[ilangop]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Also how much does a rubber O ring cost usually? Industrial areas are kinda very far from my place. I only know one in Bangalore - Peenya Industrial Area and its almost out of town. Can you give alternative options as to where else can I find this O ring? Can anyone in BLR tell me where to source an O ring?

About the sockets, I dont have any with me and never used one also. I was planning to acquire 22mm one for the pressure washer equipment. Im confused with drives as Im not sure which one to order.

Rubber O-ring should cost around Rs 2 - Rs 5/- per piece at the Industrial area. There are O-ring packets available for all motor cycle. So take the part to any (Preferably a known) spareparts shopm explain your requirement. Either he will do some trial & error and give you the O-ring you need or hand you a full O-ring packet which contains the one you need. So you will end up paying either Rs 10/- or Rs 50/-.
I would suggest you to go for the bigger (3/8) wrench as it can handle higher torque. For smaller bolts like 8, 10, 12, etc. I prefer a tubular / ring / open spanners. Typically you spend more effort on holding the wrench than tightening the small bolts.

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Also can I use this socket equipment on unscrewing nuts and bolts from bikes?

Also, another query. The brass pipe on the pressure washer lance has become too tight to unscrew it as I could do earlier. How can I unscrew this pipe now?

Yes you can. The scokets are of standard sizes only.
I am not getting the problem exactly. A picture would help.

[Thad E Ginathom]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

Also, another query. The brass pipe on the pressure washer lance has become too tight to unscrew it as I could do earlier. How can I unscrew this pipe now?

Do you mean the connection of the hose to the outlet?

When I first had my Bosch pressure washer, I had a hard time with being unable to undo this connection. It is only finger tightened, how could it be so hard to undo again? Being slightly recessed, I could not even find a tool/wrench that I could use. I -ed my head over this, and the solution turned out to be absurdly simple: release the pressure!

Hint: put a little Vaseline on these connectors, O-rings, etc.

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by ilangop

Rubber O-ring should cost around Rs 2 - Rs 5/- per piece at the Industrial area. There are O-ring packets available for all motor cycle. So take the part to any (Preferably a known) spareparts shopm explain your requirement. Either he will do some trial & error and give you the O-ring you need or hand you a full O-ring packet which contains the one you need. So you will end up paying either Rs 10/- or Rs 50/-.
I would suggest you to go for the bigger (3/8) wrench as it can handle higher torque. For smaller bolts like 8, 10, 12, etc. I prefer a tubular / ring / open spanners. Typically you spend more effort on holding the wrench than tightening the small bolts.


Yes you can. The scokets are of standard sizes only.
I am not getting the problem exactly. A picture would help.

Thanks a lot for that. Ive lots of garages nearby so I can then source from them the O ring.

Yes now Im researching the different socket brands available in the market. Came across a 65 piece socket set from Stanley on ebay.in. That could be used in almost any application I may have. WOW. and it costs 4k only.

Im uploading 2 pictures depicting the problem here.


The O ring is supposed to sit inside the brass piece which has grooves on it. This then attaches to the back of the lance in the next picture.



Tha arrow shows which end of the tube is tightly screwed. This was a bit loose and I could open it up easily but I tightened it by mistake and cannot open now by hands. Is there any other option?

These two threads are the ones that need the plumbers tape to ensure a water proof connection as advised by the company that sold it to me.

Thanks again for your help

[latentpotential]

Originally Posted by Chris_Xtreme

Nice collection. BTW what was the cost of the 18 Piece Hand Socket Set. Planning to get one for a long time though. Thanks!

600 INR - Crawford Market - I think the shopkeeper had no idea of the real value

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

Do you mean the connection of the hose to the outlet?

When I first had my Bosch pressure washer, I had a hard time with being unable to undo this connection. It is only finger tightened, how could it be so hard to undo again? Being slightly recessed, I could not even find a tool/wrench that I could use. I my head over this, and the solution turned out to be absurdly simple: release the pressure!

Hint: put a little Vaseline on these connectors, O-rings, etc.

