Tip: good 46 mm socket (for rear wheel nut)

[Curmudgeon]

Problem:
What's the right tool to remove that giant rear-wheel nut?

Usual Solution:
As others have often suggested, I bought a 3/4" drive, 1-13/16" Craftsman socket and 3/4" to 1/2" drive adapter at Sears. Aside from the fact that the pair cost $33, I was unhappy with three things: (1) the fit of the socket on the nut was a little sloppy, (2) the socket operates on the corners, rather than the flats of the nut (3) I didn't like having to use the 3/4" to 1/2" adapter.

My Preferred Solution:
With a little Google research, I found a SK Facom 1/2" drive, 46 mm impact socket (part number 34096). It addresses all three of my complaints with the Craftsman combination. Several online tool places sell it for about $20. I just wanted to pass this tip on; it's another easy and not too expensive way to get a socket and, in my opinion, it's a better made and better-suited socket than the 1-13/16" and adapter solution.

[cheapbastard]

Hey, Curmudgeon, can you also post a link as to where to get it? Thanks for the info, I've been looking for something without spending too much!

[beers2u]

Nice post Curmudgeon. I got the 1 13/16 and adaptor from local TruValue hardware for about $22 but I agree it's not a perfect fit (although it does the job).

Here's a link cheapo! :-D

Edit: Forget that link...shipping was $11+!!

[ This message was edited by: beers2u on 2006-03-31 12:45 ]

[Curmudgeon]

I bought it at Dodgetopia. They have a $30 order minimum, but I needed a couple other items they sell, so that was no problem for me.

Edit: for orders under $75, Dodgetopia charges $7.95 for shipping.

[ This message was edited by: Curmudgeon on 2006-03-31 14:32 ]

[cheapbastard]

so hey, does atleast one more person want to go in with me to get one? That way we could meet the minimum order and split shipping. Maybe the company will ship them to 2 different locations? I don't know, worth a shot!

[xrod]

Amazon.com 25.25 (with shipping)

[jabrady1234]

picked up a 1/2" drive (made in china) socket at wholesale tool for $6 . looks fine , works fine, aj'

[TrackerOldGuy]

Just ordered the 46mm from SJ Discount along with a
36mm for the Mini Cooper oil filter, both for $38.36

[scratch]

I use a 46mm EMPI axle nut tool. Not the prettiest tool in the box, but it works just fine. Fits a 1/2" drive wrench. Bought it at a local VW parts house for @ $10.00. Here's the URL for an on-line vendor's listing for it -

http://www.jbugs.com/store/merchant....ory_Code=Tools

[ This message was edited by: scratch on 2006-04-01 21:36 ]