Socket to calibrate torque wrench

[Fodeman]

I have an old Craftsman torque wrench that I'm trying to recalibrate. I'm trying to find an 11/16 (or 17mm) spark plug socket (the kind with a hex head on the end). The problem is that it can only have an outside socket diameter of 7/8", so it would be a very thin wall. The reason for this is that it has to slip into the plastic handle of the torque wrench to tighten the locknut that holds the handle in place.
Sears probably had a special socket to fit inside the torque wrench handle to tighten the nut, but since they're on life support now, I'm not even going to think about going there.
My only other option is to find the spark plug socket and get it machined down to 7/8'. Has anyone else been faced with this situation? It's always been a good torque wrench, but the d**n plastic handle is the weak link. - Thanks

 

[dmaxfireman]

I ground down an old socket to use on mine a way back when.

Where are you located?

 

[Fodeman]

Rockville, Virginia

 

[DFB]

Curious why does the socket have to be the spark plug style with a hex bolster on the end?

All my basic 3/8" 11/16" or 17mm Craftsman deep sockets aren't much over that .875 (7/8") size. All run between .925-.950

A old 17MM SK I have is only .902.5 that's barely over .025 difference

 

[Fodeman]

DFB, I need to tighten down the nut with a combination wrench while holding the calibration rod in place with an Allen wrench.

 

[DFB]

DFB, I need to tighten down the nut with a combination wrench while holding the calibration rod in place with an Allen wrench.

I see

 

[Fodeman]

DFB, I just put a caliper on the inside of the handle. It measures a tight .8950, so I could probably get one of those and turn it down. Thanks

 

[SeisMec]

Chain saw spark plug wrench?

 

[Treeman]

This product says it is .88 inch OD without sleeve: https://www.brandsport.com/grla-17tws.html

 

[Packard V8]

The ID of handle is made too small on purpose, so the user can't futz with the adjustment. I had to machine down the outside of a standard socket.

jack v

 

[RonRock]

Grinder on the socket.

Crude but effective. I've done it many times when I had no better choice.

 

[rlitman]

This isn't a high torque application. I'd guess that a plumber's shower body socket set would work:
https://www.homedepot.com/p/Eastman-5-Piece-Plumber-s-Socket-Set-with-Bar-Handle-45041/205807861

 

[javyLSU]

I know exactly what you’re going through. Last year I was almost at the point of giving up and buying a new torque wrench until I found a pair of needle nose pliers that were long enough and strong enough to move the locking nut inside that stupid handle. I searched high and low, but never found a socket that would fit inside that shaft. I am glad that I was able to save that torque wrench, it’s the first one I ever had (USA made, gift from my father) and I have the complete set (44593, 44594, and 44595), all still inside the original storage cases. Good luck!

 

[Bighead38]

Could you use any socket and put these caps in to turn it?

 

[Jbullfrog]

The socket needs to be open center so an allen wrench can be used to hold the center shaft while tightening the lock nut.

 

[brownbagg]

cheaper socket and weld something to it to hold, i like the chainsaw, lawn mower socker idea, thos cheap pipe sockets

 

[Fodeman]

To everyone, I think the pipe sockets are the way to go! I appreciate all of your input. Thank you!

 

[visionguru]

To everyone, I think the pipe sockets are the way to go! I appreciate all of your input. Thank you!

I'm not sure pipe socket is the solution. Pipe socket may look slim, but is it slim enough? Comparing with a regular socket, pipe socket may have less metal along the hex, the diagonal length may be similar and still can't fit in.

You may want to check out the following thread:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442750

 

[rlitman]

I'm not sure pipe socket is the solution. Pipe socket may look slim, but is it slim enough? Comparing with a regular socket, pipe socket may have less metal along the hex, the diagonal length may be similar and still can't fit in.

You may want to check out the following thread:
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=442750

The pipe socket may not be slim enough, but the OP's requirements in this thread differ from yours in that he first needs a pass-through socket. Slim is secondary, and by the numbers provided, it doesn't sound too slim to me.