Haha I had the same problem with my Karcher when I was trying to unlock the hose from the trigger gun. Kept pulling at it for 5 minutes and still it wouldn't budge no matter how much I tried. Then by mistake I pulled the trigger and that released the pressure and the hose came off easily.

However, now the problem of the connector being too tight exists in the Foam lance attachment, that I recently imported from the UK. The picture is shown above. Hopefully I should be able to source the O rings and get it back to running condition.

Originally Posted by Aroy

3/8 and 1/4 refers to the dimensions of the square plug (the width) that is on every ratchet/ This mates with the opening in he socket.

Each drive requires a separate socket. So you may have a 10mm socket in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drives
Initially there was only 1/2". Then manufacturers introduced the 3/8" as it made all the accessories smaller (and cheaper). Finally for small sockets and light duty 1/4" were introduced.

I bought my sockets when only 1/2" was available (8mm to 34mm as well as the American & Whitworth sizes).

If you do not need more than 12mm (or 1/2"), then 1/4" drive sets are ideal as they are small light and inexpensive (4mm - 14mm for Taparia) http://www.tapariatools.com/sockets.php#first
3/8" in 6mm - 22mm
1/2" in 8mm - 34mm
3/4" in 22mm - 70mm
1" in 36mm - 80mm

Thanks for replying and making it crystal clear for me.

The only issue with the 1/4" drive set is that it is not available in the 22mm set which I currently need to service the foam lance from time to time. So Im guessing, 1/4" and 3/8" should be able to fulfill 90% of my needs from time to time.

The taparia set for 1/4"+3/8" comes to 4200 change and so does this from Stanley. Which would be a better buy in your opinion?

Thanks again.

edit: - got the PTFE thread seal tape now. Some company called Diamond sells it. Cost for 12mmx10m is 40 bucks. Thanks to @ilangop for helping out.

[IcarusMan]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

The taparia set for 1/4"+3/8" comes to 4200 change and so does this from Stanley. Which would be a better buy in your opinion?

Can't go wrong with Stanley. An alternative to online ordering is to get a set from MN Hussain & Co on Commercial Street (basement of Westside). Got this Stanley 92-824 Black Chrome and Laser Etched 69-Piece Socket Set from this shop. This "black chrome" set was the last piece at the time however. But they have plenty of other options. Makes me drool everytime I visit .

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by IcarusMan

Can't go wrong with Stanley. An alternative to online ordering is to get a set from MN Hussain & Co on Commercial Street (basement of Westside). Got this Stanley 92-824 Black Chrome and Laser Etched 69-Piece Socket Set from this shop. This "black chrome" set was the last piece at the time however. But they have plenty of other options. Makes me drool everytime I visit .

Hey Ive been to that store one time that too by mistake I discovered it while hunting for a Biryani restaurant. Had never seen it before that day irrespective of the countless times Ive been to Commercial street.

But man do they have a collection. I was drooling for more than half an hour at the products available. Never ever visited a better stocked hardware store in my life. They have anything and everything available there. You name it they have it. Portable compressors, pressure washers, entire tool kits, tool boxes.

And the staff is friendly too. There was this elderly gentleman there who was handling my queries. He was very courteous and fluent with the various equipment. Sadly that day I didnt have the budget to buy the tools. But definitely will need to visit that place soon preferably with my parents .

The stanley tools as expected were high priced. How much did you pay for that? I may not go for the same but the normal metallic type itself as the amazon reviews dont speak highly of the color. But how are the ergonomics? I know Taparia tools are solid. Is the stanley one ergonomically superior to Taparia or its just a few notches higher? Also do they stock Taparia tools?

Now Ive got a very good reason to visit Commercial street more frequently hehe.

[drsingh]

Originally Posted by ilangop

I am not sure about the 2 types of sockets on the 22 size. Typically they have sockets of same size in 2 different lengths, is this what you are mentioning here?
Tool stores near Industrial estate areas are cheaper and offer discounts on the MRP. Hope this helps.

Taparia socket sets are sold as 'premium' tools in my area.another brand is honiton which comes with lifetime warranty and is also substantially cheaper. As per vendors all sockets are imported from taiwan and ratchets made in India.

Gedore ratchets are also well reputed and available without sockets .

