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As stated on this site numerous times a modified 1/4 " socket makes the best nipple wrench. By an interesting coincidence a 6mm Allen Wrench fits the socket perfectly. No modification required.
GNC, You can do it. I did it and I'm an old grandpa. I started with a 3/16" socket. Hold the socket tight in vice grips or a vice. Support your hands on the workbench while using the Dremel. And take your time. You don't have to finish in one session. (BTW, the description of the socket being a 1/4" size referes to the square hole side of the socket where the ratchet or extension fits. The 3/16" measurment refers to the size of the bolt head it is desinged to fit. And wear eye protection!)
I tried it and like I said, they do not fit perfectly. Only the points of the hex contact the flats of the square drive. Not a very secure arraignment from a torque stand point.
Now if an allen wrench was an octagon, it would fit perfectly.
Junkman, this is the only nipple wrench I have ever owned. It has always functioned perfectly. I have used a 6mm Allen wrench to turn 1/4" sockets for decades without fail. That's perfect in my book.
Jaymo, There is no issue to fix. It works fine as is, if fact better than a ratchet. Put the socket on the short end and use the wrench for torque. Put the socket on the long end for a speed drive. I have done it like this since the '60s without an issue. I must admit, however, I have never tightened the head bolts on a Mack Truck with this setup.
I can honestly say that I've never tried this. I'm still trying to wrap my head around cutting a perfectly good sockets. Perhaps I should have said "possible, alleged, potential problem".
Plus, its a good excuse to power up the welder.
Or braze it, if using non-chromed sockets.
Epoxy would be quicker, but where's the fun in that?
Having worked with hand tools since the Eisenhower administration I have picked up a few tricks along the way. The photo shows a 6mm Allen wrench driving a 7/32” 12 point 1/4” drive socket that turns a 1/4X20 tap. It also shows a 7/32” 12 point box end wrench driving a 14X20 tap. My modified nipple socket is at the upper left. Why would I do such crazy things? Sometimes it is simply a case of utilizing the tools that are at hand to accomplish a given task. Sometimes it is because the combination of tools offers the best way of performing a task. Such is the case with my nipple wrench. It is simply the best!
Doh! Now I feel like I wasted my $3 on a tap wrench, but at least it was on clearance.
What size does the 1/4" drive fit, the small Pietta nipples or the larger Uberti Colt nipples? I have the ratchet nipple wrench for the Pietta, but I want a bit that will fit Uberti Colts.
I've been trying to find a cheap source for 12 pt. 1/4" drive sockets for just this reason. I know that Snap-on has them but they are a little pricey for modifying. I've tried the usual places like Harbor Freight.
BTW if using a hex allen wrench in a 1/4" drive socket bothers you, one can find in any decent hardware store 1/4" key stock and with a little heat make your own drive handles.
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