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1 1/2 inch socket [message #270082]

Wed, 21 January 2015 16:13

mickey szilagyi

Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Sorry but we have to ask. We've hunted down a 1 1/2 inch socket (1/2 drive) as it's listed as something we should carry in the GMC. We found one that is not to be used in a impact wrench. And it wasn't hanging with all the other sockets in the regular tool section of the store. It was kind of over by the plumbing stuff. So, before we keep it we'd like to know it's importance and what it would be used for on the coach. Should it be an impact wrench socket as well? The socket packaging says it's used to remove/replace a water heater element.

So, how many of you know the answer??????

Thanks!

Mickey 1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270083 is a reply to message #270082]

Wed, 21 January 2015 16:56

USAussie

Messages: 15912
Registered: July 2007
Location: Sydney, Australia

Karma: 6

Senior Member

Mickey, The 1 1/2 socket is used on the front axle CV joint nut, the torque on that nut can go as high as 200 ft lb when tightened during installation to align the cotter pin / castle nut slots. Plus it has been noted here that if it has not been removed in a long time it can be a real bitch to remove. I doubt that the socket you purchased to remove a heater element can handle that job. I would suggest you go to an auto parts store and buy a black six point impact socket. Unfortunately you will probably find that it will cost a hell of a lot more than the one you've got!

Regards, Rob M. (USAussie) The Pedantic Mechanic Sydney, Australia '75 Avion - AUS - The Blue Streak TZE365V100428 '75 Avion - USA - Double Trouble TZE365V100426

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270084 is a reply to message #270082]

Wed, 21 January 2015 16:58

Larry

Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI

Karma: 10

Senior Member

mickey szilagyi wrote on Wed, 21 January 2015 16:13

Sorry but we have to ask. We've hunted down a 1 1/2 inch socket (1/2 drive) as it's listed as something we should carry in the GMC. We found one that is not to be used in a impact wrench. And it wasn't hanging with all the other sockets in the regular tool section of the store. It was kind of over by the plumbing stuff. So, before we keep it we'd like to know it's importance and what it would be used for on the coach. Should it be an impact wrench socket as well? The socket packaging says it's used to remove/replace a water heater element.

So, how many of you know the answer??????

Thanks!

That 1 1/2" socket is for the front axle nut. Unless you have had that nut off and retorqued it at a lower rate, it probably would not hold up to the torque needed to break that nut loose. You should be using a 3/4" drive 1 1/2" socket for that application, and preferably an impact socket. The first time I had to break mine loose, I split a 3/4" drive standard socket when I put a breaker bar and a 4' pipe cheater on it. After I got an impact socket, while the socket did not break, it took me jumping on the bar to get it loose. Now I only tighten it with a standard breaker bar to the nearest cotter pin hole. Probably only about 125 ft lbs or so. JWID

Larry

78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270087 is a reply to message #270084]

Wed, 21 January 2015 17:10

hal kading

Messages: 642
Registered: February 2004
Location: Las Cruces NM

Karma: 4

Senior Member

IIRC the one ton conversion uses a different size for the axle nut, so if you have or are planning on the change you won't need the 1 1/2" socket.

Hal Kading 78 Buskirk Las Cruces NM

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270091 is a reply to message #270082]

Wed, 21 January 2015 17:59

Otterwan

Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...

Karma: 0

Senior Member

mickey szilagyi wrote on Wed, 21 January 2015 14:13

Sorry but we have to ask. We've hunted down a 1 1/2 inch socket (1/2 drive) as it's listed as something we should carry in the GMC. We found one that is not to be used in a impact wrench. And it wasn't hanging with all the other sockets in the regular tool section of the store. It was kind of over by the plumbing stuff. So, before we keep it we'd like to know it's importance and what it would be used for on the coach. Should it be an impact wrench socket as well? The socket packaging says it's used to remove/replace a water heater element.

So, how many of you know the answer??????

Thanks!

Probably not the sort of thing you need to own. Unless you are the sort of person who enjoys rebuilding your font hubs on the side of the freeway, it's a big expense for something you'll likely never use. Any good shops that works on trucks will have one available, as will most tool rental places. If you decide to service your hubs at some point, that would be the time to buy.

That being said, I bought an entire 3/4" drive Craftsman socket set off craigslist for less than $100. If you're serious about working on your rig, you might want to watch for something like that.

1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270092 is a reply to message #270082]

Wed, 21 January 2015 18:21

mild bill

Messages: 98
Registered: November 2014
Location: Edmonton, Alberta, Canada

Karma: 0

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While I see them on Amazon for $6 to $25 I have to agree unless you wanted to replace a cv on the side of the road.. Preventive mtc should really tAke care of that unless you are deaf or want to nurse something out to the actual end of its life. If you don't have an impact go 3/4" drive with a 6' snipe so you and your travel companions can bounce on the snipe.

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270106 is a reply to message #270091]

Wed, 21 January 2015 19:02

Larry

Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI

Karma: 10

Senior Member

[quote

Probably not the sort of thing you need to own. Unless you are the sort of person who enjoys rebuilding your font hubs on the side of the freeway, it's a big expense for something you'll likely never use. Any good shops that works on trucks will have one available, as will most tool rental places. If you decide to service your hubs at some point, that would be the time to buy.

[/quote]
Well...that depends. If you have modified hubs with the zirc and special spacer between the bearings so that you are set up to grease every 20K miles, or as I do...before every major trip, it would be nice to have that correct socket. JWIT

Larry

78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270107 is a reply to message #270082]

Wed, 21 January 2015 19:06

Larry

Messages: 2875
Registered: January 2004
Location: Menomonie, WI

Karma: 10

Senior Member

BTW, I carry that 3/4" drive 1 1/2" socket with me as insurance...........that I will never need it on the road. Wink

Larry

78 Royale w/500 Caddy
Menomonie, WI.

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Re: 1 1/2 inch socket [message #270108 is a reply to message #270082]

Wed, 21 January 2015 19:10

mickey szilagyi

Messages: 273
Registered: January 2013

Karma: 0

Senior Member

Thanks everyone. I'll take back the one I bought. I thought I already looked for the 1 1/2 impact socket at auto parts stores. I don't think I found one but it also could be I did and the sticker shock caused amnesia. But it also looks like we probably don't need one. We have used a truck repair shop close by for a lot of service needs beyond our capabilities and what you're describing the 1 1/2 socket is used for is probably not something we'd tackle.

Larry, but it weighs a ton!

Never a doubt, you guys are great, thanks!

Mickey 1977 Kingsley, 403, Lansing, MI

[Updated on: Wed, 21 January 2015 19:10]

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