Really Tough extended needle nose?

[Matt018]

I was trying to take a rusted wing nut off yesterday and the best way to access it was to try to turn it with my set of crescent double jointed needle nose. It would have worked perfectly but the tips just spread right open. And i was applying a good amount of force on the grip so i know it wasnt my lack of strength, the tips just spread.

Other than this i have had no problems with them, the 45deg were actualy one of my favorite sets and used them for everything but i want something thats gonna be more solid.

Also if there is a set with a 90 deg aswell that would be great.
Heres what i have now
http://www.sears.com/crescent-doubl...blockNo=1&blockType=G1&blockNo=1&blockType=G1

 

[Matt018]

bump??

 

[PinkLinc]

I'm no help on the pliers but can you get a 6 point socket over it? That might work... And I'm sure you've already hit it with some PB Blaster or something first.

 

[archirelic]

I'd like to see pictures of the spread tips on the pliers. I have the same set and have used them quite harshly from time to time and haven't experienced any spreading. I'm actually surprised that they did on you.

 

[Matt018]

They didnt bend out they just flexed off the wingnut. they didnt hold tight.

And a 6point socket wouldnt work. yeah i use penetrating oil.

 

[bart1]

Something like this maybe?

http://www.tptools.com/p/1464,129_Flat-Metal-Bending-Pliers.html

Or some decent sized lineman's pliers?

http://www.channellock.com/369-Linemens.aspx

Can you go straight in from the front or side?

 

[archirelic]

They didnt bend out they just flexed off the wingnut. they didnt hold tight.

And a 6point socket wouldnt work. yeah i use penetrating oil.

Well that description makes much more sense

 

[kc-steve]

Yup, needlenose pliers aren't intended for that. In cases like you describe, I think I have used an adjustable wrench on the wings.

Steve

 

[zoso]

Maybe these would fit your needs. They're pretty stout...

Straight
http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/...11-long-reach-heavy-duty-straight-pliers.aspx

45 Degree
http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/...516-11-long-reach-heavy-duty-bent-pliers.aspx

or

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Napa-11-Lon...6?forcev4exp=true&forceRpt=true#ht_1886wt_817

 

[cmandp]

I have these Blue-point ones and while they still flex they're better than needle nose in the same style. I certainly wouldn't pay $50 from Snap on for them however

 

[bcradio]

Kobalt ones might work for pretty cheap.

 

[Matt018]

how are these?

http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/...2-pc-16-needle-nose-longreach-pliers-set.aspx

 

[lrhredjb]

Why don't you just slip a suitable size nut over the end of the plier tips so they won't spread out? Or use some light chain if the tips are too far apart for a nut.

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

My Mac long reach set has been through hell over the last 15 years or so without any concerns. Even used them as a spanner a time or two!

 

[otis66]

I use an adjustable wrench when a wing nut is giving me problems. Here is a wing nut socket that might help you out.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SPS98/WING-NUT-SOCKET/
https://www.mxmegastore.com/ProductDetails.asp?ProductCode=MP12-Wing-Nut-Socket-Set

 

[Skin]

take a socket and cut slots in it. Great wingnut removal/installation tool.

 

[Danglerb]

take a socket and cut slots in it. Great wingnut removal/installation tool.

This is what cheap Chinese sockets were made for, adapting.

Wingnuts are not always very strong, break off the wings and it gets worse, so use a socket close to the size of the middle round part.

 

[LGMechanical]

I have a Mac master screwdriver set. It comes with a wing nut bit. Works wonders.

 

[ndoran]

take a spare socket that has a diameter smaller than the "wings" on the wing nut. Cut a slot across the diameter of the socket with an angle grinder using a cutting disk so that the socket will fit onto the wing nut. You can then use your favourite ratchet, breaker bar or impact gun on it

 

[Matt018]

That is actually a great ideal ill have to find a cheap socket around the garage to make this tool.

 

[SCWOOD]

Maybe stainless fishing pliers might work.

 

[RedFordTruck]

I like the socket cutting idea

 

[jrlp]

I've made a few over the years. Had a job demo'ing / salvaging everything from old medical and laboratory equipment to semiconductor manufacturing stuff. Lots of wing-nuts and panel locking finger nuts that had rusted/corroded over the years and were stuck good. I had to get stiches once or twice when I twisted them with gloves on, and they broke at an angle, and sliced the glove and index/thumb open.

I had made a set for myself out of who knows-what surgical equipment. They were tubes slotted on all 4 sides, with 2 different sized slots. Just tigged the end of a sparkplug socket on them, because sometimes there wasn't enough room to put a ratchet on them, so you'd have to turn them with a wrench. Now that I think about it, I haven't seen them in years.

I'll probably make a few since I'm at it sometime this week, so if anyone would like some made, I'll make a few sets..

If you do want some made, let me know what od/id, slot width and depth, with or without hex flats for wrench use, and what drive size. If I remember correctly, the size I ran across the most, or rather the tool that I used most, had a 5/8" id and .2" slot width and 3/4 or 1" slot depth.

I know most of you are more than capable of making your own simply by just grinding slots on a socket, but if you'd like something a bit better send me a pm. Seems I only have one or two 'good days' a week where I can actually work anymore, so I like to enjoy myself on those days!

 

[bchee]

with my set of crescent double jointe