Ultra low profile 1/4 10mm socket options

[72C10]

So I've recently run into a problem that I can't find a tool for that works.

I'm working on my uncle's Suzuki motorcycle and I want to check the valve clearance. The inspection cover has a recessed 10mm nut/stud under the frame.

I think I could get to these nuts if I took off the throttle body but valve clearance checks are part of regular maintenance and it seems stupid to have to do this.

The clearance is only about 1 inch between the frame and the recessed nut. I have a Koken Zeal ratchet and 10mm socket that just barely does not fit. It looks like I'm going to need a low profile socket that works with a wrench.

I see that Snap-on sells low profile 1/4 sockets that work with an 11mm wrench. I can't find the sockets individually on EBay and I'm loathe to pay the shipping on 1 socket from Snap-on.

Does anyone know if any company makes a similar low profile set?

 

[SubieRubyRoo]

Why not a GearWrench or other ratcheting combo wrench? Those are barely over 1/4” thick in 10mm size. Is there room for that?

 

[Astro14]

I’ve got the larger set of these, and they really are quite low profile.

Astro Tools 78314 14-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - Metric​

Amazon.com

 

[72C10]

Why not a GearWrench or other ratcheting combo wrench? Those are barely over 1/4” thick in 10mm size. Is there room for that?

Not with the nut being recessed, unfortunately. I was hoping that would work.

 

[Boomer]

Grind down a regular socket until it fits.

 

[SC Maintenance]

Would something like this be deep enough? It doesn't ratchet, but its low profile?

 

[SC Maintenance]

I’ve got the larger set of these, and they really are quite low profile.

Astro Tools 78314 14-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - Metric​

Amazon.com

Cool. These are now in my cart. I like that they have a hex you can get a open end on.

 

[burbguy82]

I’ve got the larger set of these, and they really are quite low profile.

Astro Tools 78314 14-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - Metric​

Amazon.com

astro tools

 

[Leo99]

I can't vouch for the quality but this looks like it should work for your issue.

https://www.amazon.com/Platinum-Tools-8X10MM-RTCH-PLT-99658/dp/B00BI2C0XY/ref=pd_bxgy_d_sccl_1/137-0055479-8146177?pd_rd_w=7ohJk&content-id=amzn1.sym.c51e3ad7-b551-4b1a-b43c-3cf69addb649&pf_rd_p=c51e3ad7-b551-4b1a-b43c-3cf69addb649&pf_rd_r=1YRB8AK484GFXE9JXE6Y&pd_rd_wg=QfOVZ&pd_rd_r=16950d0b-0395-4eea-8748-4fda1117faa9&pd_rd_i=B00BI2C0XY&psc=1

 

[FowVay]

what bike is this? I'd like to look it up and see what you're dealing with.

 

[demarpaint]

I’ve got the larger set of these, and they really are quite low profile.

Astro Tools 78314 14-Piece 3/8" Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets - Metric​

Amazon.com

I have that set as well, and they do come in handy.

 

[AutoMechanic]

I have one of these sets at home and at work. I use them all the time. You can put a wrench on them or use a ratchet with them. Super slim. If you have O’Reilly locally then I recommend getting this set.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/power-torque-9-piece-1-4-inch-drive-standard-6-point-metric-socket-set/ptt0/gm4234/v/a/6040/automotive-van-2003-honda-odyssey?q=Low+profile+socket+set&pos=3

 

[D60]

Nah, AFAIK the Nano stuff is all considered impact rated and tends to be too much for delicate work when every thousandth of clearance counts.

Try this for a whopping $16 at any O'Reilly. These are my secret weapon for tight spaces

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/power-torque-9-piece-1-4-inch-drive-standard-6-point-metric-socket-set/ptt0/gm4234

Seen here Nano 10mm next to Powertorque 10mm. To be fair, the Nano is 3/8" dr while the PT is 1/4". No, they're not flipped; the Nano has to be larger at the base to accommodate the larger drive size.

OAL of Nano in 3/8" dr: .897"
OAL of PT in 1/4" dr: .667"

Either will accept a wrench instead of a square anvil, but the PT takes a much smaller wrench as seen

I don't own Nano stuff in 1/4" dr. I don't even know if they make it.

 

[D60]

I have one of these sets at home and at work. I use them all the time. You can put a wrench on them or use a ratchet with them. Super slim. If you have O’Reilly locally then I recommend getting this set.

https://www.oreillyauto.com/detail/c/power-torque-tools/power-torque-9-piece-1-4-inch-drive-standard-6-point-metric-socket-set/ptt0/gm4234/v/a/6040/automotive-van-2003-honda-odyssey?q=Low+profile+socket+set&pos=3

He posted as I was typing!!

 

[D60]

If anyone has Nano in 1/4" dr please get OAL of the 10mm

Then we need to compare major OD and hex size of flats. I can measure the PT for these two dims if we have Astro dims to compare.

 

[Astro14]

There are also these:

Compact Stubby Impact Socket Sets | Professional-Grade | Olsa Tools

Unlock tight space potential with Olsa Tools' Professional-Grade Stubby Impact Sockets. Made from impact grade Cr-Mo steel, these stubby impact sockets have a short height for ultimate reach. No size skips and clear markings. Perfect for any impact wrench. Shop now for a lasting toolbox upgrade!

olsatools.com

 

[72C10]

Thanks everyone for the responses and especially thanks to @AutoMechanic and @D60. You guys knew exactly what I needed. I was in town and grabbed it at O'Reillys. I think this is going to work perfectly.

what bike is this? I'd like to look it up and see what you're dealing with.

This is a 2005 Suzuki Boulevard VZ800. The outer valve inspection cover bolts have an 8mm head and the inner cover studs have a 10mm nut holding down the cover. I'll post some pics in a bit of the clearances. I've had this one on hold for a few weeks until I could find the right tool.

I had browsed some of the Suzuki forums and everyone just advised to take off the throttle body, but screw that.

 

[RooflessVW]

Would an offset box not work?

 

[D60]

I also reco these if you can find them

 

[burbguy82]

IS there not a special tool for valve clearance adjustment?