1/4" Ratchet/Screwdriver

[emerydc8]

A few days ago an aircraft mechanic showed me this ratchet. He said it has virtually replaced his 1/4" Snap-on ratchet because it is small enough to get into difficult-to-reach places on the airplane. This is definitely on my list of things to buy the next time I go to Home Depot.

http://www.homedepot.com/p/t/100041.../4"+ratchet&storeId=10051&N=5yc1v&R=100041241

 

[samiam44]

Where are you having access problems?

Looks nice for screws occasionally, I have a cheap on similar from Harbor freight($1.99), not as nice but shorter.
All my small allens or sockets I use a mac long handled pivioting 1/4 drive.

Michael

 

[emerydc8]

Nowhere in particular -- I just liked the feel of this ratchet. I can think of one place that it would probably be better than a regular ratchet and that is for the aft outside Allen bolt on the passenger-side valve cover. If I recall, there was not enough room between my 1/4" ratchet head and the firewall. I ended up having to use a universal and an extension.

 

[gsxr]

For the nuisance valve cover bolts, the best tool I've seen is the Koken (click here). Works awesome.

 

[gerryvz]

For the record, where is this Koken hex socket purchased? Part number?

 

[samiam44]

I looked at [the Husky 8-Piece Bit Ratchet Set] today- note the [Home Depot] in-store price is $20, so you will need to get them to price match.

The height looks the same as my regular 1/4 drive rachet. I know that the mac tool's head width is less than some sears stuff.
I say some, because with sears the production has changed through the years. Some of mine are smaller profile width and height than others.

For the 6mm allen screw on the valve cover- I use my rachet without a problem to undo it. To torque it with a torque wrench, I use a universal and drive. SKF has some extensions with pin-lock swivel ends. Very nice, I have 3/8 set, but no 1/4's yet. Ie you can use them instead of buying koken tool. FYI it took amazon months to get them in though..



Michael

 

[gsxr]

For the record, where is this Koken hex socket purchased? Part number?

Part number 2430M-5, only place I could find that listed it for sale is below:
http://thetoolnetwork.com/koken_s_1_4_drive_universal_allen_set_.html

For the 6mm 5mm allen screw on the valve cover- I use my rachet without a problem to undo it. To torque it with a torque wrench, I use a universal and drive. SKF has some extensions with pin-lock swivel ends. Very nice, I have 3/8 set, but no 1/4's yet. Ie you can use them instead of buying koken tool.

I have not found any other 5mm hex driver that is small enough to fit at the rear/bottom valve cover bolts without hitting the firewall when connected to any extension, universal joint, or wobble joint. Maybe there's another out there besides the Koken but I've never seen a photo of it in use on an M119 nor found any part numbers, vendors, etc.

 

[emerydc8]

For $20, I will try the Husky and see how it works. I don't think it's the height as much as it is the width of the 1/4" ratchet's head. I am also considering the Koken. How accurate would a torque wrench be with a universal at an angle? Seems like you would have to SWAG it based on feel.

 

[samiam44]

I'm using the standard Stahlwille 1/4 drive 5mm allen sockets without any problems. The 1/4 drive set use to be ~20 bucks.. but looking now on amazon it's $65!

They work awesome in lots of places...

http://www.toolsource.com/allen-socket-p-92529.html

Michael

 

[omegabenz]

Part number 2430M-5, only place I could find that listed it for sale is below:
http://thetoolnetwork.com/koken_s_1_4_drive_universal_allen_set_.html




I have not found any other 5mm hex driver that is small enough to fit at the rear/bottom valve cover bolts without hitting the firewall when connected to any extension, universal joint, or wobble joint. Maybe there's another out there besides the Koken but I've never seen a photo of it in use on an M119 nor found any part numbers, vendors, etc.

you almost need it if you have replaced your motor mounts...too tight of clearance on the firewall and the rear valve cover bolts.

also, I got that Koken at samstagsales.com a while back.

 

[500ESpain]

Similar one

http://www.amazon.com/GearWrench-85...TF8&colid=2A2RWNXA3JUGN&coliid=I2CIDGG76YE1MX

 

[gsxr]

I'm using the standard Stahlwille 1/4 drive 5mm allen sockets without any problems. The 1/4 drive set use to be ~20 bucks.. but looking now on amazon it's $65!

They work awesome in lots of places...

http://www.toolsource.com/allen-socket-p-92529.html

Ah, thanks for the link, Michael! Assuming the stock photo is accurate, I can see how that one might work on the M119... it's 1/4" drive and very compact, and likely will fit even with a 1/4" swivel joint attached. Austin brings up a good point about the engine mounts, btw.

