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It's well known in the trade that hexagonal ring spanners and sockets are far superior than the multi-notched variety; you getter a better purchase and less risk of slipping. Why is it then that you can only buy these in sets "because they're specialized sir" when they do a much better job? Surely they can't cost more to manufacture. I only want one 13mm spanner to undo a cheapo Ford sump plug which are very prone to burr.
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Try looking for an "impact" socket, these are black in colour and are single hexagon.
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Try looking for an "impact" socket these are black in colour and are single hexagon.
Alright that's a good idea. Maybe a risk of rocking as they are fairly long, but I'll look for one.
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You can get short impact sockets as well - most of mine are.
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Our local motor factor stocks individual hex sockets in ordinary chrome vanadium - in fact, I have a 13mm for my sump plug. Can I suggest that before you try to remove it you buy a spare -they are probably only £2-3. I replace the plug and washer as a matter of course at each oil change as it saves the sweating over whether it will come out cleanly - and if you use the new washer, you won't have to overtighten it as some gorillas in workshops do.
Edited by Mike H on 15/05/2009 at 19:34
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Good tip, I know what you mean
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I only want one 13mm spanner to undo a cheapo Ford sump plug which are very prone to burr.
I replace the plug and washer as a matter of course at each oil change...and if you use the new washer,
IIRC there are no washers as a spare part for My 99 Focus & 98 Mondeo, it is a complete new sump plug.
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Six-sided spanners are not as handy for general use because you often need to move the spanner on by less than a sixth of a turn.
So they are classed as specialised because they are for use on partly rounded nuts.
An impact socket as mentioned above is probably the cheapest solution.
Money to burn? Ask a Snap-On man next time you see a van parked at a garage.
He will be able to offer any number of sockets and spanners that will do the job.
£40 a wrench, anyone?
Edited by ifithelps on 15/05/2009 at 20:23
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"Six-sided spanners are not as handy for general use because you often need to move the spanner on by less than a sixth of a turn".
That makes sense, but sockets are moved round by the wrench regardless of sides or notches, so why are most of them of the notched variety?
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Screwfix offer a reasonable range of impact sockets and extensions in kits, alright they may not be the highest quality but they shift the tight and rusted bolts i ask them to, and the whole set was very reasonably priced...plenty good enough for the home user.
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£40 a wrench anyone?
>>>try 22 quid a power socket,you wont get a wrench for 40 notes,i paid that the other week for a britool one
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Why do these guys get away with charging so much for tools? I built my own house a few years back with nothing more than cheapo kit. None of it failed me. I'm a bit wrecked though......
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>>>try 22 quid a power socket you wont get a wrench for 40 notes i paid that the other week for a britool one
Are you serious??
MD
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tinyurl.com/ock57c
I've had a set of these for 15 or so years.
You'll also find plenty of single sockets at your local boot sale, I bought a complete set from 10mm - 36mm for £7, more than paid for itself the first time I needed a 16mm hex socket
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You'll also find plenty of single sockets at your local boot sale I bought a complete set from 10mm - 36mm for £7 ..........
But what quality were they? I wouldn't risk buying a spanner or socket that might split when I used it and damage the nut/bolt.
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But what quality were they? I wouldn't risk buying a spanner or socket that might split when I used it and damage the nut/bolt.
Theyr'e made by a Czech company called Tona (now part of Stanley), they are 20 - 30 years old and the set is complete, if its survived this long............... The ratchet is broken (I own 2 good ones so its not needed anyway), I bought it for the larger sizes that I didn't have already.
VW use 16mm headed bolts for rear suspension, upper and lower damper bolts and axle bush bolts that were very tight / corroded, so basically they've paid for themselves already.
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....Are you serious?...
About £25 a spanner - provided your nuts aren't too big. :)
tinyurl.com/pvl3u2
Edited by ifithelps on 16/05/2009 at 08:28
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After talking to my next door neighbour who does up old VWs I now buy all my spanners from car boot sales... as long as you are careful there are plenty of good 'uns for 50p each!
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