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best tool to shave a bit off a hex key
Dangle_kt - 10/4/09 at 09:31 AM

I have a 10mm allen key which needs to be a 1/2 imp, which is something like 9.5mm, so if I shave a bit off two faces of the key, I'd be close enough right?

But what tool should I use to shave a bit off?

I have file, angle grinder (cutting, grinding and sandpaper discs) and I have a grinding wheel at my mother in laws.

Tips and hints welcome. Or to borrow a 1/2 hex key for trailing arms would be very welcome, anyone local not mind be borrowing it for a couple of days?

clairetoo - 10/4/09 at 09:37 AM

Do you mean 3/8ths ? Cuz 1/2 inch is 12.7
You will have to take the same off all six faces - best tool for the job is a bench grinder with a nice fresh wheel .

rusty nuts - 10/4/09 at 09:38 AM

Get the right size key in the first place ! less chance of damaging the fitting and injury to your self. 1/2 imp ? do you mean 1/2 inch if so that is more like 12.7mm suspect what you need is a 3/8 in AF Allen key , likely to cost pennies

smart51 - 10/4/09 at 09:42 AM

For 3/8" you need to take 0.24mm off each face. I'd consider a belt sander but be ware of making it a bit pointy at the end.

A real allen key would be cheap so unless you need it now and there are no tool shops near you, I'd order one on line or off eBay and wait a few days

maximill666 - 10/4/09 at 09:51 AM

Andy I have a 3/8 allen key you could borrow, if thats the correct size your looking for?

Hellfire - 10/4/09 at 09:56 AM

I made a 7mm key for undoing calipers (Capri) from an 8mm Allen key years ago - I had to grind 5 edges to get the key to fit.

Steve

Dangle_kt - 10/4/09 at 10:00 AM

quote:
Originally posted by maximill666
Andy I have a 3/8 allen key you could borrow, if thats the correct size your looking for?


Sounds great mate!But I had to return my company car yesterday, so me and the Mrs are sharing...fun fun! She is off out for the day so I'll u2u you and organise me popping round to borrow it.

Thanks very much

It must be 3/8 sorry! its between 8mm and 10mm

The annoying thing is I used to have one!

Thanks for the advice folks, very helpful as usual

BenB - 10/4/09 at 10:29 AM

I've done that previously. Quite a quick job. I used a little hand file. Probably took as long to do as to ask the question

Certainly too small and intricate a job for Mr Angry....

02GF74 - 15/4/09 at 10:19 AM

quote:
Originally posted by clairetoo

You will have to take the same off all six faces - best tool for the job is a bench grinder with a nice fresh wheel .


nope - Hellfire has got it right, you only need to grind 5 faces.

MikeRJ - 15/4/09 at 11:32 AM

quote:
Originally posted by BenB
I've done that previously. Quite a quick job. I used a little hand file. Probably took as long to do as to ask the question


I've used a hand file to reduce one as well...ruined the file!

DarrenW - 15/4/09 at 05:10 PM

Try some 1200 wet and dry with plenty of oil. Good apprentice type job. Should make the faces nice and shiny.


Seriously though - get a 3/8" key. Mucho easier. Might be worth measuring up the bolt you need to loosen to confirm it is 3/8 (9.525mm)