Splined Socket for Rod Bolts

[Don Carlson]

First I'd like to say that I really appreciate everyone that's responsible for this forum and all of the kind and helpful members in the vintage karting community. I've had a 61 Dart for the past 40+ years and a couple of years ago got around to restoring it back to how it was raced in the early 60's. My sons and I raced it at Barnesville in 2011 and had an awesome time. We wouldn't have been able to do this without resources like this forum and the people that support vintage karting. THANK YOU!

I searched the forum to see if I could locate a source for the (Bristol drive?) splined socket that is needed to install Mac and hi-perf WB rod bolts and couldn't one. Does anyone make these sockets and if so please post their info.

I bought some hi-perf rod bolts when I was rebuilding my 820 and after the arrived, I found out they took a socket made by Unobtanium. I got back in touch with the guy that sold them to me and he ended up giving or selling me a socket, I can't remember which but I do remember the internal conflict in his voice as he agreed to part with the treasured object. That brings me back to my first statement, I wish I could remember which kind soul helped me out with the socket, he didn't gouge me and is another great ambassador for vintage karting.

[Rob Voska]

They make it as an L wrench. Might try Comet Kart Sales for one or GEM. Buy it & have a socket welded to it so you can torque rod bolts.

[Paul Booth]

The socket is available in Sears Stores in complete sets in Central illinois. Should be able to order if not in stock at your local Sears Store.
Paul Booth

[steveohara]

One for sale on ebay right now.... # 300686084218

[Don Carlson]

Paul, do you have a catalog number for the socket set. I've Googeled the splined socket and seen a link to Sears tools but after looking at the set, I couldn't find a socket i the set that looks like it would fit a rod bolt. The closest identify I can find for this kind of head is a splined drive, Bristol #4 or #5 but I don't know for sure if one will fit. I've checked in McMaster, MSC, Apex, Snap On, MAC, Lisle, Proto, Cornwall, OTC, GEM and others and come up empty. If there is a current manufacturer for this socket, it seams like someone would know who they are and a part number. The socket I have has 1620-09 stamped on the outside of it. I've Googled that and came up with a couple leads but no clear cut picture of a socket of this type. I've got a socket and am good for now but wanted to find out if I could get another in case I need another one.

Steve, thanks for the link to the one on ebay. Looks like it has the same PN as my socket. I wonder if it will go for $30 like the last one?

Does anyone know if Mac uses bolts with these type of heads in their current products. In other words, could this be a special tool that should be able to be bought through Mac or it's special tool vendor?

[steveohara]

Zoe aka Vintage Vixen has one of the L shaped spline wrenches listed on her ebay store with a buy it now of $15.
I made my socket from one of those wrenches 4o years ago!
Steve O'Hara

[Terry Bentley]

Is this the torx type head? Like you can get at Northern or Harbor Freight for like $5.00 will buy you a complete set of sockets?

[steveohara]

Torx sockets are not the same. They are like a 6 pointed star where the tops of the high spots are pointed.
The spline has six channels cut into the side of round head so the tops of the high spots are almost flat... just a little arc.
The Torx socket might work but it would not really fit the head of the screw properly.
Steve O'Hara