tough access 1/4" drive tools

[0.511MeV]

After fighting for quite a while to replace a sensor in a really tight spot, I decided my 1/4" drive tool selection is not nearly what it should be.

I just bought the Armstrong fine tooth and flex ratchets, and a set of 6 SK wobble extensions. All of those would have made the task much faster and easier.

I'm also considering the SK "flex socket" set (1337) and the SK locking extensions (4941). Any thoughts on those tools?

Any other suggestions for other 1/4" drive tools for tight spots and tough access?

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

After fighting for quite a while to replace a sensor in a really tight spot, I decided my 1/4" drive tool selection is not nearly what it should be.

I just bought the Armstrong fine tooth and flex ratchets, and a set of 6 SK wobble extensions. All of those would have made the task much faster and easier.

I'm also considering the SK "flex socket" set (1337) and the SK locking extensions (4941). Any thoughts on those tools?

Any other suggestions for other 1/4" drive tools for tight spots and tough access?

GearWrench 1/4 PassThru (Vortex)

 

[Joe B.]

I like the SK palm ratchet for place that there is not room to rotate a ratchet.

 

[FlatHeads_Suck]

I use 1/4" almost exclusively, and I have the flex sockets and wobble extensions. Love them both. I also have an extremely short snap on ratchet that i like a lot. And of course all the usual stuff.

 

[Scout Driver]

A good 1/4" flex was a wise choice by you. I second the vote on a palm ratchet. A ratcheting screwdriver with an adapter to drive sockets is also handy.

Scott

 

[Zaylor]

GearWrench 1/4 PassThru (Vortex)

What is the difference between this

and this

 

[MechanicNamedJohn]

What is the difference between this

and this

Seriously? For starters that not a GW 1/4 you have pictured, and sometimes you need a really shallow socket vs box end. Or, sometimes a wrench is too long, of the box end body wont allow you to git in tight places, etc, etc, etc.

 

[Matt018]

These are nice.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682939&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[greasemonkey44]

small flex sockets and locking extensions let me work around alot of the tight spots

 

[0.511MeV]

Looks like the pass through type sockets are somewhat popular. Interesting. I remember seeing some Kobalt brand pass through sockets at Lowes, but I wasn't sure if it was a gimmicky tool or not. I may have to give them a try.

Thanks for the suggestions.

 

[SantaAna12]

Is there a difference between "flex" and "wobble"?

 

[davesnothere]

These are nice.

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=682939&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

I agree.

 

[stonesfan68]

Gearwrench Vortex set for $18:

14pc-vortex-metric-socket-set

 

[Vvmvbb]

Definately pick up a VIM HBR5

 

[Mr Ratchet]

GearWrench 1/4 PassThru (Vortex)

Yep, I have a 1/4" and 3/8" drives in the older Kobalt version and Craftsman now also has a version that all interchange. Total height with a 1/2" socket in the 1/4 drive ratchet is only one inch. You still have more reach than a ratchet as well.

Couple these with their extensions and you now have some very deep reach/wall sockets.

 

[Jawn]

I like the SK palm ratchet for place that there is not room to rotate a ratchet.

I assume you mean the thumb ratchet (round wheel, no handle) and not palm control (normal ratchet but of Facom influence, black ring for reversing).

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I have a 3/8 Sk thumb ratchet, it is excellent! I want the 1/4 version. I have craftsman 1/4 locking extensions and Armstrong 1/4 wobble extensions. I also have two 1/4 swivels.

this usually is enough for me.

 

[littletoes]

Wiha just came out with flex drive nut drivers, they look to be helpful when trying to get at those hard to reach spots!

http://www.wihatools.com/300seri/372in_serie.htm


I thought of these while I was trying to access the hose clamps that hold the MAP sensor on a 03 ford focus....

 

[DanCo]

Gearwrench Vortex 1/4" drive sets are on sale for $9.99 in store @ Advanced Auto this month.

Dan

 

[Holt]

Wera bit ratchet or vim

 

[FiendFX]

I believe Sears got the those type as well for cheaper. Just a thought.

 

[0.511MeV]

Is there a difference between "flex" and "wobble"?

The flex sockets have a universal joint built into them. One of the issues I was having was that the clearance between obstructions meant that a normal socket with a normal universal put my extension against an obstruction and I couldn't quite get enough clearance. A more compact assembly by having the universal built into the socket would have given me that extra mm or two that would have made the task much easier.

