Sockets for use with spanners

[wanton dwarf]

Hello, just spent some time looking for sockets which I can put a spanner on the top.

Similar to the sockets used for spark plugs but normal length sockets.

The reason I'd like some is to be able to tighten a nut whilst at the sametime holding the pin still via an alan key - needed when replacing front shock absorber springs on a Mercedes suspension.

If anyone has any ideas where I can find some sockets with a hex head rather than round then it would be much appreciated.

 

[wanton dwarf]

Also, also ...

What's a good socket set to buy these days ? Looking to replace some split 17 & 19mm deep chrome sockets - already have a set of thick walled impact sockets, looking for thinner walled chrome if possible.

Also, also, also ..

Looking for a breaker bar. Broke my Draper breaker bar. Looking for something that won't break. (Reweld broke too).

 

[Steevo]

Square drive socket caps seems to be what you want.

 

[wanton dwarf]

Square drive socket caps seems to be what you want.

Is there a hole to put the alan key through the socket ?

 

[wanton dwarf]

9:00 mins in

 

[Steevo]

Is there a hole to put the alan key through the socket ?

In the top? No.

In that case you need through sockets.

 

[Steevo]

Like this:

Halfords Advanced 30 Piece Metric Vortex Socket Set 1/4" 3/8" | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The Halfords Advanced 30 Piece Metric Vortex Socket Set is great for most sockets. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

 

[wanton dwarf]

Like this:

Halfords Advanced 30 Piece Metric Vortex Socket Set 1/4" 3/8" | Halfords UK

Shop the latest The Halfords Advanced 30 Piece Metric Vortex Socket Set is great for most sockets. at Halfords UK

www.halfords.com

Thanks very much for that.

Gives me a place to work from to get what I would like.

Any advice on brands ?

 

[milkloss]

Hello, just spent some time looking for sockets which I can put a spanner on the top.

Similar to the sockets used for spark plugs but normal length sockets.

The reason I'd like some is to be able to tighten a nut whilst at the sametime holding the pin still via an alan key - needed when replacing front shock absorber springs on a Mercedes suspension.

If anyone has any ideas where I can find some sockets with a hex head rather than round then it would be much appreciated.

old socket, weld a nut on the top.

 

[shumungus]

A spanner to turn a socket? Why not just use a ring spanner?

 

[wanton dwarf]

A spanner to turn a socket? Why not just use a ring spanner?

I don't think I've got any ring spanners with thin enough walls .. but I've give it a whirl tomorrow and see. Regardless, after doing the job I can see I ought to get some. Anti roll bar was also a similar fitting that gave me grief.

 

[shumungus]

Any strut tops we have encountered can usually be tightened with a ring spanner but it will be a deep offset one.

 

[bravheart]

Thanks very much for that.

Gives me a place to work from to get what I would like.

Any advice on brands ?

What size are you after got a set of laser low profile sockets with pass through only problem is they can also take a 3/8 drive ratchet so any thread bigger than about 8mm doesn't pass through, that and the fact they are made of chocolate I wouldn't bother.
Clarke pass through and ok for occasional use but set only starts at 14mm up to 26mm, 6 sided sockets with those ribs for rounded nuts pretty handy.
To be fair that Halfords set linked above looks decent.

 

[Farmer_Joe]

I got Halfords sockets you can buy half inch on a holder from say 13 to 19 not particularly dear and life time warranty

There seems to be a guy on eBay selling same sockets minus the rails much cheaper ?

 

[wanton dwarf]

What size are you after got a set of laser low profile sockets with pass through only problem is they can also take a 3/8 drive ratchet so any thread bigger than about 8mm doesn't pass through, that and the fact they are made of chocolate I wouldn't bother.
Clarke pass through and ok for occasional use but set only starts at 14mm up to 26mm, 6 sided sockets with those ribs for rounded nuts pretty handy.
To be fair that Halfords set linked above looks decent.

I would say Draper are okay but I have broken the breaker bar.

So I don't really know on brands - I don't trust Halfords. Actually thinking about it I do know a large firm of mechanics that repair and maintain trucks .. I know the MD so maybe he can sort me out a set. Worth a try I guess.

 

[milkloss]

If you've got the cash then I'd be buying gedore tools. Without a doubt some of the highest quality hand tools you can get.

 

[JeepJeep]

I welded a "smash on" socket to a "smash on" Spanner for doing shocks and springs on Vauxhalls.

Worked a treat.

 

[forblue]

I bought a snap-on long breaker bar many, many years ago been brilliant,
but soon after purchase my manager over stressed it and broke the square replaced foc by rep but like all tools there is a limit and if a 1/2" bar is bowing trying to undo something time for 3/4" or impact gun....

 

[milkloss]

I bought a snap-on long breaker bar many, many years ago been brilliant,
but soon after purchase my manager over stressed it and broke the square replaced foc by rep but like all tools there is a limit and if a 1/2" bar is bowing trying to undo something time for 3/4" or impact gun....

Got an overly long 1/2 inch snap-off bar here. Amazing what it will take but as you say, it's had a new head or two on it.

 

[2wheels]

Also, also ...

What's a good socket set to buy these days ? Looking to replace some split 17 & 19mm deep chrome sockets - already have a set of thick walled impact sockets, looking for thinner walled chrome if possible.

Also, also, also ..

Looking for a breaker bar. Broke my Draper breaker bar. Looking for something that won't break. (Reweld broke too).

breaker bar--bahco or snap on?