> I figured you'd get a bigger swing arc on with the hex wrench.
Perhaps a couple of degrees, but no more than that. Not enough to gain an
additional tooth on the nut, IMO.
> So the Allen wrench stays engaged in the socket head bolt while the open
> ended crescent wrench
Please, please tell me you're kidding !! A Crescent wrench ?? First of all
it's no wonder you don't have enough room, second of all you'll never get
those nuts tight enough without stripping the flats. A box end wrench
(ring spanner to those on the right side of the pond) is the _only_ tool to
use here. Two of them if you're using the standard hex bolts.
Using two box end wrenches, I get a full half turn on the bolt for each
wrench removal (90 degrees each side). Since the nut should only jam for a
few turns, it's really not that big a chore. Of course, if you've used the
wrong bolts, it's more of a chore.
> I have also used the all metal locking nuts (deformed nuts that bind) and
> I'm sure those won't work loose.
> However I wasn't thrilled with their lack of re-usability.
There are different varieties, the ones I use are good for at least a dozen
or so cycles. If you're really removing your driveshaft that often, perhaps
there's another problem ?
MMC P/N 92501A430
http://www.mcmaster.com/nav/enter.asp?partnum=92501A425
> So now I'm wondering about using regular nuts, a spring loc-washer and
> removable strength loctite.
> (applied to new clean fasteners of course)
>
> Any opinions on that setup?
The spring washer is a bad idea IMO, they aren't effective at these clamping
pressures and may break. Loctite might be OK (but personally, I'll stick
with interference nuts). Can't see how replacing fasteners every time is
better than replacing them once in awhile ... and if you don't replace them
every time then you aren't applying the Loctite to "new clean fasteners".
Note that the torque applied should match the bolt used : if you've upgraded
to Grade 8 then you should also increase the torque from about 40 to about
50 ftlb. Torque also goes up for the interference nuts, another 5 ftlb as I
recall. I've mentioned before the special bolts, with a slightly larger
diameter shank the right length to be sure the edges of the threads don't
cut into the flanges ...
Randall
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