What are these larger size sockets used for?

[sanddrag]

Where do you typically encounter things that need sockets in the following sizes?

1and1/16 to 1and1/2
22mm to 26mm

I've used a 27mm (1and1/8) on the front spindle nuts on my Ford Ranger, but that's about the only time I've ever used anything that large. Are these sizes worth making part of my collection? Pinion nut or harmonic balancer nut is about the only other thing I can think of in a normal auto.

 

[back2class]

Industrial equiptment and heavy machinery like backhoes and such. I keep a 3/4" drive set for old tractors but most guys can get by with a big adjustable.

 

[Shocker]

Big nuts...

 

[triumphguy]

46mm for motorcycle wheel removal. 32mm for VW oil filter removal. Odd sizes pop up from time to time.

Gary

 

[Mickey O]

Clock makers and photocopy machine repair guys.

 

[ovilla]

I use those sizes for removing rear Porsche 914 stub axles and for removing steering wheels.

 

[Joelfke]

honda axle nuts are 36mm IIRC....and was a b!tch to get off

 

[tw33k2514]

Use a 1-1/8 socket all the time for trailer hitches.

 

[Toolhorder]

honda axle nuts are 36mm IIRC....and was a b!tch to get off

Bigger Hondas like Accords are 36MM, Civic's are 32MM on the axle nuts.

 

[car99r]

I use several sizes ranging from 22mm up to 46mm for motorcycle axle nuts and stem nuts.

 

[krehmkej]

They make great seal drivers too.

 

[skeletonizer]

filter housings


36mm for oil filters on '05 Mini Cooper for instance.

 

[mkdive]

They make great seal drivers too.

In a pinch they work....

 

[Eds_tls]

motorcycle axel nuts and driving/removing bearings

 

[speed bump]

Off the top of my head.

1-1/16" bearing retainer nut on older vehicles and vans.
1-1/4" wheel nut on FWD Chrysler vehicles from the 80s
1-5/16" Pinion nut on a Dana 60
1-7/16" Hub nuts on our trailer
1-1/2" Trailer balls

I cant remember any more of the top of my head but I do use them often enough to make me glad I have them.

 

[nate379]

Pinion nuts, axle shaft nuts, seal drivers, etc... handy but a Harbor Freight $30 set is more than enough for most folks.

 

[sanddrag]

seal drivers, etc...

driving/removing bearings

Never thought about that. I have encountered times I wish I had a larger socket for pressing a bearing or something in/out, rather than turning a piece of stock on the lathe. Perfect reason to pick some up, even if I never use them on a bolt/nut.

 

[RedBox]

I've got a 1-1/2 I needed for my Harley. It's a 3/4 drive socket but I used adapters to allow me to use a 3/8 ratchet - kinda not the best solution. Now I've got some 1/2 drive ratchets, but not the bike.

RB

 

[snapmom]

Elect hot water elements. 1-1/2

 

[alex71]

1-1/8 is the head size for 3/4" fasteners. That's not that big, is it? all the steering links on my rig use 3/4" heim joints.

 

[colinb]

I've come across requirements for three different large sockets on the Mini:

1 1/4" - wheel hub castle nut
1 5/16" - front suspension tower bolts
1 1/2" - ball joint caps

 

[t100]

24mm for ******/axle oil plugs on Toyota trucks. 54mm socket for IFS spindle.

 

[bcjames]

I've come across requirements for three different large sockets on the Mini:

1 1/4" - wheel hub castle nut
1 5/16" - front suspension tower bolts
1 1/2" - ball joint caps

I was just about to post the same thing! Hub castles seem to be 1 1/4, 1 5/16s, 33, or 34 mm. All had the same thread but over the years different nut sizes seem to have been used.

 

[Mike83]

I used a 1-1/2" socket on a drum trap bottom cover. I could have used a pipe wrench but I had the socket so I used it.

 

[Jay H 237]

30mm needed on Toyota's 2.2 4cyl to remove the spark plug tube nuts to change the valve cover gasket.

 

[dmw56]

Farm Impliments and tractors.

 

[Red Green]

Where do you typically encounter things that need sockets in the following sizes?

1and1/16 to 1and1/2
22mm to 26mm

I've used a 27mm (1and1/8) on the front spindle nuts on my Ford Ranger, but that's about the only time I've ever used anything that large. Are these sizes worth making part of my collection? Pinion nut or harmonic balancer nut is about the only other thing I can think of in a normal auto.

I wouldn't run out and buy them new but you might keep an eye out for a deal on craigslist or here depending on how much wrench turning you do. I think the pinon nut on the ranger is 1-1/8. The lug nuts on my Gm 1ton truck are 1-1/16

 

[Zrexxer]

Helped do a clutch job on a John Deere 8850 back when I was wrenching for a dealership... you find out about big tools real fast working on those.

 

[KingConstruction]

A lot of construction equipment, I had a lot of stuff on backhoes, excavators, manlifts, forklifts, and cranes that would get in to the bigger sizes like that, or on some of the steel buildings we put up, the nuts for the anchor bolts on some of those depending on the span and load on the colums were up to 2" - 3"

 

[Mugen AP1]

I come across those sizes on Hydraulic fittings on pumps/motors/valves. But I see sizes up to 5'' on the Piston nuts of Hydraulic Cylinders/Rams.