when to use offset wrench
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
when to use offset wrench
Exactly in what instances do you use an offset wrench?
I never used one. But I am thinking about changing the O2 sensor on this F250 and the regular open end wrench will not fit in there, you need something curved. I also don't want to use a socket because these special O2 sockets easily bend (I've bend one before)
So I need a special 7/8" offset wrench.
I think I could also use a 7/8" deep socket taking it out but I would have problems putting it in because of the sensor wire.
I never used one. But I am thinking about changing the O2 sensor on this F250 and the regular open end wrench will not fit in there, you need something curved. I also don't want to use a socket because these special O2 sockets easily bend (I've bend one before)
So I need a special 7/8" offset wrench.
I think I could also use a 7/8" deep socket taking it out but I would have problems putting it in because of the sensor wire.
Posting Guru
Joined: Jun 2002
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An offset wrench will work if there's enough clearance to fit its 'socket' around the stuff next to your O2 sensor and still turn it. A single 7/8" wrench might be a little pricey- maybe you have an old one you could heat and bend to the needed depth/shape.
A 'claw-foot' wrench-end (fits on the end of a socket extension bar) might fit in there instead.
A 'claw-foot' wrench-end (fits on the end of a socket extension bar) might fit in there instead.
Last edited by RexB; Feb 14, 2004 at 12:19 PM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
There are special sockets just for o2 sensors. Depending on the sensor, they can come with rounded corners, cut outs for the wire harness, special detents, etc. I just buying a KD or major brand socket made for the sensor. It is money well spent. Especially if you have to use an impact socket.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
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I think I need a quality O2 sensor socket which will not bend. I got one from Advanced Auto parts and to my horror discovered I was bending it and not loosening the socket. ('this on a chebby)
I returned it, got a regular deep 7/8" socket, cut the wire, fit it over it, and that was it.
On this Ford, a special O2 socket would work better than any wrench but I fear that it has seized in there sufficiently where I will again bend the lips of the socket apart.
O2 sensors get *very* stuck, especially after 150K miles. PB-blaster helps - somewhat.
I returned it, got a regular deep 7/8" socket, cut the wire, fit it over it, and that was it.
On this Ford, a special O2 socket would work better than any wrench but I fear that it has seized in there sufficiently where I will again bend the lips of the socket apart.
O2 sensors get *very* stuck, especially after 150K miles. PB-blaster helps - somewhat.
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Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
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From: Atlanta GA
Actually, applying heat until it is cherry red helps the best. On one that is stuck, an impact socket works best because it is six sided and the walls are thick enough that it will not deflect under pressure, unlike a thin wall socket.
An impact, forwards and backwards, will break it free pretty quickly. You just have to be sure you do not rip the bung out of the pipe, I hate when that happens.
An impact, forwards and backwards, will break it free pretty quickly. You just have to be sure you do not rip the bung out of the pipe, I hate when that happens.
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
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That makes perfect sense. I have been doing minor tune up kind of work for a decade but only had a few instances (1 or 2) where I needed an offset wrench. But when you do, you really need it with no substitute.
Posting Guru
Joined: Nov 2003
Posts: 1,221
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From: Homer, Alaska
There are times and places that the only tool that will do the job is an offset wrench. Just be prepared to spend a lot of time because you can only get 1/8th of a turn each time (if you are lucky), and you have to turn the wrench around each time.
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