Smokin'Joe
Member
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.
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Nipple Wrench Handle
- Thread starter Smokin'Joe
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BHP FAN
Member
Nice! Dixie sells a ratcheting one.
GaryNConcord
Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2010
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- 15
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
Member
GNC, I rough cut it with a Dremel with a small cutting wheel. Finished up with a small flat file.
GaryNConcord
Member
- Joined
- Dec 22, 2010
- Messages
- 15
OK, thanks. Still don't know if my hands would ever be that steady though
Smokin'Joe
Member
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!)
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gizmodog
Member
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
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
member
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'.
What am I missing here? The socket is a square drive and the allen wrench is a hex, so it can't fit 'perfectly'.
Smokin'Joe
Member
But Junkman they do fit perfectly. That's why I call it an interesting coincidence. It's easy to try it for yourself.
Pancho
Member
Smokin Joe, thanks for the tip. Sure would like to see more posts like this one.
junkman_01
member
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
Member
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
member
It works, as you say, but the fit is not perfect!
Smokin'Joe
Member
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.
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?
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
Member
JB weld....
Smokin'Joe
Member
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!
wittzo
Member
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.
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
Member
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
Joe
Pancho
Member
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.
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.
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