mike48
28th March 2009, 08:52 AM
Mike’s Mystery Tool Teaser # 6
Today’s item is somewhat of a tale of what was a learning exercise for me, as well as being a mystery tool.
Many years ago in 1985, I had to find a tool to do a job on a European car (hint - with a 2800 cc engine), to remove and replace some bolts, with a “sub-unit” overhaul.
(The car type and “sub-unit” type will be giveaway hints).
At first I had some trouble describing this fastener head system to the tool shops, and most of them didn’t know either.
Eventually I had to take the whole unit to the shops, so they could see it.
Most shops just called it “spline”.
It isn’t traditional spline.
Luckily I found this set of keys in a Townsville Engineering Supply store.
Made by Dowidat.
What is the fastener head system called for these “keys”, and why was it used?
It is not “spline”, nor Bristol, nor “Torx”.
One photo below shows the key together with an internal Torx T-55 for comparison.
(Some people do use Torx keys on these fasteners, but there will be trouble and possible damage with bolts which require high torque).
These keys are not normally found in your local auto or hardware shops, but are available.
Full-time mechanics, and professional tool sleuths, will instantly recognise the keys, so please show some restraint before posting an early reply.
Made by other manufacturers, and more usually made in 3/8 and 1/2 inch square drive.
Enjoy!
100626
100627
100628
Mike
Today’s item is somewhat of a tale of what was a learning exercise for me, as well as being a mystery tool.
Many years ago in 1985, I had to find a tool to do a job on a European car (hint - with a 2800 cc engine), to remove and replace some bolts, with a “sub-unit” overhaul.
(The car type and “sub-unit” type will be giveaway hints).
At first I had some trouble describing this fastener head system to the tool shops, and most of them didn’t know either.
Eventually I had to take the whole unit to the shops, so they could see it.
Most shops just called it “spline”.
It isn’t traditional spline.
Luckily I found this set of keys in a Townsville Engineering Supply store.
Made by Dowidat.
What is the fastener head system called for these “keys”, and why was it used?
It is not “spline”, nor Bristol, nor “Torx”.
One photo below shows the key together with an internal Torx T-55 for comparison.
(Some people do use Torx keys on these fasteners, but there will be trouble and possible damage with bolts which require high torque).
These keys are not normally found in your local auto or hardware shops, but are available.
Full-time mechanics, and professional tool sleuths, will instantly recognise the keys, so please show some restraint before posting an early reply.
Made by other manufacturers, and more usually made in 3/8 and 1/2 inch square drive.
Enjoy!
100626
100627
100628
Mike