Shimming an Oversized Socket

I was recently faced with not having the right size socket for a nut I was trying to turn. Actually a hex shaped valve on a propane tank from 1947 I was revalving. If you have ever done this job you will know that sometimes it is questionable whether you will get all the valves to come out or if you will be left with the extremely laborious process of purging the tank and drilling or whatever to remove what broke.



I had only a 12 point socket that was 1/16 too large for the hex. I had a time table. Did I mention it has been in there tight since 1947.



I took a sheet of aluminum foil and folded it over and over again flat, very carefully to make a flexible shim several inches long and maybe 1/4 inch wide. I wrapped it around the hex. I had to drive the socket on it fit so tight. But it was a 12 point. I put the 6 foot cheater and began to pull.



I did not feel any give in my shim. It felt as tight as if it were a 6 point the right size. The valve spun out no problem at all. I reused the shim on another valve. The results were just as good.



I did not know if it would even work but I am happy to report it works great and might be a good trick to remember if you are stuck in the woods somewhere.

Shimming an Oversized Socket