[Aroy]

Taparia are made in India, with collaboration with Bahco of Sweden. They would be much better than those made in China/Taiwan. You can check it from their site, which has a price list in PDF format. http://www.tapariatools.com/

Sadly Gedore has stopped manufacturing in India. All my socket sets are from Gedore bought in early '70s, and still going strong.

The problem with inexpensive hand tools is the quality of the steel, which results in wear of the surfaces and in some cases cracks/breakages. The most common problem is the widening up of open ended spanners resulting in rounded nut/bolt head.

One option is to buy only those piece you need, as I did over time, and get a dedicated tool box to hold all the piece. http://www.stanleyworks.in/metal-tool-boxes.html

[IcarusMan]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

The stanley tools as expected were high priced. How much did you pay for that? I may not go for the same but the normal metallic type itself as the amazon reviews dont speak highly of the color. But how are the ergonomics? I know Taparia tools are solid. Is the stanley one ergonomically superior to Taparia or its just a few notches higher? Also do they stock Taparia tools?

I got my set for ~INR. 4000.00 (at a discount because it was the last piece or something like that). The sockets came in both SAE and metric sizes, which seemed to be a safe bet. Also, it came with 2 spark plug sockets. Cannot fault the ergonomics at all. Have hardly had occasion to use a fifth of the sockets but, dang, these things are really useful when you do need 'em! The only sore point with my set is that some of the sockets sit very tight in the case - takes a bit of effort to pry them out. About the color, well, if not anything it looks unique!

I'm a beginner DIYer myself and learning. The masters here have given some great advice. I don't have any experience with Taparia. I think, for most purposes, either brand will do the job just as well.

[Thad E Ginathom]

The only sore point with my set is that some of the sockets sit very tight in the case - takes a bit of effort to pry them out.

That's an advatage!

Mine are very loose, and without blutack, I would open the box to find them all over the place.

Had my socket set for decades. It was not expensive, and is one of those things that I seldom use, but is invaluable when it is needed. Don't spend too much unless mechanicing is going to be daily thing --- or you really can afford it and just enjoy owning amazing tools!

[Parthasarathig]

Originally Posted by Aroy

Taparia are made in India, with collaboration with Bahco of Sweden. They would be much better than those made in China/Taiwan. You can check it from their site, which has a price list in PDF format. http://www.tapariatools.com/

Sadly Gedore has stopped manufacturing in India. All my socket sets are from Gedore bought in early '70s, and still going strong.
]

http://www.bombaytools.in/hand-tools.html

Sir this company seems to be making Gedore sockets.

I had a query. Ive many nuts which use the allen keys. Are there any sockets in hex key format?
Also if i buy a ratchet from say taparia, can I use gedore sockets on it or stanley sockets or I can only use specific brand ones?

Also I dont see any option where i can buy the single 22mm socket for now along with a ratchet and then invest in more from time to time. Do hardware stores sell sockets by single piece? Ive only seen sets.

Originally Posted by IcarusMan

I got my set for ~INR. 4000.00 (at a discount because it was the last piece or something like that). The sockets came in both SAE and metric sizes, which seemed to be a safe bet. .

What is this spark plug socket? 4000 for that set is good price. How does one know which standard sockets i need? Like I dont know if on my bike I need SAE or metric.

Im kinda liking Aroy's option of going for different sockets according to need and building a tool box. But then the choice of sockets is overwhelming and I may take the easier route of buying a set in 3/8 & 1/4 sizes.

Does stanley in India come with lifetime warranty like the US? In case of any problems will they replace the defective piece?

And can some one tell me how to detect genuine and fake in case if stanley and taparia? Ive a taparia spanner since 10 years and that thing is still going strong no matter whatever I use it for. Mostly for my bicycle and plumbing stuff. I think back then it was 100-200 bucks but solid build quality.

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

That's an advatage!

Mine are very loose, and without blutack, I would open the box to find them all over the place.

Had my socket set for decades. It was not expensive, and is one of those things that I seldom use, but is invaluable when it is needed. Don't spend too much unless mechanicing is going to be daily thing --- or you really can afford it and just enjoy owning amazing tools!

