Allen key into a socket

[dan.taylor.1]

Hi all,

I've need for some odd tools which consist of Allen keys attached to 1/4" drive sockets with the corresponding size. I havent found the desired size / length anywhere so I'm making them.

What I'm wondering is what's the best way, obviously too much heat will ruin the temper of the Allen key, mind they won't be under much torque in use but I'd rather they didn't twist as degrees of turn in the application are important.

Ive got oxy propane for brazing/soldering and tig with mild, 316, 309l and brazing rods. also various epoxy/glue alternatives!

Any help appreciated.

Dan

 

[brightspark]

jb weld. I've made a few screwdrivers with interchangeable bits using it

 

[the snooper]

similar to these ?

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Yes snooper, but need to be 1/4" drive as I need an extension on a ratchet and then the socket with a long Allen key to reach the head of the bolt. will try some jb weld as every time I think about it the heat is gonna be bad

 

[the snooper]

Yes snooper, but need to be 1/4" drive as I need an extension on a ratchet and then the socket with a long Allen key to reach the head of the bolt. will try some jb weld as every time I think about it the heat is gonna be bad

seems they do exist in 1/4 but not common

 

[atomant48]

Yes snooper, but need to be 1/4" drive as I need an extension on a ratchet and then the socket with a long Allen key to reach the head of the bolt. will try some jb weld as every time I think about it the heat is gonna be bad

I'm sure I've seen reverse adaptors i.e. 3/8 to 1/4 somewhere.

 

[the snooper]

I'm sure I've seen reverse adaptors i.e. 3/8 to 1/4 somewhere.

I think his problem is the 3/8 tool width won't fit into the hole

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Exactly this. too wide. I've had to shave some off the socket on one while test fitting.

 

[Ton-up]

I've made several T handle long Allen keys to reach bolts in machines. Have you a lathe or pillar drill? Use a piece of rod not too much bigger than the Allen key. Centre drill and then drill a hole that is a bit bigger than the a/f size of the Allen key. Cut your key off and grind a chamfer on the end. Hammer the key into the drilled hole. Weld an old socket on the other end! If you are doing a high torque or a large key then heating the bar to 'red' will help. The trick is to select a piece of rod that will 'swell' slightly, and the hole doesn't want to be the size of the key.

 

[Mr shiney]

I have a set of 1/4 dive allen key sockets that I got from Ramco. They came in two lengths, long and short.

 

[steveo3002]

what sizes do you need?

could get a set like this and just use a 1/4 instead of the one that comes with it?

 

[winchman]

I made one by locktighting a long piece of allen key in to an old 1/4 socket.I have also used blue tack as it only needs to stay in position whilst its positioned, what about a small magnet glued in to the socket?

 

[steveo3002]

yeah search ebay for a neo magnet , you can get really small ones that are powerfull and only a few pence to buy

 

[ukracer]

Hi all,

I've need for some odd tools which consist of Allen keys attached to 1/4" drive sockets with the corresponding size. I havent found the desired size / length anywhere so I'm making them.

What I'm wondering is what's the best way, obviously too much heat will ruin the temper of the Allen key, mind they won't be under much torque in use but I'd rather they didn't twist as degrees of turn in the application are important.

Ive got oxy propane for brazing/soldering and tig with mild, 316, 309l and brazing rods. also various epoxy/glue alternatives!

Any help appreciated.

Dan

Any good??

 

[Hitch]

Could you modify a long reach hexbit type screwdriver shaft? And then use standard bits in the end?

 

[Johnseat]

How tight do you think these Allen key bolts will be as a T25 T27 and T30 are around 3mm to 5mm and fit snugly into Allen key bolts and screws.

 

[dan.taylor.1]

Think I'll glue it somehow. I've got the right size sockets for the key, I wasn't really wanting to spend money on it tbh as I've got loads of Allen keys and loads of 1/4" sockets so can lose a few to make the sizes I require.

The weld / braze idea was more a technical question as to how to do it really as I've no idea how it's going to affect the key and socket except that I'm going to ruin the temper.

 

[mpats]

To be honest these things can sometimes be overthought. In the past I have used an allen key cut to length and put into the correct size socket using anything from a bit of grease to hold it temporarily to some 3M urethane adhesive or even a bit of araldite rapid if it's needed mid job. As long as you don't bang loads in there so it pours out the other end of the socket and stops you getting it onto your ratchet it'll be fine.

 

[normspanners]

what length do you require ?

 

[JohnH]

Use a standard 1/4" drive socket plus an extension.