Tool tip: 17mm ratcheting box-end wrench

RoWaMe · Post by **RoWaMe** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 9:54 am

For years I have been on the lookout for a tool that easily loosens/tightens the 17mm nut which holds the engine to the trans near the starter. On a type 1, you reach down between the firewall and the fan shroud but have very little room to work a conventional wrench. Well, while browsing the just-opened "Lowes" home center on Friday, I found an ideal tool in their "tools" section- a ratcheting mechanism on the closed (box) end that needs only like 5 degrees clearance to move one ratchet tooth. You break the nut loose with the open end side of the wrench, then turn it over, put the ratching section over the nut, and go for it until you can loosen with your fingers. The wrench shaft is not offset/bent. Have not yet tried it out but sure looks like it'll work just fine. Snap-On and Sears don't seem to have an equivalent... Don't know who makes the wrench for Lowes.

BluSpecs · Post by **BluSpecs** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 10:41 am

I picked up one of those at an ACE hardware. It is the perfect tooll for the job. You'll love it!

JC-ATL · Post by **JC-ATL** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 10:53 am

A buddy of mine gave me a set of these one year - fantastic tool for the job you're talking about.

prerunner1499 · Post by **prerunner1499** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 5:32 pm

Yup they are real nice to have. We have a full set of metric and standard (gearwrench brand)

Nice wrenches.. I have found sometimes you have to use a regular box end though because the gear wrenches need more clearance around the box end. Like manifold studs, oil cooler, carb, and other tight spots.
There are adapters for them so you can use sockets too!!!!!! Those are cool and have their uses

Guest · Post by **Guest** » Mon Jul 07, 2003 6:59 pm

I got one of those at NAPA recently and used when I put my engine back in the car. Also used the other day when replacing shocks. Great tool.

Rick