Does this tool exist?

Does this tool exist?

Author
Discussion

goneape

Original Poster:

2,839 posts

162 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
I need quite a specialised tool, but I don't know what its called so searching for it is troublesome. I imagine it will exist, it is too useful not to in my mind at least!

Basically I want a ratchet ring spanner (easy) that can take a standard screwdriver bit in the ring, kind of like a compact 90 degree torx driver. The best I can find is this:

http://www.amazon.co.uk/compact-screwdriver-inacce...

My problem, if it adds context: I want to replace a dead module located behind the glovebox, but two of the three torx bolts holding it in place are located behind the body out of sight. I can get a finger on them to guide the bit home, but to the left of the unit there's a piece of strut that blocks access. I have about 2 inches clearance max to get the head of the driver through, rotate into position, engage the bolt and then leave enough clearance behind the driver head to extract the bolt.

The item in question is the recirculation stepper motor on a Saab 9-3 ('04).

blueST

4,392 posts

216 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
What size is the hex on a torx bit? Can you find a normal ratchet spanner to fit that? You might have to keep your finger on the bit but otherwise could work.

andyiley

9,212 posts

152 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
I have one of them myself & they work very well. is there a reason why you think this is not suitable then?

It is Sunday, go to any local market & you will see exactly what you show made by kamasa (amongst others) in a set of bits for a £5.

Another alternative would be a 1/4" drive ratchet with a 1/4" AF socket to fit the bit into.

RDM

1,860 posts

207 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
Trying to paste a link on this tablet but it isn't working but would a Chapman set
Do what you want? Google Chapman set to see what I mean.

goneape

Original Poster:

2,839 posts

162 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
Cheers Andy, I have the 1/4" ratchet but there's a reason why it didn't work, think the handle was too short to get fully onto the bolt head.

andyiley

9,212 posts

152 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
Would a 3/8" ratchet with 1/4" AF socket get it?

RCBRG

603 posts

141 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
They're normally referred to as a bit driver. Stahlwille, Facom, Snap On etc all make them, even available in pound land!

MarshPhantom

9,658 posts

137 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
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MarshPhantom

9,658 posts

137 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
goneape said:
Cheers Andy, I have the 1/4" ratchet but there's a reason why it didn't work, think the handle was too short to get fully onto the bolt head.
Extend the ratchet by attaching a pair of mole grips?

alphaalfa

38 posts

140 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
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Bodo

12,375 posts

266 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
I understand the OP has the one on the right, but needs the one on the left:



Google BIT RATCHET, and there are plenty in all price ranges.

ChrisRS

1,787 posts

217 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
This set contains the tiny ratchet Bodo recommend, really useful little set

http://uk.rs-online.com/web/p/screwdriver-bits-bit...

Jakg

3,462 posts

168 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
MarshPhantom said:
If it is, I can recommend this - http://www.amazon.co.uk/profile-screwdriver-confin...

Super handy for all kinds of odd jobs

goneape

Original Poster:

2,839 posts

162 months

Sunday 26th July 2015
quotequote all
Bodo said:
I understand the OP has the one on the right, but needs the one on the left:



Google BIT RATCHET, and there are plenty in all price ranges.
That's it - cheers!

I have a 3/8 and 1/4 socket set but when the bit adapter goes on there's not enough clearance to rotate inside the hole and engage the bolt. But that one on the left should do it. Case closed, I should think.

goneape

Original Poster:

2,839 posts

162 months

Thursday 30th July 2015
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Update: tool bought, job jobbed. Thanks PH! Now have properly working aircon.

crossy67

1,570 posts

179 months

Thursday 6th August 2015
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Bit late now but I have had one of these for ages and it's one of my favorite tools for tight spots.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teng-T1420-20-Piece-Bits...