Yes thats true. Ive had cheap tool sets like those 120 pieces in one and what not and on opening the box everything used to be all over the place. Gave them away long back.

Yes owning tools is one thing Ive loved since childhood tinkering with nuts, bolts screws in any equipment or toys ive had. The next on my list is this Dremel. Have been eyeing it for quite sometime now. Funny part is this socket set costs as much as dremel beginner set. Will get it by next year if not earlier. I have already started to dream about where all im gonna use that around the house.

[IcarusMan]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

What is this spark plug socket? 4000 for that set is good price. How does one know which standard sockets i need? Like I dont know if on my bike I need SAE or metric.

Spark plug as in "Noun: A device for firing the explosive mixture in an internal combustion engine." These pair of sockets, in 13/16 and 5/8 sizes have a rubber insert inside the socket intended to prevent damage to the insulator/electrode.

Most of the time I've used only the metric sockets in my set - this for odd household jobs + kids' bikes/tricycles + basic car DIYs. On the other hand, I'm reasonably certain I'll bump into a job that *must* have an SAE socket that fits just-so to avoid rounding off a bolt.

Im kinda liking Aroy's option of going for different sockets according to need and building a tool box.

Sounds good to me too. Now, go forth and buy!

Does stanley in India come with lifetime warranty like the US? In case of any problems will they replace the defective piece?

No idea. But I do *expect* my set to last a lifetime!

Originally Posted by Thad E Ginathom

That's an advatage!

Didn't consider this. I feel better about my set already ;-)

[ilangop]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

What is this spark plug socket?

21 mm for Bullet, Lambretta, most of the cars.

[Aroy]

Originally Posted by Parthasarathig

1.
I had a query. Ive many nuts which use the allen keys. Are there any sockets in hex key format?
Also if i buy a ratchet from say taparia, can I use gedore sockets on it or stanley sockets or I can only use specific brand ones?

2.
Also I dont see any option where i can buy the single 22mm socket for now along with a ratchet and then invest in more from time to time. Do hardware stores sell sockets by single piece? Ive only seen sets.

3.
What is this spark plug socket? 4000 for that set is good price. How does one know which standard sockets i need? Like I dont know if on my bike I need SAE or metric.

4.
Im kinda liking Aroy's option of going for different sockets according to need and building a tool box. But then the choice of sockets is overwhelming and I may take the easier route of buying a set in 3/8 & 1/4 sizes.

Does stanley in India come with lifetime warranty like the US? In case of any problems will they replace the defective piece?

5.
And can some one tell me how to detect genuine and fake in case if stanley and taparia? Ive a taparia spanner since 10 years and that thing is still going strong no matter whatever I use it for. Mostly for my bicycle and plumbing stuff. I think back then it was 100-200 bucks but solid build quality.

..........

1. The Taparia catalog has them : 4mm to 19mm. But they seem to be quite high in price between 89 and 170 each All the sockets and accessories conform to International and IS standards, hence they are interchangeable. In fact I have a Taparia ratchet (the Gedore one got spoilt) and it works with both Taparia and Gedore sockets/accessories

2. I have bought individual pieces - sockets and accessories from the shop selling tools. In fact professional mechanics buy only the pieces required (as and when they are lost or odd size needed)

3. Spark Plug sockets are for taking the spark plugs in/out of the engine block. There are many standard widths, spanning from 22m to 10mm and less. Older cars/bikes used the 19mm mostly. Today my Alto uses smaller size, so my existing socket is useless

4. I would suggest getting just the small sizes : 4 to 7mm in 1/4" and rest in the 1/2" drive. The reason is that the 1/2" drive components are big and tough, and are used in90% of the jobs. 1/4" and 3/8" are used mostly by DIY hobbyist, hence the quality is usually lower to lower the costs. Professional 1/4" sockets and accessories are way too much expensive.

5. Normally the Make is stamped during forging process. So it will be crisp and deep in case of sockets, and well formed and sharp raised letters for spanners. For socket accessories there is a spring loaded ball to catch the detente in female end. The ball is held by crimping a collar around the hole. The crimping should be uniform and neat. The ball should be held by a tight spring.