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Help - variable nut driver

Posted on 07/30/2025 7:56:44 AM PDT by FroggyTheGremlim

Anybody here know if there is such a thing as a VARIABLE nut driver?

I am working on my car - 2016 Ford Escape. It has METRIC nuts. I have some "standard" nut drivers, but none of them fits exactly.

I also see SETS of nut drivers, but I don't do that much work on my car. So I don't want a bunch of tools lying around.

Is there such a thing as a variable nut driver? If so, what and where can I get it?

Thanks,

Froggy


TOPICS: Chit/Chat
KEYWORDS: variablenutdriver
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To: logi_cal869
I'm right there with you! I have tools that date back to the 1960s when I was in high school. I've moved high frequency use tools to roll-around cabinets and discard the cases they come in once the case breaks. Nice cases get repaired, usually a hardware upgrade involved.

Tools, like technical books, are precious beyond measure.

61 posted on 07/30/2025 10:22:58 AM PDT by GingisK
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To: FroggyTheGremlim

My husband recently bought me my own tool kit and power drill………..

He didn’t like me touching his stuff. But now he will figure out it’s he who is not replacing things!

We’ve been married 56+ years. You think he’d be over it by now. I have yet to use anything he bought me. I shop fabric stores, he shops Menards!


62 posted on 07/30/2025 10:38:54 AM PDT by grame (May you know more of the love of God Almighty this day!)
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To: GingisK

Funny thing is every time I pull out my Frankenstein-looking tool case from my car, I get mocked...

...that is, until eventually the guys realized that I always had the tool needed in that little case ;-)


63 posted on 07/30/2025 10:39:07 AM PDT by logi_cal869 (-cynicus the "concern troll" a/o 10/03/2018 /!i!! &@$%&*(@ -')
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To: FroggyTheGremlim

If you’re going to work on metric things, get metric tools.

You’ll thank me later.


64 posted on 07/30/2025 10:41:35 AM PDT by NorthMountain (... the right of the people to keep and bear arms shall not be infringed)
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To: FroggyTheGremlim

Go to harbor freight and get a set of metric sockets, and if your don’t already have them, an extension bar or two and a ratchet handle, not expensive and don’t take up much space.


65 posted on 07/30/2025 10:53:40 AM PDT by from occupied ga (Your government is your most dangerous enemy - EVs a solution for which there is no problem)
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To: right way right
You sound dangerous.

Oh, I'm only going to replace the brake light bulb. How much danger can I cause?

66 posted on 07/30/2025 11:22:15 AM PDT by FroggyTheGremlim (Hail to Pitt!)
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To: FroggyTheGremlim

One of my most beloved collection of tools are the Metrinch set I got a Kmart about 30 years ago. They can still be found from a guy in Australia and another in Germany on ebay.

Kobalt (Lowes) use to sell spline drive nut drivers. But spline drive is pretty much to be used if there is no other option because they will shred the corners of the nuts.

Otherwise... Off to get a set of both SAE and Metric 6 point nut drivers.


67 posted on 07/30/2025 11:35:57 AM PDT by Organic Panic ('Was I molested. I think so' - Ashley Biden in response to her father joining her in the shower. )
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To: IYAS9YAS

As one who does a lot of mechanical work that gator grip is one of the most scary tools I can imagine using in an engine compartment. Watch one when they fall apart. Little bits go flying everywhere. Good luck if one falls in a spark plug hole, intake, or water jacket.


68 posted on 07/30/2025 11:38:31 AM PDT by Organic Panic ('Was I molested. I think so' - Ashley Biden in response to her father joining her in the shower. )
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To: T.B. Yoits

“Welcome to a world with tools that you need once every three or four years.”

I use my tools every day to stop my massive tool box from blowing away.


69 posted on 07/30/2025 11:38:59 AM PDT by Organic Panic ('Was I molested. I think so' - Ashley Biden in response to her father joining her in the shower. )
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To: FroggyTheGremlim

There are some Micky Mouse “variable drivers out there. In most cases, they will simply round the corners of the bolt head and then neither a metric or SAE set will work. The bolt or nut will have to be extracted the hard way. Don’t do it! I repeat, DON’T DO IT! This is not a place to save money. Spend $20 and get a set of six point metric sockets. You will likely regret it if you don’t.


70 posted on 07/30/2025 11:44:30 AM PDT by Colorado Doug
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To: Pollard

“9mm - never seen that size used”

I come across them frequently. Repairing chinese machinery for customers. Some European aircraft stuff. Some brake systems. I mostly see it in chinese stuff though.


