RogerH Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Hi Folks, I was just looking at an old thread (Dec 2008) about removing the selector rods in a gearbox. The rods are held in by 'wedgelocks' - square headed taper bolts. One poster was stumped by how to undo these - a spanner would work but awkward. On this occasion a 5/16"AF spanner would fit as would a 12 point (bi-hex) 3/8" socket. The socket does need a head in good condition. The same idea applies to the gearbox & sump plugs. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
barkerwilliams Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Roger, Also square headed bolts can often be removed using a socket extension bar "upside down" - (I know what I mean). Alan Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted November 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Hi Alan, quite so - but you are limited in the range of sizes. But could be a life saver. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Eddie Cairns Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Or you could use a crows foott socketI. It is like the round part on the end of an openender but with a square drive there to take an socket driver. Expensive as I cannot find one off available in that size. http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/CROW-FOOT-FLARE-NUT-WRENCH-12-Piece-3-8-Drive-SAE-5-16-to-1-Set-AST7112-/261213498445?hash=item3cd189ac4d:g:DB8AAOxyu1FRjIkw Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 ...The same idea applies to the gearbox & sump plugs... On a few particularly recalcitrant tapered pipe plugs over the years I've had to resort to a pipe wrench (Stillson wrench, for you guys in the UK that remember the American inventor of the things -- we don't, apparently!). Works very well. One time use, though. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Surely this is the right way to do it. http://www.uktools.com/point-sockets-c-147_1381.html?infoBox=0 Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Paul Down Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Whatever you use to remove the Wedgelocks in the gearbox go very carefully as they tend to snap off leaving the shaft to drill out. Dont ask how I know. While drilling out the shaft the drill suddenly went off centre and messed up the selector. Pete Cox came to the rescue not for the first time. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted November 23, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Hi Rob, they are excellent but are no good on standard hex head bolts. The 12 point/Bi-Hex can be used on both (within reason) Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 Surely this is the right way to do it. http://www.uktools.com/point-sockets-c-147_1381.html?infoBox=0 8-point sockets are indeed a lovely tool for square-headed bolts. I have a vintage set of 8-point Snap-on sockets from the 1950s that work as well as the day they were made. I still like to keep the Stillson wrench handy and an extra plug. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Alec Pringle Posted November 23, 2015 Report Share Posted November 23, 2015 A decent size Stillson is a very handy tool to keep under the car seat - it can solve all sorts of problems, useful persuader in awkward situations . . . . Cheers Alec Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Lebro Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Why 8 point ? surely a square (4 point) of the right size would be better Bob. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
rogerguzzi Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Hello All I always replace them with hex head ones,I either weld a hex nut on the old one or buy them from a plumbers merchant end of story and use proper sockets or ring spanners then. I suppose if you a Conkers type this not allowed!! Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 A 5/16 brake adjuster spanner will fit the wedglok screws on the gear selectors. Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted November 24, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 Hi Pete, now that is handy. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RobH Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 (edited) Why 8 point ? surely a square (4 point) of the right size would be better Bob. Yes 4 would be best but 8 points allow incremental movement relative to the square socket drive - 45 degree intervals rather than 90 degree. Not so important if you are using a ratchet drive but useful if its a tommy-bar and access is restricted. Edited November 24, 2015 by RobH Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Drewmotty Posted November 24, 2015 Report Share Posted November 24, 2015 It's a simple job to file the centre of a large nut out to the correct size square and then use a standard socket on it. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
AlanT Posted November 26, 2015 Report Share Posted November 26, 2015 Exactly, just make a tool to fit them. Don't think welding on these is a good idea. Too likely to encourage fracture. Just think what would happen if a part of this dropped into the gox whilst in motion! Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted November 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2015 Hi Folks, I can now state that a 12 point socket isn't a good idea - not enough metal/metal contact. I now have an 8 point on order Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted November 26, 2015 Report Share Posted November 26, 2015 8-point is better than 12-point, if for no other reason than the angles being just right, Roger. But 4-point is better yet! Joe Alexander sells this one at his site, The Vintage Triumph. Brake adjust (1/4") and gearbox/oil plug (7/16") square ended. Do you need me to bring it over to dinner in a couple of weeks. Quote Link to post Share on other sites
RogerH Posted November 26, 2015 Author Report Share Posted November 26, 2015 Hi Don, It probably will not fit into the gearbox. As mentioned I have an 8 point on order. If that doesn't work then I will make a 4 point. Roger Quote Link to post Share on other sites
stillp Posted November 26, 2015 Report Share Posted November 26, 2015 Roger, you need one of these: eBay item number: 321921486980 Not that specific one though, I just bought it! Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
Don H. Posted November 26, 2015 Report Share Posted November 26, 2015 Roger, you need one of these: eBay item number: 321921486980 Not that specific one though, I just bought it! Pete Quote Link to post Share on other sites
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