Making an oxygen sensor socket?

[murph64]

Taking the cheap route and making an O2 sensor out of a 7/8 socket - what's the best place to make the cutout, in the middle of a flat or a corner? I'm thinking in the flat.



Andy

 

[DanCo]

I'd go on the flat

 

[fr0mastaj]

Pretty sure the regular oxygen sockets have in the middle of the flat
________
Crime insurance forums

 

[Skyline]

I hope you're using an impact socket. I've always had better luck with the crow-foot style impact sockets. The chrome ones ****, even Snap-on.

Keep in mind that O2 sensors have a tendency to need huge torque to remove. Sometimes huge torque + torch. The chrome O2 sockets just spread when they see about 300-400 ft lbs. I like the crow foot design, as a few times I've had to hammer on the tab to break one loose.

 

[eyeboltman]

Me to I am cheap !!! Years ago I had the machinist mill a slot in a deep socket . craftman . I used it a few times , mill on the flat.. I all so seen people cut them with a muffer cut off wheel, Now all the stores have them .Try to use a good strong socket !!! Snap On ,If you want to see grown men and women cry

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

I made one for an old t-bird. but I took the wire off and cut down a box wrench and put a hole in the end for a slide hammer and used it several times. worked fine ED

 

[sammm]

I borrowed an O2 sensor socket from a buddy last time I needed one. I ended up using a giant crescent wrench instead because I couldn't get enough leverage on the socket.

 

[murph64]

Yep, using an impact as a starting point. I have an extra 1 or 2 deep 7/8ths.

Pretty sure the regular oxygen sockets have in the middle of the flat

And I'm the doo mas that didn't even think to check the store bought one I have (and broke)...




Andy

 

[Bruce Lancaster]

If the existing sensor is believed to be shot, and you are installing a new one...to hell with the wire, just drive on an intact socket and have full strength for the removal.
Then get or make the slotted socket for the nice, easy install part of the job.

 

[APEowner]

If the existing sensor is believed to be shot, and you are installing a new one...to hell with the wire, just drive on an intact socket and have full strength for the removal.
Then get or make the slotted socket for the nice, easy install part of the job.

+1
I've never used a 02 sensor socket to remove a sensor. This trick also works for removing rusted line fittings. If the line is bad. cut it off and use a 6 point socket instead of a tubing wrench.

 

[ozzy214]

To make it even stronger. Take a hose clamp and wrap it around the socket. It tighets up and heeps the slit from "spreading"

All in all the croqfoot o2 is probaly the strongest. This one is pretty good.

http://www.autozone.com/autozone/ac...es&fromWhere=Brand&itemIdentifier=272729_0_0_

 

[wafrederick]

I cut the wire off if the oxygen sensor is bad.May have to add heat to remove it and sometimes have to run a tap through the bung since threads do get messed up once in a while.Tap size is 18mm x 1.50.

 

[Busted Bolts]

agree, cut the wire, heat, slam on a good tight fitting socket, if that don't work, drop the pipe, and use an impact gun to remove, like Bruce said, save the o2 socket for the install of the new sensor

 

[Keep]

I always just cut the wire and use a combo wrench. It was easier to get on the sensor then a socket. I hate the damn o2 socket I bought, I used it twice, both times it just spread out and stripped the damn sensor.

 

[ThatsWhatSheSaid]

Or you could use the free rental for O2 sensor sockets at places like advanced auto.

 

[shampoop]

it's called buy one from harbor freight. They're cheap.

 

[cortez]

Use PB Blaster on it when it's hot; good chance it will be "broken" loose enough for any type 02 sensor socket/wrench, even makeshift ones.

 

[murph64]

it's called buy one from harbor freight. They're cheap.

That's where my first one came from




Andy

 

[lipadj46]

Or you could use the free rental for O2 sensor sockets at places like advanced auto.

They cost like $10, why rent? I would spend $8 in gas just driving back to return it. I have one from advanced that got all 4 off my land rover at 100k miles. Having a 25" flex head 80 tooth ratchet helps.

 

[ThatsWhatSheSaid]

They cost like $10, why rent? I would spend $8 in gas just driving back to return it. I have one from advanced that got all 4 off my land rover at 100k miles. Having a 25" flex head 80 tooth ratchet helps.

well ts easier for me considering I have only had to change one and buy the o2 sensor from them anyways. plus they are 1 mile from my house. But yeah buying from HF is a good idea to.

 

[shampoop]

That's where my first one came from




Andy

mine works flawlessly

 

[BlindViper]

my blue point 1 works fine

 

[Lotek]

I have 3 different O2 sensor sockets and none of them fit the sensor on the Toyota motor GM is using, the thinwall socket from Snap-On seems to be on permanent backorder, been waiting 4 months, time to chuck something up in the mill.

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i have actually thought of making one in my spare time since i don't have the socket style. of all the ones i've used the lisle dual drive is my favorite.

 

[rayzor32]

Am i missing something here? There is only a few times when you need to take off an o2 sensor and put it back in most of the time its getting replaced, so just cut the wire off and use a regular socket.

 

[Chris Adams]

Am i missing something here? There is only a few times when you need to take off an o2 sensor and put it back in most of the time its getting replaced, so just cut the wire off and use a regular socket.

About one time it two you are going to put it back. You take them off to test them, only correct way, and 50% of the time they are still good.
I use a regular O2 socket usually, but have had to use big flank drive open end wrenches and lots of PB blaster or liquid wrench.

Side note, when working under cars I seldom use flame, I prefer to use a heat gun, heats the item nicely, no open fire.

 

[fordbroncodave]

buy an extra long 7/8" socket off a tooltruck and cut a side down with a cut off wheel