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Tips

regarding fastener sizes

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nevets

nevets

Jedi Knight
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In attempting to remove the front drum brake hydraulic bridge pipe, I discovered that the size of the hex-head retaining nut was a bit under 7/16" (perhaps 13/32"?), yet other retaining nuts in the brake system are 7/16". Could this be a Whitworth size? Before I buy a set of Whitworth wrenches, can anyone say whether it's really necessary?

PS - Yes I rounded up the retaining nut corners pretty good trying a variety of tools, including metric and adjustable wrenches...will probably have to buy a new set of pipes. darn that Neaderthal gene.
 
Usually a vise grip will work if you can get it on the nut. Lacking that, sometimes a flat screwdriver inserted against the nut and wrench will help.

If you've rounded off the nut a Whitworth wrench won't help much at this point.
 
WOT !!! Ain't you got no visegrips even little ones???--- :laugh:
 
Thanks for the responses.

Yes Keoke, I have vicegrips and I actually did use them which resulted in further mutilation of those once beautiful hex head nuts. I'm getting close to the point of cutting the pipe off so I can remove the wheel cylinders. In anticipation of that event, I already ordered pre-bent replacement pipes from Classic Tube.
 
Buy Whitworth wrenches. It's really necessary. Combo wrenches and sockets. Brag to your friends who only have SAE/Imperial (erroneously known as "standard") and metric tools.

I even have BSF taps...
 
Bill
Is there any way to know which fasteners on my Healey are Whitworth and which are English...other than trial and error?
Thanks
 
Well, the earlier the car the more Whitworth fasteners. In general, the cooling, intake and exhaust systems have the most. But it's more often "if a 1/4" is too small and a 3/8" is too big, it's a Whitworth fastener.
 
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