what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts

[kerk fisher]

What is the best and least expensive source for a 1/2 " drive, 1 1/8" EXTRA deep socket for tightening my keel bolts. I've only found 50+ dollars for something I will use rarely!  thanks, Kerk

[Larry Robertie]

I have a set from Sears.  All of them are spark plug depth. 

http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/product.do?cat=Mechanics+Tools&pid=00934576000&vertical=TOOL&subcat=Sockets&BV_SessionID=@@@@1607265121.1176236161@@@@&BV_EngineID=cccdaddkilgfgkhcefecemldffidfjg.0

You can get them at Amazon also,

[Ron Hill]

Kerk : Spark Plug depth won't cut it.  You need a 4" deep socket. 
I got mine (18 yrs ago) from SnapOn tools Baltimore Md. 

[Steve Hansen]

Kerk

Got mine at Ace Hardware. Can't remember exact price 10 Bucks maybe? That is deep socket 1-1/8 inch. Got the extensions there also, all reasonably priced.

Steve

[sselinger]

I found that a 4" socket was not long enough for my 1990 C34. The cheapest thing I found was to buy 2 4 " deep sockets at a surplus tool store. Mine were $7 each and then weld them together. They were cheap steel, but keep them oiled and they have lasted for years.

[Steve Sayian]

A friend of mine fabricated one for me. He took a hardened steel 6-point 1 1/8 socket and welded it to a 4 1/2 inch socket with an inside diameter of 1 inch.  I have a total internal length of 5 inches, more than enough for the long bolts and nuts.  Cost; 1 30-pack Bud Lite.
The torque requirement for the nuts is 105 foot pounds.

[Ken Juul]

I cut a 1 1/8" deep socket in half.  Had the ends welded to a 4" piece of pipe.  Lots of options, but you do need the extra length.

[Larry Robertie]

Kerk : Spark Plug depth won't cut it.  You need a 4" deep socket. 

Maybe this is exposing my naive side, but is it bad to cut off the end of the bolt?  I would imagine a RotoZip or even Dremmell would make quick and clean work of it.  Then the sockets I mentioned, or even regular ones would work just fine.

[wind dancer]

I've cut the ends off of many a bolt over the years.  Never bolts holding the keel to the underside of a sailboat though.  I think that as long as you leave a few threads exposed and don't mess them up you should be fine. 

[Stephen Butler]

Just an observation about cutting off the keel bolts, in order to use a regular socket - we had to drop and reseal our keel, and the extra length bolts made the job much easier, by keeping the keel aligned, yet providing ample working space. We had discussed cutting the bolts shorter, but had never gotten around to doing it - fortunately as it turned out.  My suggestion is to weld up a suitable socket and leave the keel bolts at their original length.  Just one guy's opinion.

[Ron Hill]

Guys : There are a couple of those keel bolts that will be mighty hard to get to - to cut them off!!   

[Mike_S]

One thing you might try instead of a traditional socket is a Crow's Foot Socket.  I've used these for years on the farm on the tractors, and the big heavy duty ones would probably do what you are looking for.  You have to be a little carefull to ensure things are aligned when you are tightening things down, but you should be able to torque the nuts properly without having to cut off the tops of the readirod/bolts.

Cheers,
Mike