Tightening RV8 NAS1804 Landing gear nuts

[Mikeyb]

I made this offset socket to torque the nuts in the gear towers. It’s a 12 point 7/16 socket driven by a 1/4” drive 9/16 crowfoot wrench and brazed tougher. The 1” offset allows you to reach under the vent lines. You do have to compensate for the offset in torque setting but It’s pretty easy to use.

[Northernliving]

Very innovative. I was going to give one of these a try, but yours looks better.

https://www.mcmaster.com/socket-wren...et-sockets-10/

[Mikeyb]

Thanks
You can grind off the margins of the crowfoot to get more wrench clearance.
Mike

[Eagle48]

Is there a particular reason to use a 1/4" drive Crow Foot? These are not available at the cheap tool suppliers. I have found one ( https://www.grainger.com/product/PRO...-Wrench-449P71 ) for $24. I assume clearance considerations drove you to use the 1/4" versus a 3/8" drive crow foot. QUESTION: Would a 3/8" drive Crow Foot work as well? If necessary, I could braze in a 3/8" to 1/4" drive adapter. Thanks, Tom

[Mikeyb]

I just used a 1/4 drive because I had it and it fit.

[Mikeyb]

The 3/8 drive crowfoot might be too wide too fit though

[Mikeyb]

I was talking to myself about how much that wrench cost. I bought both the socket and crowfoot from McMaster. Built the way it is shown it drops right on the nut and you get just enough rotation to move one flat on the nut.

[Eagle48]

Thanks. I will just get the 1/4" Crow foot, replicate your design, and quit being so cheap. Have to spend the kids inheritance somehow; what better way than on aviation and tools!

[506DC]

This would be a fairly easy tool to make just using the 1/4 inch extension, a piece of steel, socket and welding it all together. Most of us have the cheap HF stuff sitting around anyway.

I have made numerous modified tools and this is an example of another one.

Good idea!