Gotta have the right tools!

[javadog]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

There was no room to attach any type of tool to turn the socket. For a 1/4 socket to have the force to rotate it has to be seated dead on straight and square, and the area is just too small to fit a extension or ratchet the the socket and have the socket turn the screw, it would just slip off the screw head. If it was a 1/2 or bigger socket the angle can be just a little off of dead square and still work.

The box end made it a 10 second removal or installation and super easy. The threads are very coarse so just a couple rotations and it is tight.

That’s why they make universal joints and other flexible attachments for connecting sockets to wrenches.

[herr_oberst]

Wow, the idea that a guy that's put the mileage equivalent of two trips to the moon on his car - that he alone has maintained throughout it's life - needs advice on how to undo a sheet metal screw just makes me laugh.

[javadog]

No, he just needs more tools. Better tools. More better tools.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by javadog

That’s why they make universal joints and other flexible attachments for connecting sockets to wrenches.

Yep, I have U joint socket sets in metric and SAE, 3/8" and 1/4" drive that I picked up on a craftsman "sale". I've used something from these sets maybe twice in the last decade. I also have the U joints separate for 3 drive sizes.

Beginning to realize I was perhaps an overbuying tool junkie. Thinking that maybe the guy who only buys what tools are needed for the project at hand is being financially wise.

Oh well, the rollaway full of stuff looks cool...and once in a while I find myself using what's inside it.

[herr_oberst]

His ingenuity seems to be working just fine. That's the best tool he can find in his box.

[GH85Carrera]

Originally Posted by herr_oberst

Wow, the idea that a guy that's put the mileage equivalent of two trips to the moon on his car - that he alone has maintained throughout it's life - needs advice on how to undo a sheet metal screw just makes me laugh.

I was not asking for advice. I was showing it required an old tool I got from my dad.

I tried a 1/4 universal, flex drives and several other ways to turn the screw. Nothing would fit in that space, except the trusty 1/4 box end. Two 360 turns and it was out. Same for going together.

I spent 10 times that much time trying to use the socket. For scale, remember the head of that screw is just 1/4 of an inch. My big old man hands have fingers too big to fit in that tiny area. Sometimes the easiest solution is just a box wrench.

[pwd72s]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I was not asking for advice. I was showing it required an old tool I got from my dad.

I tried a 1/4 universal, flex drives and several other ways to turn the screw. Nothing would fit in that space, except the trusty 1/4 box end. Two 360 turns and it was out. Same for going together.

I spent 10 times that much time trying to use the socket. For scale, remember the head of that screw is just 1/4 of an inch. My big old man hands have fingers too big to fit in that tiny area. Sometimes the easiest solution is just a box wrench.

Bingo! I can add that I've found my ignition wrench sets to be handy often. Smaller & thinner than regular box ends and able to fit in tight spaces. One can do a lot with a set of combo wrenches, screwdrivers, and pliers..

You "got 'er done"...and the use of one of your dad's old tools was a bonus.

[herr_oberst]

Originally Posted by GH85Carrera

I was not asking for advice. I was showing it required an old tool I got from my dad.

I know you weren't! Sorry if it came off that way.

I just chuckled when some folks here decided that you were going about this the wrong way even though you probably know every nut and bolt on this car better than the engineers and designers who created your car.

I LOVED your workaround. It was free, it was ingenious and it worked a treat, plus it was satisfying enough that you wanted to share the process with all of us.

[wdfifteen]

I appreciate Glen's camera work. When he posts a picture you can see what he's trying to show you.

[javadog]

Well, he’s made a career out of taking pictures…

[wdfifteen]

Originally Posted by javadog

Well, he’s made a career out of taking pictures…

I know. And it shows.

[Baz]

I have inherited lots of tools from Dad, Grandpa, and Step-dad.

I'm still working on organizing.

And trying to re-condition some.

It's a process - no hurry.

The little treasures sometimes are not the tools but other things you find among the tools. Hand written notes, business cards, other misc documents that you find.

This is my Step-dad's hand writing......a fertilizer formula for Bougainvillea.....found in one of his tool cabinet drawers.......

[mattdavis11]

It took a minute to figure out the first letter in the mixture. Never seen a S written like that.

[Baz]

Originally Posted by mattdavis11

It took a minute to figure out the first letter in the mixture. Never seen a S written like that.

It's an "L" - as in Low in Nitrogen.......

[mattdavis11]

I hadn't seen one of those either.

[Por_sha911]

Right tools as per Red Green