[Smokin'Joe]

As stated on this site numerous times a modified 1/4 " socket makes the best nipple wrench. By an interesting coincidence a 6mm Allen Wrench fits the socket perfectly. No modification required.

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc510/SmmokingJoe/IMG_0053.jpg?t=1299081043

[BHP FAN]

Nice! Dixie sells a ratcheting one.

[GaryNConcord]

OK, I'll play. How the heck did you cut that notch so square? If I tried that, I'd waller a hole all over the end of that socket.

[Smokin'Joe]

GNC, I rough cut it with a Dremel with a small cutting wheel. Finished up with a small flat file.

[GaryNConcord]

OK, thanks. Still don't know if my hands would ever be that steady though:p

[Smokin'Joe]

GNC, You can do it. I did it and I'm an old grandpa. I started with a 3/16" socket. Hold the socket tight in vice grips or a vice. Support your hands on the workbench while using the Dremel. And take your time. You don't have to finish in one session. (BTW, the description of the socket being a 1/4" size referes to the square hole side of the socket where the ratchet or extension fits. The 3/16" measurment refers to the size of the bolt head it is desinged to fit. And wear eye protection!)

[gizmodog]

another way to make one is to use a 1/4 " nut driver slotted work to fit.

i gave mine to a shooting buddy & found a driver handle for removerable sockets and found a 6mm socket for my new one.

the allen wrench in the socket is a good idea when you need additional torque!

Gizmodog

[junkman_01]

Smokin' Joe,
What am I missing here? The socket is a square drive and the allen wrench is a hex, so it can't fit 'perfectly'. :confused:

[Smokin'Joe]

But Junkman they do fit perfectly. That's why I call it an interesting coincidence. It's easy to try it for yourself.

[Pancho]

Smokin Joe, thanks for the tip. Sure would like to see more posts like this one.

[junkman_01]

But Junkman they do fit perfectly. That's why I call it an interesting coincidence. It's easy to try it for yourself.
Joe,

I tried it and like I said, they do not fit perfectly. Only the points of the hex contact the flats of the square drive. Not a very secure arraignment from a torque stand point.
Now if an allen wrench was an octagon, it would fit perfectly.

[Smokin'Joe]

Junkman, this is the only nipple wrench I have ever owned. It has always functioned perfectly. I have used a 6mm Allen wrench to turn 1/4" sockets for decades without fail. That's perfect in my book.

[junkman_01]

It works, as you say, but the fit is not perfect!

[Jaymo]

A little weld bead would fix the fit issue.

[Smokin'Joe]

Jaymo, There is no issue to fix. It works fine as is, if fact better than a ratchet. Put the socket on the short end and use the wrench for torque. Put the socket on the long end for a speed drive. I have done it like this since the '60s without an issue. I must admit, however, I have never tightened the head bolts on a Mack Truck with this setup.

[Jaymo]

I can honestly say that I've never tried this. I'm still trying to wrap my head around cutting a perfectly good sockets. Perhaps I should have said "possible, alleged, potential problem". ;)
Plus, its a good excuse to power up the welder.
Or braze it, if using non-chromed sockets.
Epoxy would be quicker, but where's the fun in that?

[BHP FAN]

JB weld....

[Smokin'Joe]

Having worked with hand tools since the Eisenhower administration I have picked up a few tricks along the way. The photo shows a 6mm Allen wrench driving a 7/32” 12 point 1/4” drive socket that turns a 1/4X20 tap. It also shows a 7/32” 12 point box end wrench driving a 14X20 tap. My modified nipple socket is at the upper left. Why would I do such crazy things? Sometimes it is simply a case of utilizing the tools that are at hand to accomplish a given task. Sometimes it is because the combination of tools offers the best way of performing a task. Such is the case with my nipple wrench. It is simply the best!

http://i1215.photobucket.com/albums/cc510/SmmokingJoe/IMG_0051.jpg?t=1299335577

[wittzo]

Doh! Now I feel like I wasted my $3 on a tap wrench, but at least it was on clearance.

What size does the 1/4" drive fit, the small Pietta nipples or the larger Uberti Colt nipples? I have the ratchet nipple wrench for the Pietta, but I want a bit that will fit Uberti Colts.

[Smokin'Joe]

Wittzo, I have a Pietta and modify a 3/16'' socket. Have read on this site that others use a 7/32'' for their needs. Good luck.
Joe

[Pancho]

I've been trying to find a cheap source for 12 pt. 1/4" drive sockets for just this reason. I know that Snap-on has them but they are a little pricey for modifying. I've tried the usual places like Harbor Freight.
BTW if using a hex allen wrench in a 1/4" drive socket bothers you, one can find in any decent hardware store 1/4" key stock and with a little heat make your own drive handles.

[Mike 56]

You can find all the 1/4 sockets you want at flea markets for about 50 cents each.
51

[mr16ga]

Using JB weld does not involve the use of fire so that method is out to start with. Explosive welding would be best.