Thin Wall Socket Question?

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2nd Day
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Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 5:53 am

Thin Wall Socket Question?

Post by 2nd Day »

So my front driveshaft was twisted in half by the PO at some point years ago.

I'm trying to get the last two bolts out of the back of it, open end wrench style, but it's spinning. So I shove a pry bar up there to hold it still, but wrench keeps slipping off.

Concerned about rounding the bolts off, but theres no room to get a normal socket or closed end on it.

Wondering if a thin wall socket might fit, but can't seem to find a good source for a 3/8 drive thinwall socket.

Anyone know where to find one?

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Currently Jeepless (Previously 78 Cherokee WT-2 each, and 79 Waggy, 94 XJ)
Co-Founder of the East Coast Invasion
I live In Virginia :roll:
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tgreese
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Re: Thin Wall Socket Question?

Post by tgreese »

How about 1/4" drive which might have a thinner wall. 6 point I assume. Hammer it on. Don't use a 12 point socket on a hex nut.

If all else fails, I would use the die grinder and grind the nut or strap/u-bolt away. Might take a while.
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.
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Topic author
2nd Day
Posts: 132
Joined: Fri Jul 05, 2013 5:53 am

Re: Thin Wall Socket Question?

Post by 2nd Day »

tgreese wrote:How about 1/4" drive which might have a thinner wall. 6 point I assume. Hammer it on. Don't use a 12 point socket on a hex nut.

If all else fails, I would use the die grinder and grind the nut or strap/u-bolt away. Might take a while.
1/4 drive worked! Thank you!

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Currently Jeepless (Previously 78 Cherokee WT-2 each, and 79 Waggy, 94 XJ)
Co-Founder of the East Coast Invasion
I live In Virginia :roll:
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tgreese
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Location: Medford MA USA

Re: Thin Wall Socket Question?

Post by tgreese »

:-bd
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.
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devildog80
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Re: Thin Wall Socket Question?

Post by devildog80 »

And if really in a jamb, you can split the nut with a chisel......the old fashion way with a BFH!
'81 CJ5 Base, 258 I6, MC2100, T176 4 spd, 300 TC, D30 Front NT, 3.31, 2-Piece AMC 20 rear NT, 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
'84 Grand Wagoneer, 401 V8 (.030 over), MC2150 HA Comp, 727 auto, Selec-trac NP229, AMC 20 REAR - D44 FRONT - WT 3.31, 4" high arc spring lift
Rather be driving, than waiting to be modified

threepiece
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Re: Thin Wall Socket Question?

Post by threepiece »

A standard socket can be reduced in size to create a thinner wall. This can be best done on a lathe but a wheel or belt grinder can also be used. Using a drive extension as a mandrel a drill can be used to rotate the socket while applying it to the grinder. This helps to keep an even wall thickness. Glue or tape can be used to tighten things up so there is less wobble.

The radius on the end of many sockets can reduce the amount of engagement. I sometimes grind off the radius to make a square end. This simple modification alone has made the difference between removing a fastener and struggling with it.
I used to name my FSJ’s after their previous owners, I realized I had too many with five named Rick.

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tgreese
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Re: Thin Wall Socket Question?

Post by tgreese »

threepiece wrote: Mon Nov 14, 2022 11:00 am ...
The radius on the end of many sockets can reduce the amount of engagement. I sometimes grind off the radius to make a square end. This simple modification alone has made the difference between removing a fastener and struggling with it.
I like this tip. :-bd
Tim Reese
Maine beekeeper's truck: '77 J10 LWB, 258/T15/D20/3.54 bone stock, low options (delete radio), PS/PDB, hubcaps.
Browless and proud: '82 J20 360/T18/NP208/3.73, Destination A/Ts, 7600 GVWR
Copper Polly: '75 CJ-6, 304/T15, PS, BFG KM2s, soft top
GTI without the badges: '95 VW Golf Sport 2000cc 2D
Dual Everything: '15 Chryco Jeep Cherokee KL Trailhawk, ECO Green
Blockchain the vote.
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