Need a 10mm 'swivel head open end wrench'

[Kira]

Two, lower AC compressor bolts need to be loosened in order to free my alternator.
This is my 2007 Volvo V70.

I figure I need the tool in the title as all my tools and breaker bars merely flex on the head.
It's incredibly frustrating.

Who makes a good one?
I need fit and strength.

Looking on Amazon is scary as they all look the same and the descriptions barely differ.
Thanks

 

[Rand]

I'm not picturing the difference between swivel and flex for an open end wrench?

maybe a Crowfoot wrench?

Also consider watching youtube videos and seeing what tools they use... might be another way to tackle it.

 

[FT92]

only thing comes to mind is Harbor Freight, Icon line they have

 

[drtyler]

I've seen these at Advance Auto Parts as well under their house brand.

https://www.amazon.com/GEARWRENCH-81687-10x12mm-Flare-Wrench/dp/B0014ZVT46?th=1

 

[nbpt100]

Why dont you post a pic of what you think you need. I Googled your description and this is what came up. However I have an hunch it is not what you mean.

https://totalmalaysia.my/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/TOESH171.jpg

 

[Sequoiasoon]

I don't know if it helps but I have a set of Mountain Wrenches that work very well when I have those odd low bolts. Not open end but ratchet each direction and have an "offset" side to go slightly in recessed openings.

They work awesome for serpentine belts and when that extra leverage is needed. Worked well when I did some alternators and AC compressors.

 

[Devo242]

If a 6-point socket and ratchet won't budge it my next step would be to use a 6 point socket on a stubby impact wrench.

Below is what I believe OP is referring to starting at the 8:27 mark:

 

[Nukeman7]

Wouldn't a 10mm crow's foot flarenut socket work if you already have a 3/8" drive flex ratchet?

SUNEX Tools Crow's foot Flare Nut Sockets

 

[Kira]

Yes, nbpt100 (post 5) That's the style I was thinking of.
And yes, Devo242, those two bolts at 8:27.

I would avoid the "spline wrenches" in post 6. Those things chew hex heads.

My 10mm babies aren't moving one bit.

 

[wavinwayne]

I'm confused; if the ones that nbpt100 posted are what you need, where the socket part is what is flexing, why wouldn't a standard ratchet, extension, and a swivel work?

 

[Kira]

The bolt is so tight, everything I've tried just sees the wrench of bar bend a bit.
Ergo, I want something shorter with a 6-point socket. I'm willing to tap it wait a hammer. hard.

 

[Rand]

3/8" drive socket and breaker bar?

 

[wavinwayne]

The bolt is so tight, everything I've tried just sees the wrench of bar bend a bit.
Ergo, I want something shorter with a 6-point socket. I'm willing to tap it wait a hammer. hard.

One trick that has worked for me on stubborn bolts is to tighten the bolt just a tiny amount more, then loosen. Sounds crazy but I've had success with the method before.

 

[Nukeman7]

The bolt is so tight, everything I've tried just sees the wrench of bar bend a bit.
Ergo, I want something shorter with a 6-point socket. I'm willing to tap it wait a hammer. hard.

If the bolts are tight enough to bend a wrench, they are likely corroded in place. The next move would be to soak them with penetrating oil and/or heat them with a propane torch.

 

[Rand]

I still say a shorter 3/8" breaker bar with an appropriate decent flank drive style 6pt socket is the win.

might be worth soaking with some pb blaster. heat would be hard to control in that area.

 

[The Critic]

Those bolts? I don't see anything unusual about access. Deep socket, maybe a short extension, and a 18" long 3/8" dr ratchet should take care of this.