The U bolts securing a headache rack to the frame of a semi truck are almost always a lot longer than needed with several inches of thread My deepest deep well impact socket was about 3 inches too short, so I made a special extended depth socket, by cutting one in half then welding a tube between the 2 pieces
The ID of the tube was much larger than the OD of the socket
To solve this I used my hose press to crimp the pieces together
Never try to tell me it can't be done
When I have to paint I use KBS products
baja (Sep 28, 2022), BuffaloJohn (Sep 28, 2022), emu roo (Jul 30, 2025), Jon (Sep 28, 2022), KustomsbyKent (Sep 28, 2022), mr mikey (Sep 28, 2022), nova_robotics (Oct 4, 2022), saguaro (Mar 31, 2025), Scotty1 (Sep 29, 2022)
When working on trucks, buses and equipment you always try to figure a way to make the job easier. One more trick up your sleeve when it works and the next time you do the same repair you're smiling. Good job. Mr Mikey.
emu roo (Jul 30, 2025)
I have a set of pass through spline drive sockets but the largest stud which will pass through one of those is 1/2" probably why the set only goes up through 3/4"& 19 mm Its a nice set even has a 3" hollow extension, but nowhere near large enough for the uboltsOriginally Posted by mr mikey
I used to have a 15/16 Snap-on extended deep well impact socket that might have come close to being long enough but I haven\t seen it in probably 20 years.
Reed mfg makes a really nice set of extended depth sockets but expect to pay over $300.00 for a set of 6 sockets ranging from 7/8 through 1 1/4"
For that money I am perfectly happy to make my own as I need a different size
Never try to tell me it can't be done
When I have to paint I use KBS products
emu roo (Jul 30, 2025)
No chance here of the socket getting dislodged from the extension
emu roo (Jul 30, 2025)
Heres one I made a number of years ago, a 9/16" socket, a piece of 3/8" pipe and a 1/2" bolt.
looks like that would be handy for running nuts down on long threaded rods
Never try to tell me it can't be done
When I have to paint I use KBS products
emu roo (Jul 30, 2025)
It was made for removing the nuts off of long bolts holding a gas tank on. It didn't need to be that long, I just used a piece of pipe that I had, left it long instead of cutting it. It could always be shortened if needed.
emu roo (Jul 30, 2025)
Congratulations Frank S - your Extended Depth Socket is the Homemade Tool of the Week!
This is a helpful tool, and an especially clever use of a hose press.
Some more good builds from this week:
Cargo Box by Frank S
Table Saw Anti-Kickback Device by Didpoolhall
Cargo Box Mounting Structure by Frank S
Piston Ring Cutter by Mr. Factotum's Workshop
Pulley System by orioncons36
Knife Sharpener by Mazay
Machinist's Hammer by jbee
Mortise Routing Jig by e_m_maker
Frank S - you'll be receiving a $25 online gift card, in your choice of Amazon, PayPal, or bitcoin. Please PM me your current email address and gift card choice and I'll get it sent over right away.
This is your 11th Homemade Tool of the Week. Here are all of your Homemade Tool of the Week winning tools. Congrats again
New: BuildThreads.com - 300+ build posts/day (with photos)
emu roo (Jul 30, 2025)
Hmmm, why not just cut the bolt to length? It's not doing anything hanging below the frame.
Nice job Frank! Your hose press made it fit up good. I've made a few super deep sockets with the same idea, but they didn't look as nice as yours. The track adjuster on my little Deere dozer has its own special extended socket.
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