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Goldy
21-09-2010, 13:17
I've been working to try and replace the thermostat, there are two 10mm nuts on studs that hold the casing on, the lower one of them is free, the upper one is stuck and feels like putty. I've managed to round it using a hex socket, anyone got any suggestions to free it off?

Its the upper nut (the one with the spanner on in this picture : http://www.mr2-tech.com/bgb/mechanical/volume1/cooling_system/Manual_0513_0001.jpg)

It's in a bastard position (as per normal).

Help!
tripod23
21-09-2010, 14:35
can you not file flats onto the rounded head to create a smaller size to get a socket on there - or try to tap on a smaller socket , and try to undo it with slow pressure applied to it. it worked for a solid sump plug on my merc van that some prick must have done up with a windy gun or something .
snowtigger
21-09-2010, 16:18
File the head of the bolt so you can pull the thermostat housing of then get a stud unwinder onto the stud and wind it off.
Goldy
21-09-2010, 18:02
might try tapping on a smaller socket, I doubt I can get a file in there to be honest, the aircon tensioner is right up tight to it.
snowtigger
21-09-2010, 19:27
Look for a socket called a gator grip it's got hexagon rods inside, supposed to be able to work on rounded of nuts and bolts, I also have special spanners that are supposed to do the same.
Torero
21-09-2010, 20:56
Look for a socket called a gator grip it's got hexagon rods inside, supposed to be able to work on rounded of nuts and bolts, I also have special spanners that are supposed to do the same.

Agree with young Tigger. I have seen these on TV and they should do the job. A tenner delivered on FleaBay.

Clicky (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GATOR-GRIP-3-8-UNIVERSAL-SOCKET-/140396154298?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item20b0434dba#ht_643wt_706)
Frogger
21-09-2010, 22:13
Or Irwin Bolt Grips, work everytime for me with no hassel at all.

Bit more expensive at £20-ish a set, but cut right into any bolt and rip it straight out, and are not expensive at all if you get in on this auction before it ends http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Irwin-Bolt-Grip-/140454844595?pt=UK_Hand_Tools_Equipment&hash=item20b3c2d8b3
Goldy
21-09-2010, 22:32
Interesting! I started with a 6 sided socket and that rounded it, I think the bolt is made of putty! I might invest in a set of bolt grips, i'm forever rounding nuts though i'll probably be looking for a stud extractor next....
tripod23
22-09-2010, 07:43
if your not botherd about cutting the head of the bolt then use the extractor tool once you have cut it thats if there is enough space to get the tools in. and just get new bolts from mr t job sorted.
Deadly_Smell
22-09-2010, 09:09
The irwin grip sockets they do really work I don't know where else they are available (apart from ebay) from but I think Cromwell do have branches across the country if you can't wait for the ebay listing to finish
http://www.cromwell.co.uk/IRW5653620B
OlberJ
22-09-2010, 10:32
If you're rounding lots of nuts chief, check out your sockets are in good nick.

Sounds daft but i've seen some sockets in nasty conditions, simply made of metal not strong enough for the job.
snowtigger
22-09-2010, 11:24
The new halfrauds pro range are good for the weekend mechanic and come with a life time guarantee, I've only bust the mini knuckle socket and they just replaced it there and then no fuss just here you go.
Goldy
22-09-2010, 18:52
The sockets i've been using are impact sockets from halfrauds, hard as anything! I used to have a crappy set from B&Q, I split 2 sockets and sheared the extension bar trying to undo the wishbone bolts on the Mondeo!
snowtigger
22-09-2010, 20:00
I once broke an impact airgun socket that was from snap on trying to get a bolt of an engine,the air gun wouldn't shift it so a breakers bar and a 6ft steal inch thick tube finally cracked it also cracked the socket, the snapon guy couldn't beleive what he was looking at he had to write a report out and send it to head office for testing lol.