Agree with IH Scout, be careful with a 3/8 drive on those bolts. It would be easy to over-torque and damage the gasket or worse strip out the threads.

1/4 drive would probably be ideal. Unfortunately my 1/4 drive set (metric) is 6-point.

 

Craftsman, probably could buy the single socket. I got mine in a set, I have many sets....

 

Those are hard to find, not many people even carry then, if you find a set that includes that, jump on it.

That has been one of my biggest issues is not having an appropriate tool at my fingertips and the RAVE not telling you what size any fastener is. That is why these threads are so valuable to pass on that specific type of info.

And avoid the cheaper tools as well unless you just need a one time use. You'll probably be disappointed with the quality (lack of) in the majority of "tools" produced and sold in today's world economic climate.

 

I had one set from my Co-Op days at Ga Tech. They had all these letters engraved on them. But it is only six-point as well.

Has anyone seen or tried the new Craftsman wrench sets they are advertising on TV? Saw it last night, one type of wrench fits so many different styles of bolt heads, 6 point, 12 point, Torx, and more.

 

1/4 in deep socket would be ideal for its slim profile. After searching everywhere locally I finally found a 3/8 deep well but its fat 3/8 top gets in the way a bit. It works though.

Otherwise, drive doesn't matter if the specified torque value is observed.

 

My cousin the Inspector says "Torque until it breaks, then back off 1/4 turn and leave it alone." Don't you have calibrated finger tips? You learn to feel just beore it hits that max Q point.

 

Just got mine from Lowes. All they have in 12 point is 3/8 drive, no 1/4 drive. It is necked-down as Sav Bee suggested.

Should work fine unless German torque applied: "Good-n-tight".

 

That's Guttentite. But if your not carefull, you feel it start to give just before it snaps off. When you feel that Moment of Elastiscity, immediately stop rotational force as you say "Aw Sh*t".

 

I will make sure I do NOT over tighten them!! lol Lets see, for the bputah saga, that guy shipped the radiator today and I canceled payment to him. I disputed it. I told my visa what he was doing and they thought that was crap and how I should contact the BBB! So I will get a new radiator and see what happens.

 

supplier problem summary? I missed something...