Will a Gearwrench 1-1/2" 6pt. Socket remove a water heater element?

[homesale]

Will the Gearwrench 1/2" Drive 1-1/2" 6pt. Socket 80679 work to remove an electric water heater element?

Has any one used a 1-1/2" 6pt. shallow socket to remove a water heater element? Water heater elements are only on electric water heaters, not on gas water heaters.

Can I use a shallow socket or do I need a deep socket?

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Will the Gearwrench 1/2" Drive 1-1/2" 6pt. Socket 80679 work to remove an electric water heater element?

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Has any one used a 1-1/2" 6pt. shallow socket to remove a water heater element? Water heater elements are only on electric water heaters, not on gas water heaters.

Can I use a shallow socket or do I need a deep socket?

Haven't tried?? I have a socket/tool combo I got from Lowes for that job.

Just remember to flip the electrical breaker and drain the tank before you remove the element

 

[thebeekeeper1]

For something else I just received (today!) a similar deep socket from Ebay. It is a no-name, but surprisingly enough was made in Taiwan, so it will more than fulfill my needs. Best part it was only $12.95 shipped! I can give you a link if you end up needing one.

 

[CWP1616L]

The official dedicated socket looks a little deeper than a shallow socket:

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000NPT5L2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[dirtydogintex]

crescent or pipe wrench usually works just fine.

iirc shallow sockets are too shallow......

 

[1320stang]

I have a 1-1/2" Great Neck 3/4" drive socket with a 3/4" to 1/2" adapter, works great.

 

[Danglerb]

Before tossing my old water heater I wanted a look at the anodes, but I don't recall if I used a BIG wrench or a socket on a breaker bar, but I do remember it was a good test of a HF 3 lb deadblow getting it loose and every turn until about the last thread.

Different sockets are broached deeper than others, so its going to depend on your socket and how much the electrical stuff sticks up.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

just by looking at the picture, definitely deep socket.

 

[wxm]

Kniplex Plier wrench might work.

 

[franzdom]

Strange, but to me the shallow definitely looks like it would work.

 

[cowboy73]

I use what 1320Stang suggested. 1 1/2" 3/4" drive socket with an adapter. With a breaker bar. Takes the elements right out. Helluva lot better than the stamped metal "socket" they sell in the stores.

 

[5lima30]

Yes, it should work fine. Recently I was replacing an element for an elderly couple I know who live in a mobile home. (70's vintage) I twisted and ruined my made in USA element tool that I had over 20 years. There was no clearance for a breaker bar so I had to get my compressor and 1/2" HF impact wrecnch w/ 1 1/2" shallow socket to get it out.

 

[sberry]

Use it dozens of times.

 

[RECox286]

I do a lot of element changing for my customers. I carry a 1/2" ratchet,

1/2" x 3/4" adapter, and a 1-1/2" 3/4"drive shallow socket (C'man)

that does the trick every time, and has for the last 20 years. Turn off the

circuit breaker, drain the water, and change both elements.

If you still have a problem, then change the t-stats (one wire at a time)

and follow the diagram provided if the wiring of the new t-stat is different.

Uncle Bob

 

[homesale]

I used a Camco Steel Water Heater Element Wrench which is a stamped steel socket. I was not able to get the rusted in water heater element out. There was a lot of play. The stamped steel socket did not grab the flat sides of the water heater element; it grabbed the edges of the hex.

Camco Steel Water Heater Element Wrench:

 

[jamesc]

1 1/2" is a common size for trailer tow ball nuts, you could pick up on of those trailer tow ball wrenches they sell with towing parts, if anyone is having trouble finding 1 1/2" that is.