The Ford Barn

clifforddward · 08-14-2023, 03:43 PM

Yesterday I started replacement of my shocks and related hardware...In the course of shock link installation I found it difficult to tighten the shock link plug to my satisfaction...Ideally I'd like to compress the shock link spring a bit but did not feel doing so with a regular screwdriver was going to work.

With a trip to my local Northern Tool location I was able to obtain a 5/8" hex key (allen wrench). A bit of work at my grinder and VOILA!, I now have a large right angle tool that will allow me to easily tighten down the shock link plug.

Another useful handmade tool joins others in my Model A tool drawer!

Brentwood Bob · 08-14-2023, 03:51 PM

Thanks for the idea. Would be a good Tiny Tip for the Restorer.

wrndln · 08-14-2023, 04:04 PM

I checked Northern Tool for an individual "5/8" right angle allen wrench" and found none. Do you know the part number?

clifforddward · 08-14-2023, 04:05 PM

Great suggestion Bob!...I'll go have a look and see how to submit to MAFCA as a "Tiny Tip" for the Restorer.

clifforddward · 08-14-2023, 04:08 PM

Northern Tool calls it "Bondhus JUMBO Ball End Single L-Wrench — 5/8in., Model# BL 5/8"...Item #2515718

I think one might find a more economical 5/8" Allen wrench via eBay or the like...I was impatient and wanted to get one same day so I could move on with my shock replacement project.

rotorwrench · 08-14-2023, 05:04 PM

Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements)

I have a whole set of drag link sockets. One of the smallest of the set fits the OEM type shock links. The larger ones fit the drag link and tie rod ends.

alexiskai · 08-14-2023, 05:08 PM

I've had success, when doing tie rod/drag link ends, fitting a pair of needle nose pliers into the plug and then opening them so the tips are pressing outward on the shell. Then you either rotate the pliers by hand to tighten, or increase your leverage by placing the pivot point of the pliers in a crescent wrench and rotating that while you keep the pliers opened with the other hand.

Seems like this would work for shock links as well, I guess I'll find out when I assemble mine later this year.

clifforddward · 08-14-2023, 05:49 PM

Or alternatively alexiskai, you could always borrow this tool from me...I could give it to you when I return your frame spreader!

jwilliams81 · 08-15-2023, 02:46 PM

I always just use the tool
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7731&cat=41753

old31 · 11-09-2023, 02:43 PM

I use the same tool as jwilliams, it works great.

I also installed a small magnet on the bottom to keep it in the socket.

Y-Blockhead · 11-09-2023, 02:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwilliams81

I always just use the tool
https://www.snydersantiqueauto.com/p...7731&cat=41753

Will this tool fit the shock link as well as the drag link/tie rod ends?

wrndln · 11-09-2023, 05:31 PM

I appears to be too wide for the shock link. However, you could grind off the ends of the slot to fit. I am not sure if the tool is too thick to fit the shock link slot. Maybe Jwiliam81 will comment, as he said he uses it on shock links - did he need to modify it to work?

Rusty

Bigsnapper43 · 11-09-2023, 08:53 PM

The correct tool is pictured. There are about three sizes to a set. They are tie rod tools.

08-14-2023, 04:04 PM	#3
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,164	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... I checked Northern Tool for an individual "5/8" right angle allen wrench" and found none. Do you know the part number?

08-14-2023, 04:05 PM	#4
clifforddward Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Cary, North Carolina Posts: 80	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... Great suggestion Bob!...I'll go have a look and see how to submit to MAFCA as a "Tiny Tip" for the Restorer. __________________ Cliff Ward Cary, North Carolina

08-14-2023, 04:08 PM	#5
clifforddward Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Cary, North Carolina Posts: 80	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... Northern Tool calls it "Bondhus JUMBO Ball End Single L-Wrench — 5/8in., Model# BL 5/8"...Item #2515718 I think one might find a more economical 5/8" Allen wrench via eBay or the like...I was impatient and wanted to get one same day so I could move on with my shock replacement project. __________________ Cliff Ward Cary, North Carolina

08-14-2023, 05:04 PM	#6
rotorwrench Senior Member Join Date: Jun 2010 Location: San Antonio, Texas Posts: 16,436	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... Sponsored Links (Register now to hide all advertisements) I have a whole set of drag link sockets. One of the smallest of the set fits the OEM type shock links. The larger ones fit the drag link and tie rod ends.

08-14-2023, 05:08 PM	#7
alexiskai Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Mebane NC Posts: 2,355	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... I've had success, when doing tie rod/drag link ends, fitting a pair of needle nose pliers into the plug and then opening them so the tips are pressing outward on the shell. Then you either rotate the pliers by hand to tighten, or increase your leverage by placing the pivot point of the pliers in a crescent wrench and rotating that while you keep the pliers opened with the other hand. Seems like this would work for shock links as well, I guess I'll find out when I assemble mine later this year.

08-14-2023, 03:51 PM	#2
Brentwood Bob Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: brentwood, ca Posts: 4,246	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... Thanks for the idea. Would be a good Tiny Tip for the Restorer.

08-14-2023, 05:49 PM	#8
clifforddward Member Join Date: Oct 2021 Location: Cary, North Carolina Posts: 80	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... Or alternatively alexiskai, you could always borrow this tool from me...I could give it to you when I return your frame spreader! __________________ Cliff Ward Cary, North Carolina

11-09-2023, 02:43 PM	#10
old31 Senior Member Join Date: Jan 2016 Posts: 2,101	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... I use the same tool as jwilliams, it works great. I also installed a small magnet on the bottom to keep it in the socket.

11-09-2023, 05:31 PM	#12
wrndln Senior Member Join Date: May 2010 Location: Lakeville, MN Posts: 5,164	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... I appears to be too wide for the shock link. However, you could grind off the ends of the slot to fit. I am not sure if the tool is too thick to fit the shock link slot. Maybe Jwiliam81 will comment, as he said he uses it on shock links - did he need to modify it to work? Rusty

11-09-2023, 08:53 PM	#13
Bigsnapper43 Member Join Date: Feb 2023 Posts: 84	Re: Tool for tightening tubular shock link plug... The correct tool is pictured. There are about three sizes to a set. They are tie rod tools.