Catalina 34

General Activities => Main Message Board => Topic started by: kerk fisher on April 10, 2007, 12:45:17 PM

Title: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: kerk fisher on April 10, 2007, 12:45:17 PM
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
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Larry Robertie on April 10, 2007, 01:17:38 PM
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,
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Ron Hill on April 10, 2007, 03:08:16 PM
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. 
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Steve Hansen on April 10, 2007, 04:10:57 PM
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
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: sselinger on April 10, 2007, 04:45:17 PM
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.
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Steve Sayian on April 11, 2007, 03:27:05 AM
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.
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Ken Juul on April 11, 2007, 05:01:34 AM
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.
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Larry Robertie on April 11, 2007, 06:38:36 AM
Quote from: Ron Hill on April 10, 2007, 03:08:16 PM
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.
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: wind dancer on April 11, 2007, 08:03:13 AM
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. 
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Stephen Butler on April 11, 2007, 08:40:39 AM
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.
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Ron Hill on April 11, 2007, 01:31:44 PM
Guys : There are a couple of those keel bolts that will be mighty hard to get to - to cut them off!!   :roll:
Title: Re: what is source for EXTRA deep socket for tightening keel bolts
Post by: Mike_S on April 23, 2007, 09:53:34 PM
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