Where do I find

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hardworkingstiff

Senior Member
Location
Wilmington, NC
I need 3/8" and 1/2" allen wrenches that I can attach my 3/8" or 1/2" torque wrench to. They need to be about 5" long before the adapter for the wrench. The electrical supply houses don't know where to find them and Grainger didn't have any.

Help please.

Thanks,
Lou
 
I would try Northern Tools, Sears or try a search on EBay. I don't know whout the 5" long thing but I have a set that fits a 1/2" drive wrench that goes up to 3/4" I think. If you want to take out a bank loan then you could look at Snap On tools.
 
dduffee260 said:
I would try Northern Tools, Sears or try a search on EBay. I don't know whout the 5" long thing but I have a set that fits a 1/2" drive wrench that goes up to 3/4" I think. If you want to take out a bank loan then you could look at Snap On tools.
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sometimes it pays to buy the more expencive tools, I only own 3 Snap On tools myself but I know they carry what he is looking for.
 
The hex key in most of the square drive allen wrenches is removable. I have taken a long standard allen wrench, cut the short arm off and used it to replace the key in the standard allen socket, for applications like this.
Don
 
Ok, I'm going to tell on myself.

I use copper conductors to feed the 600-amp to 1,000-amp panels I install. I usually just stub up in the transformer from the panels. Since I've been involved with this forum I've decided I really do need to properly torque these conductors on the MB. The lugs on the MB are so deep and the access so narrow, that I need the 5" straight allen wrench to clear the face of the breaker. I know I'm not the only one installing this panel, so where have the technically correct installers purchased their allen wrenches to fit this application?
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
The hex key in most of the square drive allen wrenches is removable. I have taken a long standard allen wrench, cut the short arm off and used it to replace the key in the standard allen socket, for applications like this.
Don
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That's the only solution I've been able to come up with so far, I was hoping since this is needed by everyone properly installing the service conductors to these type panels that there would be a source. As far as cost, does it matter really? Buy it once for life, right?
 
hardworkingstiff said:
I need 3/8" and 1/2" allen wrenches that I can attach my 3/8" or 1/2" torque wrench to.
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Lou, any reason you can't just use a short hex bit and a 6" ratchet extension?
 
don_resqcapt19 said:
The hex key in most of the square drive allen wrenches is removable. I have taken a long standard allen wrench, cut the short arm off and used it to replace the key in the standard allen socket, for applications like this.
Don
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Have a couple of those in my tool box as well. :)

A chop saw (abrasive wheel) makes quick work of an allen wrench.
 
hardworkingstiff said:
Ok, I'm going to tell on myself.

I use copper conductors to feed the 600-amp to 1,000-amp panels I install. I usually just stub up in the transformer from the panels. Since I've been involved with this forum I've decided I really do need to properly torque these conductors on the MB. The lugs on the MB are so deep and the access so narrow, that I need the 5" straight allen wrench to clear the face of the breaker. I know I'm not the only one installing this panel, so where have the technically correct installers purchased their allen wrenches to fit this application?
Click to expand...

Snap-On has what you need. But like I mentioned earlier check you local tool supply house we have one here called Ram Tool they are not on line though I found a number of places called Ram Tool on line. you should have a tool dealer somewhere close by check the yellow pages.
 
For what it's worth my 3/8" drive seven piece hex key set from Snap-On was over $100. The same set from craftsman with a rail was about $50.

Either one will twist up if you lay into it but the Craftsman is easily replaced compared to chasing a Snap-On truck.
 
I know I going to get slammed for this one but here goes nothing. When I run into a difficult allen wrench problem I go to the hardware store and buy a group 5 or group 8 hexhead bolt (groups 5&8 are very hardened bolts) that is long enough with a couple of nuts to lock it together at my socket. It works like a dream even though it's kind of funky.

Bob on the left coast.
 
bkludecke said:
I know I going to get slammed for this one but here goes nothing. When I run into a difficult allen wrench problem I go to the hardware store and buy a group 5 or group 8 hexhead bolt (groups 5&8 are very hardened bolts) that is long enough with a couple of nuts to lock it together at my socket. It works like a dream even though it's kind of funky.

Bob on the left coast.
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I think you mean grade 5 or grade 8. that is an interesting way to takel the problem I just prefer a good tool with a warenty. The SnapOn truck makes house calls here Iwire.
 
Funny you asked this question. I just did it today! I have a set of rachet allens from Snap on. The allen part can be removed by losening a set screw on them. Then I cut the small end off my 3/8" allen wrench and installed the long end into the Snap-on socket/allen then attached that to my 3/8 torque wrench. It worked perfectly! I also ordered another 3/8" allen from the shop to replace the one I cut up.
 
Why not use the short (regular) allen sets that go to 3/8, and 1/2", then just use a long socket extention..... They make those in like 6-12".

I think Larry already said it.....
 
e57 said:
Why not use the short (regular) allen sets that go to 3/8, and 1/2", then just use a long socket extention..... They make those in like 6-12".

I think Larry already said it.....
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The holes in the breaker are are only large enough to fit the allen key not the 'holder' and the terminals are 3" or 4" deep in the breaker.
 
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