Dumb bolt question

[NutmegCT]

I've got a really tight fit on an air filter canister bracket on the old Mercedes. Top of bolt is so close to the bracket side, valve cover, and coolant pipe, I can't get a socket or open end on the bolt, so have to turn it from the top with a crow foot wrench, little by little.

View attachment 30043

Bolt top is a 13 mm hex.

Is there a bolt with the same threads and diameter as the 13 mm that's on there now, but with a top that's 12, 11, or 10 mm?

Thanks.
Tom

 

[David_Doan]

Hard to see what's going on in that pic. Would an Allen-head or torx bolt be easier? then use a small ratcheting driver or a ball-head allen wrench?

 

[DNK]

I agree with David, go Socket cap screw

 

[NutmegCT]

socket cap screw - that sure might work, if I can get a hex down on it. Note how the bolt head hits the upright part of the bracket - that's why a socket won't go on it. There's very little room to put an open end on it from any horizontal direction, which is why I'm having to use the crow's foot. And the crow's foot can't be ratcheted.

Going to try a socket cap screw, and hope I can find a hex key with a 3/8" top for my socket wrench.

 

[TR3driver]

Going to try a socket cap screw, and hope I can find a hex key with a 3/8" top for my socket wrench.

Shouldn't be too hard to find. Unless it needs to be really tight, I'd probably go for a ball-end version:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/GRIP-7PC-E...61915399?pt=US_Hand_Tools&hash=item53f9201707

 

[DNK]

Ditto Randall's advice
Used them for a bolt or 2 on the TR6's manifold.
You can get the tool any where

 

[DrEntropy]

Sears to Snap-On, they're available. Instead of the "ball head" variety Allen tool, get a short (1") extension with the curved instead of flat "nose" on the male end while you're at it. That allows a 15°~20° angle for the drive and will still give you full "bite" on the fastener: https://store.snapon.com/Extensions-Wobble-chrome-Extension-Wobble-Friction-Ball-1-1-2--P631543.aspx

 

[DNK]

Wobblies!