71 posted on 07/30/2025 11:48:23 AM PDT by Organic Panic ('Was I molested. I think so' - Ashley Biden in response to her father joining her in the shower. )
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To: wally_bert

That looks like fun. What caliber does it shoot and do the rounds explode on impact?


72 posted on 07/30/2025 11:52:48 AM PDT by Colorado Doug
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To: TheThirdRuffian

I still have my set of Whitworth sockets and wrench’s from back in the day riding Nortons and BSA’s. Anyone want to make an offer?


73 posted on 07/30/2025 12:16:08 PM PDT by ABN 505 (+)
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To: Colorado Doug

The tank uses little metal BBs just like the air guns. You get the sound and recoil effects but no boom.

It’s way too hot and dry but I have a lot of ideas involving fireworks and some surplus resin and foam rubber tank training aids I bought off Ebay a long time ago.

The RC tank is fun, controls are hair-trigger sensitive, and a little flaky overall in terms of the build. I can see getting a couple more from RC Motion.


74 posted on 07/30/2025 12:19:27 PM PDT by wally_bert (I cannot be sure for certain, but in my personal opinion I am certain that I am not sure..)
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To: Colorado Doug

The tank uses little metal BBs just like the air guns. You get the sound and recoil effects but no boom.

It’s way too hot and dry but I have a lot of ideas involving fireworks and some surplus resin and foam rubber tank training aids I bought off Ebay a long time ago.

The RC tank is fun, controls are hair-trigger sensitive, and a little flaky overall in terms of the build. I can see getting a couple more from RC Motion.


75 posted on 07/30/2025 12:19:32 PM PDT by wally_bert (I cannot be sure for certain, but in my personal opinion I am certain that I am not sure..)
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To: wally_bert

I was quite surprised to see exhaust coming from it. That’s awesome that it shoots BBs


76 posted on 07/30/2025 12:51:44 PM PDT by Colorado Doug
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To: Colorado Doug

The tank came with a clear liquid, some kind of fine oil. It doesn’t hold much.

As for BB’s in my case, the tank seems to have a mind of its own. It hasn’t worked as of last Saturday but it went dumb before and then started working again.

Out of all the kits, that desert scheme M60 looked the best out of any.

The tank stuff has been a refresher in macro lenses. I love the Go Pro 13 macro. The really clear blue sky stuff you saw came from it. The Nikon P1000 does OK. I can see another Go Pro or two.

When I made the outdoor ones I had no plan and about a third of the time was setting up shots and tweaking cameras.

The next time I’ll have things even more refined and no more 100 plus degree days.

I’ve watched a lot classic Top Gear lately and got a few ideas.


77 posted on 07/30/2025 12:59:27 PM PDT by wally_bert (I cannot be sure for certain, but in my personal opinion I am certain that I am not sure..)
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To: Colorado Doug

The tank came with a clear liquid, some kind of fine oil. It doesn’t hold much.

As for BB’s in my case, the tank seems to have a mind of its own. It hasn’t worked as of last Saturday but it went dumb before and then started working again.

Out of all the kits, that desert scheme M60 looked the best out of any.

The tank stuff has been a refresher in macro lenses. I love the Go Pro 13 macro. The really clear blue sky stuff you saw came from it. The Nikon P1000 does OK. I can see another Go Pro or two.

When I made the outdoor ones I had no plan and about a third of the time was setting up shots and tweaking cameras.

The next time I’ll have things even more refined and no more 100 plus degree days.

I’ve watched a lot classic Top Gear lately and got a few ideas.


78 posted on 07/30/2025 12:59:32 PM PDT by wally_bert (I cannot be sure for certain, but in my personal opinion I am certain that I am not sure..)
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To: FroggyTheGremlim
Is there such a thing as a variable nut driver?

Yes! I have one in my garage hanging next to the the left handed smoke shifter.

79 posted on 07/30/2025 1:03:36 PM PDT by Labyrinthos
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To: FroggyTheGremlim

good lord man, if you work on your car and it has metric fasteners, you need metric tools ... period ... go to harbor freight and buy tools there if you don’t use them that much ... harbor freight hand tools now have lifetime guarantees ...


80 posted on 07/30/2025 1:11:56 PM PDT by catnipman ((A Vote For The Lesser Of Two Evils Still Counts As A Vote For Evil))
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