Socket for uni strut.

[pope]

Started putting up a lot of uni strut only problem is getting a 17mm socket through the channel to bolt through the back of it. Used a bahco set halfords pro set and a cheapy set thinking the walls in it might be thinner. Am I missing something here can someone point me in the direction of something they use?

Cheers

 

[Andy78]

A box spanner is a good fit.

 

[Sintra]

There are special sockets made for channel. Part Detail - Channel Socket

 

[Marvo]

If it's low grade unistrut then any 17 mm socket will go in with the aid of a hammer. If it's hi-gauge unistrut you can use a tube wrench (might be called different in UK) which is like a spark plug spanner.

**EDIT**
I've also seen installers using a wheel brace from a car. Not sure if all of them fit or not but might be worth a try.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

I use a 17mm box spanner, very similar to the one that can be found on Makita Chop Saws.
If I were to use a ratchet and socket, I would use a 3/8 inch drive.
It is possible to purchase a 1/2 inch drive Unistrut socket, but they are quite expensive, and you would need two, one for 40mm and another for 20mm Unistrut.

 

[shanky887614]

Started putting up a lot of uni strut only problem is getting a 17mm socket through the channel to bolt through the back of it. Used a bahco set halfords pro set and a cheapy set thinking the walls in it might be thinner. Am I missing something here can someone point me in the direction of something they use?

Cheers

could use 8mm bolts, plenty strong enough

3/8th socket works perfect for unistrut (impact driver adapter is a must)

 

[davesparks]

Square washer on the front and use a longer bolt.

We use M12 usually so have even less chance of getting a socket onto them.

For M10s I've got a deep impact socket which has been turned in a lathe to make the walls thinner, it was originally done to make it fit in to a differential.

 

[pope]

Cheers going to grab a box spanner tomorrow as can grab them from screwfix . Then hunt down and order the proper ones. Does not give a good impression me standing there with my hammer trying to wack my socket into the channel not saying I haven't done it but now I'm doing a lot more of it rather have the correct tools. My boss man is insisting on 10mm bolts etc.

Cheers for all your help.

 

[davesparks]

could use 8mm bolts, plenty strong enough

3/8th socket works perfect for unistrut (impact driver adapter is a must)

It's harder to get impact sockets which fit as they are generally thicker walled.

Regular chromed sockets should not be used with an impact wrench or driver due the way they shatter

 

[shanky887614]

It's harder to get impact sockets which fit as they are generally thicker walled.

Regular chromed sockets should not be used with an impact wrench or driver due the way they shatter

no i meant impact adapter, i use one for normal sockets.

i cant see any wear on my bahco 1/2 sockets

 

[Marvo]

The ISO sizes changed a few years ago, most M10 bolts nowadays should be 16mm across the flats and M12 should be 18mm as opposed to 17mm and 19mm in the old days.

 

[Deleted member 26818]

Can't say that I've noticed that change Marvo.

 

[davesparks]

no i meant impact adapter, i use one for normal sockets.

i cant see any wear on my bahco 1/2 sockets

I said wrench or driver, it's the impact that shatters them. Drivers less often but it still happens.

You won't see wear, you get microscopic fractures which just give way and you end up with shrapnel all over the place. The chrome splintering off can also be a problem.

 

[Marvo]

Can't say that I've noticed that change Marvo.

We get a mixture of old and new sizes still so M10 could come as 16mm or 17mm hex, it's a bit of a lottery. It's a major pain because many of the old socket sets don't have 16 or 18mm sockets

Here's achart of sizes which is quite handy. http://www.ebninc.com/technical/metric-fasteners.pdf

 

[davesparks]

Why the hell have they done that ? Especially when that chart shows that nuts have stayed the same size!

I much prefer the whitworth system, spanners etc labelled by the size of the fastener, eg a 3/8 whitworth spanner fits a 3/8 whitworth bolt.

 

[High Tower]

OK if you need a quick fix, shorten a standard socket down to just longer than the thickness of the head of the bolt, so you end up with a 17mm socket that's about 20mm deep, then use it on a extension bar

 

[john1980..h]

Hi, search for "channel socket 17mm" designed for unistrut. They're a bit pricey but once you have one you'll wonder how you managed before.

 

[rapparee]

I just use an allen key and gland pliers

 

[Marvo]

Why the hell have they done that ? Especially when that chart shows that nuts have stayed the same size!

I much prefer the whitworth system, spanners etc labelled by the size of the fastener, eg a 3/8 whitworth spanner fits a 3/8 whitworth bolt.

I've asked that very question more than once and I still don't know the answer. I'd guess maybe to save on raw materials but I'm not sure.

 

[LeeH]

I have a box spanner with a 1/2" socket welded to it.