I would NOT try to use an open end wrench of any kind to loosen a bolt that is really stuck. There is too high a probability that you will just round off the head and make your task even more difficult. Use some kind of closed wrench, either the box end of a combination wrench, or a socket, preferably a six point. From your description it sounds like a socket is out of the question, which is too bad. I would not try to use any kind of one size fits all or adjustable for breaking it loose either. I have never yet seen one that will reliably transmit torque as good as a solid lump of metal.
Once the bolt is broke free there are many options. I like the box end wrenches that have the ratchet built in, in situations when a socket wrench cannot be used. They are almost as good as combination wrenches for tight fitting situations and the ratchet makes them a lot more convenient to use. Steve Thomas C&C27 MKIII ----- Original Message ----- From: David Knecht via CnC-List To: CnC CnC discussion list Sent: Monday, March 09, 2015 10:12 Subject: Stus-List Tool recommendation I was at the boat yesterday and tried to take the heat exchanger off the engine (Universal M4-30) so I could refurbish the seals and make sure it is clean (http://www.pbase.com/mainecruising/heat_exchanger). One bolt came off easily but the one on the starboard side is a challenge. I cannot get a socket on it because something from the engine or transmission is partially blocking frontal access. I found my wrench selection on board is less than adequate and I need to upgrade. I tried with a short 1/2" open end wrench and was able to get it on, but could not budge the bolt. I left it sprayed with penetrant hoping that will loosen it. I looked at other wrench types to see what would be useful in this situation and came upon this ratcheting wrench I had not seen before: http://www.amazon.com/Alden-Wrench-56038-Ratching-Open-End/dp/B002VEC9XE/ref=sr_1_1?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1425909762&sr=1-1&keywords=alden+ratchet It looks like something useful to have on the boat as the clamping action should work on both metric and SAE, it is stainless and it ratchets. Has anyone tried something like this? The other type I am considering is the flex head ratcheting wrenches: http://www.amazon.com/Husky5-Pieces-SAE-Flex-Ratcheting-Wrench/dp/B00CBFVKT2/ref=sr_1_4?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1425910197&sr=1-4&keywords=ratcheting+flex+wrenches Dave Aries 1990 C&C 34+ New London, CT ------------------------------------------------------------------------------ _______________________________________________ Email address: CnC-List@cnc-list.com To change your list preferences, including unsubscribing -- go to the bottom of page at: http://cnc-list.com/mailman/listinfo/cnc-list_cnc-list.com
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