A wobble extension only has a few degrees of freedom. I prefer to use them over a universal if I can since a more straight on approach is usually better for applying torque.

But sometimes, I end up using a wobble with a universal to get that last extra degree or two of angle. I really hate it when I have to do that.

 

[0.511MeV]

Definately pick up a VIM HBR5

That looks mighty interesting. It works with 1/4" hex screwdriver bits too?

 

[thruthefence]

Shade tree 1/4" drive tip.

I'm an aircraft mechanic, and 95% of my work is with 1/4" drive stuff. Often in really close quarters.

A cheap & effective "lock" and "wiggle damper" is a short length of 1/6" wall thickness surgical tubing slipped over the u joint section of the socket, and down over the business end of the extension. A bit of a chore to set up, but after you do it a coupe of times. It get's easy. Doesn't last forever, but it prevents that "flop over" business just when you're lined up with the fastener, and has no effect on the u joint action.

 

[bart1]

That looks mighty interesting. It works with 1/4" hex screwdriver bits too?

I have a husky branded one from Home Depot. One end is for 5/16 bits and one for 1/4. Marked reverse gear like other makes (made by hi five). Has a little adaptor to use 1/4 sockets. Gear wrench also has a nice little kit, but these are smaller.

 

[Jawn]

I have a husky branded one from Home Depot. One end is for 5/16 bits and one for 1/4. Marked reverse gear like other makes (made by hi five). Has a little adaptor to use 1/4 sockets. Gear wrench also has a nice little kit, but these are smaller.

I think I'm going to have to get one of those.

 

[Zaylor]

Seriously? For starters that not a GW 1/4 you have pictured, and sometimes you need a really shallow socket vs box end. Or, sometimes a wrench is too long, of the box end body wont allow you to git in tight places, etc, etc, etc.

Is this the one you meant?

It seems very similar to a ratcheting box end to me. All the pictures on the box could be accomplished by a box end. I can see some situations, like you said, if the handle is too long. When do you need a really shallow socket vs box end?

 

[Seanbev24]

Shade tree 1/4" drive tip.

I'm an aircraft mechanic, and 95% of my work is with 1/4" drive stuff. Often in really close quarters.

A cheap & effective "lock" and "wiggle damper" is a short length of 1/6" wall thickness surgical tubing slipped over the u joint section of the socket, and down over the business end of the extension. A bit of a chore to set up, but after you do it a coupe of times. It get's easy. Doesn't last forever, but it prevents that "flop over" business just when you're lined up with the fastener, and has no effect on the u joint action.

I just use a couple wraps of electrical tape; tightness depending on what I'm trying to get at.

 

[SantaAna12]

Shade tree 1/4" drive tip.

I'm an aircraft mechanic, and 95% of my work is with 1/4" drive stuff. Often in really close quarters.

A cheap & effective "lock" and "wiggle damper" is a short length of 1/6" wall thickness surgical tubing slipped over the u joint section of the socket, and down over the business end of the extension. A bit of a chore to set up, but after you do it a coupe of times. It get's easy. Doesn't last forever, but it prevents that "flop over" business just when you're lined up with the fastener, and has no effect on the u joint action.

Nice. So....what is your go-to in your 1/4 kit?

 

[greasemonkey44]

Is this the one you meant?

It seems very similar to a ratcheting box end to me. All the pictures on the box could be accomplished by a box end. I can see some situations, like you said, if the handle is too long. When do you need a really shallow socket vs box end?

alot of the time the fastener head is recessed enough to make a normal gearwrench use less; but a normal ratchet and socket is too tall to fit

 

[Zaylor]

alot of the time the fastener head is recessed enough to make a normal gearwrench use less; but a normal ratchet and socket is too tall to fit

good point

 

[0.511MeV]

Those Armstrong ratchets are really nice, especially for the money. I got the 10-992 and 10-994, both are 88 tooth. I will say that the normal ratchet feels smoother, but I haven't had much time to use them at all since they just came in.

 

[Alchymist]

I assume you mean the thumb ratchet (round wheel, no handle) and not palm control (normal ratchet but of Facom influence, black ring for reversing).

Have the 1/4" round ratchet, also have a cheapie standard 1/4" with the handle cut off short. Only used when needed!

 

[Altec]

alot of the time the fastener head is recessed enough to make a normal gearwrench use less; but a normal ratchet and socket is too tall to fit

Yep. I haven't had a 20ft piece of all thread I needed to tighten a nut on, but I have had this EXACT situation.