Wrench recommendations

[sbeausol]

I'm getting ready to install an OEM 3rd function kit on a L3240HST. The manual states the removal of the front loader frame and subframe is required. As I began to get into it today, I quickly realized that my Craftsman 100 piece kit doesn't fit the bolts holding the FEL frame. Looks like it is 24mm, my tool kit maxes out at 21mm. It also occurred to me that the hydraulic tube replacements look like they are 26mm, requiring an open ended wrench. I need to add a few of these larger sizes to my wrench and socket collection to get this job done. Will I be fine with whatever I find at Sears in this category? The manual calls for 165 lbs-ft of torque on the FEL frame and 20-40 lbs-ft of torque on the hydraulic lines. It may seem like a naive question (it is), but If can get help making sure I get the right tools for the job, why not? Input is greatly appreciated!

 

[jeff9366]

You can buy wrenches and sockets, singles or sets, including 'Craftsman', much cheaper on eBay, delivered, than you can in a Sear's store.

LINK: Metric in Wrenches | eBay

 

[Fawken]

When you get that big it's been my experience that the Lowes Kobalt or Autozone brands are more than adequate. Not sure about Craftsman these days.

 

[AStanton]

I bought a set of big sockets in metric and standard from Northern Tool. One set is 6-sided and can be used with air guns. Each set was about $150.00.

 

[Wagtail]

Whilst you're buying wrenches, I'd also have a look in your set(s) and see if there's a 17mm. If not, get one or three.

For some reason I've discovered that sets tend to skip that size... one of the most common sizes on tractors & implements. :confused3:

 

[MHarryE]

The DIN (German) standard for a M10 bolt is 17mm hex which is what I find in most wrench sets, but the ISO (international Standards Organization) is M16 which for some reason is hard to find. Fortunately M16 is very close to 5/8" so there is always that alternative. Caterpillar uses a lot of M10 bolts on sheet metal (approximately 3/8" and many Cat designers were old school English system and 3/8" was very common for inch design) so I always need M16. Our John Deere 6230 is German and uses M17. Kubota is of course Japanese and the Japanese standard hex for M10 fasteners is M14. So no matter how many wrenches you have invariably you will not have the right one handy when you need it.

 

[sandyc]

I found that Amazon sells large metric sized wrenches and sockets at a reasonable price. I bought an impact set of sockets for the larger sizes that are 1/2 inch drive. They are thick wall for strength but my torque wrench doesn't care and for the most part, nuts and bolts on a tractor usually are easy to get to.

 

[SLIMSHADIE]

I believe in quality tools but you may get away buying stuff from Harbor Freight if you have one in the area, for a single job.

 

[itsjustme]

I would only buy the wrench / socket needed for the job. After buying a complete set of 3/4 drive sockets for one project I haven't used mine since.
Now they have to be stored, end up in the way often and have to be shuffled around.

if I had to do it over I would have went to Northern or Tractor Supply bought only what was needed

BUT if you like to buy / own tools now is the perfect time to add to your set.

 

[CurlyDave]

I second that HF suggestion.

Quality has increased a lot in recent years, and prices are very hard to beat.

You do not need the same quality as a professional mechanic.

 

[Xfaxman]

For hydraulic hose fittings, I have this style.

And Flare Nut wrenches.

 

[sbeausol]

Ok, I appreciate the feedback! I ordered some larger sockets (11-32mm), a 16" breaker bar, and flare nut wrenches from tekton, so we'll see how that goes. There is an extra $10 off for Father's day, so the price is pretty good, $50 for everything. Hopefully the flare nut wrench will work on the hydraulic lines, but I guess we'll see

 

[EddieWalker]

I've had good luck with Tractor Supply for the bigger sized wrenches. I've never broken one and a few of them I've had to grind off a good portion of the sides of the wrench to get it to fit in the opening. I've cut one in half and I created a 4ft extension that goes over some them.

For sockets, I stick with the name brands like Proto. They are pricey, but I've broken too many non name brands and Chinese sockets to waste my time on them anymore. The best thing about a really good socket, is that it will outlive you and work just as good the day you bought it 40 years from now!!!!

Eddie

 

[aeblank]

Can you start a thread about the actual install, when you do it?
I have a L3940 and want to do a 3rd function when budget permits.
Would be nice to see what it's all about ahead of time (even though, I've perused the instructions already...).

 

[dfkrug]

The DIN (German) standard for a M10 bolt is 17mm hex which is what I find in most
wrench sets, but the ISO (international Standards Organization) is M16 which for some reason is hard to find.

So THAT'S where the 16mm head sizes on 10mm bolts comes from. Yes, indeed, a rare size in the US.

I just love Toyotas, where all you need is 10, 12, 14, and 17mm wrenches for just about everything.
Fords, OTOH, often have a hodge-podge mix of metric and SAE, and require more than 10 different
wrenches.

To the OP: I think Sears and O'Reillys Auto are OK to go to for one-at-a-time wrench purchases. HF is
OK for sets, no problem. I have 3/4" metric sockets form HF, and they are fine....my 3/4" SAEs are
old Proto.

For extra-large metric combo wrenches (over 24mm), I now have a set of Chinese crowfoots, which
are fine for the very limited times that I need them.

 

[jeff9366]

I just love Toyotas, where all you need is 10, 12, 14, and 17mm wrenches for just about everything.

Ferguson tractors required just one wrench with two bolt head sizes (1-1/16" + 11/16") to loosen/tighten bolts/nuts on Ferguson tractors.

Unfortunately, this was lost when Henry Ford's engineers adopted the Ferguson designs to become the 9N Ford Tractor.

Ferguson tractors made in USA and England retained "one wrench is enough" philosophy.