finish and chrome is OK. I don't expect I will ever use the lifetime warranty. All in all, a perfectly serviceable tool for situations where other tools won't work.

Ya seems the package storage is steady complaint

I truly hope you have good luck with that set and can keep giving positive feedback after using it for a while. On the surface it sure looks interesting and the price cant really be beat. (I could see having a few to flip on my summer market tool tables)

And believe me I'm not knocking tool brand choices here, but boy a lot of the reviews don't inspire much confidence all especially the ones about the retaining ball falling out plus the ratchet drive ring failing and drive selector switch not staying in position.

 

[sreeb]

Ya seems the package storage is steady complaint

I truly hope you have good luck with that set and can keep giving positive feedback after using it for a while. On the surface it sure looks interesting and the price cant really be beat. (I could see having a few to flip on my summer market tool tables)

And believe me I'm not knocking tool brand choices here, but boy a lot of the reviews don't inspire much confidence all especially the ones about the retaining ball falling out plus the ratchet drive ring failing and drive selector switch not staying in position.

It is something that I will probably only use a couple times a year if that so I won't be giving any credible long term usage reports anytime soon.

Looking at is again in view of your comments, the ratchet is held together by a snap ring that is well seated. This is a common design for ratchets. However the large center hole may place a lot of force on the snap ring if you lift or press on the handle so the design may be weak. I haven't seen any ratchet wrenches, which would see similar stresses, assembled that way. In any case, the value is all in the sockets since they can be used with any 3/4" or 19mm ratchet wrench.

It does have a lifetime warranty....

 

[nbpt100]

It is something that I will probably only use a couple times a year if that so I won't be giving any credible long term usage reports anytime soon.

Looking at is again in view of your comments, the ratchet is held together by a snap ring that is well seated. This is a common design for ratchets. However the large center hole may place a lot of force on the snap ring if you lift or press on the handle so the design may be weak. I haven't seen any ratchet wrenches, which would see similar stresses, assembled that way. In any case, the value is all in the sockets since they can be used with any 3/4" or 19mm ratchet wrench.

It does have a lifetime warranty....

I look at this as a specialty tool with low frequency use. If it solves a problem then you are ahead of the game. Personally I would prefer a blow molded or reusable case of some kind. Low frequency use tools I store on a shelf. It is good to be able to grab it and take it on the road if you think you may need it.
Good luck with it and I am sure it will serve you well.

 

[sreeb]

I look at this as a specialty tool with low frequency use. If it solves a problem then you are ahead of the game. Personally I would prefer a blow molded or reusable case of some kind. Low frequency use tools I store on a shelf. It is good to be able to grab it and take it on the road if you think you may need it.
Good luck with it and I am sure it will serve you well.

Exactly.