Edelbrock Intake Bolt Socket...What You Using?

[Loose Screw]

I got all sorts of funky sockets but none fit. I see size 12mm, 12 point flange bolts mention on the Worlwide Web. Is that what I'm needing? And where'd you get yours?

Thanks!

[Accelo]

I assume you are referencing a SBC.
If this is the case, the bolts are not metric they shouild be 3/8" NC. I have never seen metric bolts with English threads or English bolts with metric heads. Sockets come in 6 or 12-sided formats. I suspect 3/8" or 7/16" 12 point socket should work for you?

[Loose Screw]

Yep 350, Look like these....

[72c20customcamper]

Should be 3/8 or 7/16 12 point depending on brand you can use a socket or a box end wrench. Now if they are on a later like 90 and up model v8 they could be metric

[Steeveedee]

Those look sort of like the heads on bolts the Deere started using on tractors in the '70s. It's been awhile, but I seem to recall that 12-point sockets didn't work on them. Or maybe us old guys only had 6-point sockets? Memory is a fickle thing.

[HO455]

I just pulled an intake off a Pontiac that had those bolts installed. Cheap junk! They when straight from the engine to the scrap barrel. They were 5/16-18 threads

There was no consistent size for the heads. I ended up using a 3/8" six point for some and had to use a 10mm 12 point wrench for others and a six point socket to get the rest out. ABSOLUTE GARBAGE!

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by HO455

I just pulled an intake off a Pontiac that had those bolts installed. Cheap junk! They when straight from the engine to the scrap barrel. They were 5/16-18 threads

There was no consistent size for the heads. I ended up using a 3/8" six point for some and had to use a 10mm 12 point wrench for others and a six point socket to get the rest out. ABSOLUTE GARBAGE!

I’m sure it depends on the brand . Never have had a problem with ARP brand I use them on headers and intakes .

[Loose Screw]

Originally Posted by 72c20customcamper

Should be 3/8 or 7/16 12 point depending on brand you can use a socket or a box end wrench. Now if they are on a later like 90 and up model v8 they could be metric

Seems to me I already went in there with those, that's really common. That's only one step up from a hammer and screw driver in any knuckle busters tool box...but I might of been trippin l'll look at them again...

[Accelo]

There is such a thing as a reverse Torx. Maybe that's it?

https://www.amazon.com/SEDY-14-Piece...2&gad_source=1

[72c20customcamper]

Originally Posted by Loose Screw

Seems to me I already went in there with those, that's really common. That's only one step up from a hammer and screw driver in any knuckle busters tool box...but I might of been trippin l'll look at them again...

Try 5/16 a picture of the actual bolt your dealing with would help

[Rust_never_sleeps]

Those look like External Torx, aka "e-Torx" aka "external star" aka "E-sockets"(I wish I were joking)
I picked up a small set from Harbor Fraught because I needed them for a Jeep 4.0.
They're easy to find in most brands...once you figure out what to call them :-\

....Accelo beat me to it, I just didn't see their post

[Loose Screw]

Originally Posted by Rust_never_sleeps

Those look like External Torx, aka "e-Torx" aka "external star" aka "E-sockets"(I wish I were joking)
I picked up a small set from Harbor Fraught because I needed them for a Jeep 4.0.
They're easy to find in most brands...once you figure out what to call them :-\

....Accelo beat me to it, I just didn't see their post

Thanks Guys I have All the different variables of Torxs...I got to get back out there and try this again......

and you know I sleep eazy because when worse comes to worse I got a good collection of Vise Grips! Good Ones not Pittsburghs!

[MikeB]

Originally Posted by HO455

I just pulled an intake off a Pontiac that had those bolts installed. Cheap junk! They when straight from the engine to the scrap barrel. They were 5/16-18 threads. ABSOLUTE GARBAGE!

A long time ago I ordered a set of Summit-branded intake manifold bolts that were cheesy like that. But since then I've used nothing but ARP stainless bolts, both 12- and 6-point that take a 3/8" wrench. I recommend using the flat washers that come with the bolts.

I also use ARP's 6-point header bolts that are great for tight spaces where you can only use a open end wrench. They even sell a set with 5/16" hex heads.

Over the years, I've acquired a few ARP stainless bolts that I use for other applications like this:

[Jim Boy]

What's a guy supposed to do, put a hitch on his tool box and take it with him in case there is a problem. My opinion is if you get them out bury them 6 feet under and go back to basics. I'm too old to change and I now know why a mechanic has 6 tool boxes. They are like my dad as he was a millwright and his spending on tools cost him the marriage. Sleep tight eh!

[Rust_never_sleeps]

Originally Posted by Loose Screw

<<and you know I sleep eazy because when worse comes to worse I got a good collection of Vise Grips! Good Ones not Pittsburghs!>>

There's always the redneck socket set, commonly referred to as a pipe wrench

[Loose Screw]

Why did the Engineer/Tool Maker/Scientist create the 12 Point Socket?

"Why do they make 12 point sockets?
The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.Aug 21, 2019

6 Point Sockets Vs 12 Point Sockets - Which Should You Use?"

tengtoolsusa.com

And then there's the guy who invented the 12 Point Head Bolt...

***Yes Folks, I went out and looked at these Edelbrock intake bolts Again and they do take a 3/8" 12 Point socket or wrench!***


The older I get the more glitches I find in the Matrix!

[54blackhornet]

Why did GM not use lock washers on intake bolts ?

[MikeB]

Every now and then, I'll run into something that I don't have a wrench for. Last week it was a Schrader valve assembly with a hex head that measured around .610", so a 5/8" wrench was too large and a 15mm wrench was too small. Doing the math, even a 19/32" or 21/32" wouldn't have fit. Ended up using a crescent wrench.

I've also seen bolts and bleeder screws with threads that are neither metric or SAE. Those were made in China using non-existent standards or QA.

[Loose Screw]

aaand just for grins we have GM's Clutch Head....


ch.jpg

[Steeveedee]

^ I still have clutch head screwdrivers, as I have been wrenching since the '60s.

[Cali72K20]

I had the same issue with an Edelbrock bolt kit, I have the Craftsman version of this:

Powerbuilt 3/8-Inch Drive Universal Socket Set, 7 Piece, Fits SAE and Metric, Size Markings - 642054

HF has them too:

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...set-96809.html

[Loose Screw]

Originally Posted by Cali72K20

I had the same issue with an Edelbrock bolt kit, I have the Craftsman version of this:

Powerbuilt 3/8-Inch Drive Universal Socket Set, 7 Piece, Fits SAE and Metric, Size Markings - 642054

HF has them too:

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...set-96809.html

Yeah, I'll order a 3/8 set from Amazon or somebody, but that's looking like exactly the tool for those bolts. The 12 point socket did work for me but I had to have them on there just right or it was a Head Stripper/Knuckle Buster.

Thanks!
Hope this helps other wayward shade tree mechanics!

[Loose Screw]

Originally Posted by Cali72K20

I had the same issue with an Edelbrock bolt kit, I have the Craftsman version of this:

Powerbuilt 3/8-Inch Drive Universal Socket Set, 7 Piece, Fits SAE and Metric, Size Markings - 642054

HF has them too:

https://www.harborfreight.com/7-piec...set-96809.html

Damn......and going down the primrose internet path I see where Home Depot is calling something similar a "Knurl Grip" socket...

I'll go with "Spline"!...from Amazon...15 bucks....Harbor Freight a little to big, but I'll look at them anyway.....