Easy to make 14mm hex for Oil changes

[MunichTaxi]

Simply grind 2 'flats' on a bolt that has a 14mm head, use vise grips to turn drain plug, and the plug is loose. Works for the rear differential, also.

If you put two nuts on the bolt and screw them tightly against each other, you can use a socket or a 14 mm spanner on the bolt.

I did the same with the fuel tank drain plug, I think it's a 21 mm hex. As far as I remember, a 14 mm bolt (M14) has a 21 mm head.

[BoneStock]

I tried teh second method but the nuts kept turning. A few blobs with the MIG weler and that tool is now going in my tool box

[bstreep]

Actually, I've found the BEST solution is to cut off about an inch of an oversized standard hex key (which are easier to find...), and then grind it down until it fits snuggly into a 14mm box wrench.

[Lycoming-8]

Actually, the very BEST solution is to use the dogleg shaped wrench that comes with the tool kit in the car. It has a correct hex stub welded or forged to both ends and works just great. Mine came in the tool kit of either the 190Db or the 220D/8, just too long ago to remember for sure.

[mzsmbs]

Originally Posted by Winterfjord

If you put two nuts on the bolt and screw them tightly against each other, you can use a socket or a 14 mm spanner on the bolt.

I did the same with the fuel tank drain plug, I think it's a 21 mm hex. As far as I remember, a 14 mm bolt (M14) has a 21 mm head.

I think the fuel one is 22mm but what I used is an old Craftman spark plug socket and sticking the other end of it. it is just the right size, whatever it may be...

[MunichTaxi]

And who said Craftsman tools were useless!

[Old300D]

I just bought a 14mm hex 1/2" drive socket from McMaster-Carr for $10. Works great - beats a chewed up bolt hands down.

Works great - beats a chewed up bolt hands down.

Well, that's plain cheating! What ever happened to the fine art of manufacturing your own tools?

[BigBenzWV]

Originally Posted by MunichTaxi

Simply grind 2 'flats' on a bolt that has a 14mm head, use vise grips to turn drain plug, and the plug is loose. Works for the rear differential, also.

Where do they sell a bolt that has a 14mm head? I definitely need such a tool to change my rear differential fluid. Those 14 mm wrench are simply too long for that space.

How do you put on right torque w/o a self made tool like this?

[Arthur Dalton]

Originally Posted by Winterfjord

Well, that's plain cheating! What ever happened to the fine art of manufacturing your own tools?

I agree
Here is one I made for Zip....

http://members.aol.com/ajdalton7/dcp_0067.jpg

[Arthur Dalton]

Originally Posted by bstreep

Actually, I've found the BEST solution is to cut off about an inch of an oversized standard hex key (which are easier to find...), and then grind it down until it fits snuggly into a 14mm box wrench.

Bill,
That works..
It has always amazed me that someone doesn't just make a little set of Metric allen/hex that are just 1" long in the various sizes... then, you can just slip one into a socket or box end wrench [ that we all have ] and there you go.
I have actually cut 1" pieces off the long end of a metric set and use them all the time
Someone will do it and then they will all follow suit...


"Hey , Sears , here is a good Idea for ya to steal ..where's Vila when you'r lookin' for him ???? "
Remember the guy that invented that little ratchet push-button ???????
They finally settled with him 30 years later....

[kpb]

Arthur Dalton, that's a beer can stain on your deck, isn't it

[Arthur Dalton]

LOL...

One of many..

and that is my Bench, not the deck.

Colombo

[kpb]

But, of course...whyinnahell would one place a chilly beer all the way down by one's FEET?? Thanx for the elucidation