Need Help Sourcing a Special Open End Wrench

[907arcticcat]

I'm working on a project where I need to tighten a few thousand threaded caster studs into table frames. I am hoping to find a wrench that can slip around the nut, but has some sort of spring loaded arm that will help keep the wrench on the nut, while still easily removed

In a perfect world, the other end would be wide enough that I could run a rod vertically through the wrench and use that to spin the wrench faster than constantly changing hands.

In the past I have used a low profile Cresent wrench and I know that works, but really hoping to find something that will speed up the process.

Although this pic is not the exact caster, you can get the idea. Also the bench will be upside down during assembly.

 

[Bighead38]

Can you use a flare nut wrench?

 

[Bobcat753]

Maybe something like this Ratcheting Line Wrench?

 

[907arcticcat]

Thanks for both of those wrench ideas. I had not thought of either.

I don't think the flare nut will work because there won't be enough room to lift it off the nut. Once the stud is tightened down into the bench, a typically thickness 6" Crescent needs to be wiggled free as it gets pinched between the bench frame and caster.

I have not looked closely at the ratcheting wrench, but that just might work. I wonder if they are less than 3/8" thick!

In years past, I used a dead blow hammer and removed the casters and then ran the studs in with a deep well socket. In the end, it didn't save me any time, but the frustration level was less and pounding off the casters run the risk of breaking one every couple hundred.

If anyone has other ideas, it would be appreciated!

 

[leg17]

How about a ratcheting open-end wrench?

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Ratchet-Act...:g:CgMAAOSwZ8ZW330C&item=172153214384&vxp=mtr

 

[Bobcat753]

The wrench I posted is way less than 3/8" thick. I think they are around 1/4" thick.

 

[Wamsutta]

What size is the nut you'll be turning?

 

[907arcticcat]

Thanks for that info Bobcat. Couldn't seem too find that info online.

The nut is 3/4"

 

[joecon]

what about bending a tappet wrench (thin wrench) so it would fit around the caster
and you could turn it like a crank.

 

[pi_guy]

I would build a custom wrench out of 5/16 thick alum. I would source Carr Lane for ball detents found on allen set screws will provide pressure to keep wrench on nut and a little more pressure puts it on or off.

 

[RedF]

LW style Vise Grip? Clip it on, and spin it with a finger?

 

[alex95eg]

I made my own for a suzuki outboard 12mm using a snap on fd had a machine shop broach me a 3/8 square for attaching a ratchet. Kind of like a obstruction crowsfoot long wrench

 

[Wamsutta]

The nut is 3/4"

What happens if you try tightening it with a regular 3/4'' combination wrench?

 

[four.cycle]

look on Ebay for a used 3/4" tappet wrench.

Indestro / Duro Chrome / Herbrand / Owatonna / Craftsman / Fairmount / Walden / others.

should be able to find an oldie for under $10 bucks.

that's going to be your thinnest head.

the ratcheting line wrenches mentioned above can also be found used on Ebay but I don't see a lot of them solo - usually they're in sets.

 

[gungatim]

do the casters pop off the metal stud? if so use a deep well socket, then pop the wheels back on the stud.

 

[bry@n]

Couldn't you use a ratcheting open ended wrench like SO makes.

 

[APEowner]

I'd clamp a pair of needle nose vice-grips on the hex and spin it in with my finger and then go back and do the final tighten with a wrench.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

tape the caster to the nut and use it as a handle, then 20* with an end wrench.

 

[2oolhound]

Here's some more varieties of open end wrenches:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=249850

 

[907arcticcat]

If I can hand thread the stud down far enough so that the distance between the bench frame and nut is less than the width of the wrench, everything works ok as the wrench cannot fall off (sandwiched between the caster and bench frame. Sometime however there is weld spatter, powder coat or my fingers are just tired and I wish I had a faster way to run the stud down without the adjustable wrench slipping off a couple time per. Until now, I have used a 6" adjustable wrench and angle it upwards (handle down) and try pushing it inward so that it stays positioned on the nut while I zip it around.

I have tried combination wrenches and although they do work, it's just too slow.

Well I found a Proto 3/4 ratcheting flare nut wrench on eBay for $17 shipped, so I will give that a go. Hopefully it is thin enough, but if not I can surface grind it down. I won't use the ratchet part until the final snug down, but do hope the jaws grab the nut enough that the wrench does not slip down. I may also try to adapt a very small piece of metal to one side of the jaws to act similar to a Capstop

Thanks everyone for the ideas. I will post a follow up with pictures next time I have this furniture on an install.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I think I figured it out.
Get a nice Chinese Craftsman wrench
Heat it up and bend it 90 a little back from the open end for an L shape
bend the top of the L in a little;
/
L
straight above the middle of the open end, weld, glue, or tape a 1/4" quick change bit to the wrench with the drill end up.

To operate, you chuck it in the drill, start the caster 2 threads, hook the wrench under the caster with light up pressure, and pull the trigger.

 

[Al Borland]

Crowfoot on a speeder??? Caster should turn with the wrench