Tool failure (not rude)

It sounds as though you've loosened yours, but a cautionary word never to select a socket for this job by its nominal size. Always select one that is a very tight (even hammer on tight) fit so that you don't risk rounding off the head. If you do damage the head you will have a major headache! Get it right first time: you're unlikely to get a second chance.

Spot on that man. I use an old bi-hex 1/2" A/F socket as it's a good tight fit but if they're knackered then I have been known to hammer on a 12 point

12mm. That usually shifts them, then fit new bolts. Quality sockets are a necessity, cheap ones won't do.

Martin

I wholeheartedly agree and the reason for replacing the (Kamasa) socket set in the first place, after 35+ years of use and abuse they had worn enough to be suspect including a couple I split no prizes for guessing how I did that ( see above). I do still have a few short reach bihex that are pukka mostly Britool. The boltsare markedly good once the surface muck was brushed away the sockets fitted nice and tight aside from the one which is going to cost me a new socket for ease of access.Luckily there is a tool factors on the way back from the farm. Derek

Job done took a bit longer than expected as I had to degrease two bearings and repack them. and of course it rained . Derek

On or around Wed, 2 Jul 2008 22:12:29 +0100, "Oily" enlightened us thusly:

1/2" 12-points are good on these things. You need a long socket for the front ones and a short one for the back, or vice versa...

but a GOOD 13mm will do it if the bolts are in good nick.

1/2" is 12.7mm :-)