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Why didn't somebody tell me about this before

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TomMull

TomMull

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I've been rounding square plug and bolt heads using crescent adjustable, open end, box end wrenches and 8 and 12 point sockets for sixty years. Why didn't anybody tell me about this:

Take 2 sockets of the same size and matching a long nut used for connecting ready rod and available at any hardware store. In my example I used two 7/16 sockets with 3/8 drive. Line the sockets nose to nose with the long nut (7/16 OD in my case) in between and use the 3/8 drive end on the square plug or bolt and the other on the ratchet. You could also use a piece of hex stock between the sockets. Live and learn.

The tool is limited to the socket drive sizes, but 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 take care of a very high percentage of the square headed fastenings we'll encounter with our LBCs. The masking tape holds the sockets together on the nut. Live and learn.
square socket.jpg
Tom
 
Probably didn't tell you because we buy square drive sockets to do the job.
View attachment 58684
That one is a tad over five bucks. You buy two sockets for five bucks apiece, then weld them together, and this is cheaper...and the weld won't fail.
 
Besides which, the most common square heads I deal with are not 1/4, 3/8, or 1/2. Eg, stock transmission fill plug is 7/16".
 
Hey, the sockets are already in the toolbox, the nut to join them is less than a buck, there is no welding and I have a 7/16 square socket and a box end also which I use at least every other year. And I certainly didn't mean to suggest that this would change the way you do business. Actually kind of sorry I mentioned it.

Tom
 
Example: My nephew complained his car squirt gasoline all over him when he changed the fuel filter. I asked him why did he not eliminate the fuel pressure by releasing the schrader valve on the fuel line. He said, " No on told me!" I said, " you did not ask!"
 
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