Here's the complete Stahlwille set:
Stahlwille SF44K/5 Stubby Metric Allen Socket Set - 1/4 In Drive
http://www.toolsource.com/stubby-metric-allen-socket-drive-p-78853.html

Here's a Taiwan set similar to the Koken but much cheaper:
Vim Tools UJM400 1/4" Drive Universal Joint Metric Hex Driver Set 3mm-10mm
http://www.toolsource.com/inch-drive-universal-joint-swivel-metric-driver-3mm10mm-p-134770.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080J8MIA/

 

[samiam44]

This made doing MM's(123's), M103 lower distributor bolt, etc easy. I have used them for 15 years and they have always gotten in those small spaces. I highly recommend looking around and finding them at a good price. All stahlwille stuff is lifetime warrenteed. Stu Ritter said he only broke one socket with extreme abuse and was ashamed to get it replaced and purchased new instead.

Dig around and find them for a good price- amazon etc... somewhere.

Here's the complete Stahlwille set:
SF44K/5 Stubby Metric Allen Socket Set - 1/4 In Drive

Yep that's them Dave



Michael

 

[gsxr]

Here's a Taiwan set similar to the Koken but much cheaper:
Vim Tools UJM400 1/4" Drive Universal Joint Metric Hex Driver Set 3mm-10mm
http://www.toolsource.com/inch-drive-universal-joint-swivel-metric-driver-3mm10mm-p-134770.html
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0080J8MIA/

I recently purchased the Vim set above. It's made in Taiwan and is slightly larger than the Koken, but it does appear that it should still work for the lower/rear valve cover bolts. Next time I have to pull a valve cover with the engine in the car, I'll try it out to confirm.

 

[500AMM]

Wow - that universal joints with allen is really on the wish list, especially for the inner valve cover bolts.

I guess I have composed something similar as others here with my 1/4" set.
I have a 1/4" set of Hazet #854, similar to the #854F pictured (except from another type ratchet #863P): http://www.samstagsales.com/hazet.htm#Quick

Enclosed some pics of how I manage the most challenging bolts on the valve covers. I twist the universal joint so it locks up pic#3, then it just slides down onto the bolt. But just in case, prior to that I always add some duct tape on the firewall insulation, so the tool doesn't tear it up.

 

[emerydc8]

Anyone know if they sell a 1/4" drive 5mm universal Allen swivel separately?

 

[gsxr]

Anyone know if they sell a 1/4" drive 5mm universal Allen swivel separately?

You can buy the Koken separately but it's roughly $30-$40 for the one driver. So the Taiwan set of 7 for ~$50 seems pretty reasonable, assuming the kwality is ok.

 

[emerydc8]

Thanks, Dave. I'll check it out.

 

[gerryvz]

I recently purchased the Vim set above. It's made in Taiwan and is slightly larger than the Koken, but it does appear that it should still work for the lower/rear valve cover bolts. Next time I have to pull a valve cover with the engine in the car, I'll try it out to confirm.

Here's what the VIM swivel hex socket set looks like. I can confirm that the 5mm worked just fine on the rear cam cover bolts on my car.

Cheers,
Gerry

 

[gsxr]

Excellent! Thanks for the pics, Gerry. That is what I received as well.

 

[DW SD]

Since we're talking tools....
One of my favorite tools are my metric swivel head sockets. With two long extensions, I can easily reach the upper right-hand exhaust manifold bolt. I can also easily reach the upper bellhousing nuts without having to squeeze my hand in from the top.

20 years ago, I bought a MAC 10mm to 19mm set and paid a fortune ($145 at the time). I think the knock off version are very reasonable. Amazon has a set for $30 with Prime shipping. I also have the 1/4" versions in metric 6mm to 13mm and those allen head swivels shown above. BIG time savers.

This is one of my favorite ratchets, with a swiveling head. It is made by Titan. $16 from Amazon. I only have the 1/4" version. I might buy the 3/8" version, too. Much easier to handle than the type with the swivel below the ratchet head. Doesn't flop around in your hand at an inopportune time. You can really get it into tight places with the swivel. And the swivel can be tightened in a given spot. I keep mine tight, but still move-able.

 

[emerydc8]

You guys are killing me. I finally caved and bought the VIM 7-Piece Universal Hex Driver Set. I got it for $56.62 with shipping on ebay. Should I have checked the Classic Center first?

 

[gerryvz]

Should I have checked the Classic Center first?

 

[DW SD]

Apparently Durston Manufacturing makes VIM tools. I found those sockets a bit cheaper here:
http://www.autotoolworld.com/Dursto...-Metric-Hex-Driver-Set-3mm-10mm_p_194372.html
Note about VIM / Durston relationship: http://www.vimtools.com/home.asp

 

[omegabenz]

.
Here's the complete Stahlwille set:
Stahlwille SF44K/5 Stubby Metric Allen Socket Set - 1/4 In Drive
http://www.toolsource.com/stubby-metric-allen-socket-drive-p-78853.html

actually, there is at least one more size you can get...I think 10mm to supplement that set.