Square knuckle/birf nut - what do you use to take it off? (1 Viewer)

[2000cruiser]

Looking for some advice on the best tool and potential ways to easily take off the square knuckle inspection nut on top? Mine is a bit caked in won’t easily turn with a wrench.

It’s looking a bit dry and I’m getting occasional light clicking on some turns while accelerating. Figure I’d pump in some moly to buy me time till I replace the birfs and shaft for my regear later this year.

Any advice on the best way or tool to get this off would be awesome.

Thanks in advance.

 

[b16]

I've always just used an adjustable wrench. They are not supposed to be that tight.

 

[Douglas S]

Knipex pliers wrench normally - I've used a socket or a regular old wrench in the past as well.

 

[BILT4ME]

Looking for some advice on the best tool and potential ways to easily take off the square knuckle inspection nut on top? Mine is a bit caked in won’t easily turn with a wrench.

It’s looking a bit dry and I’m getting occasional light clicking on some turns while accelerating. Figure I’d pump in some moly to buy me time till I replace the birfs and shaft for my regear later this year.

Any advice on the best way or tool to get this off would be awesome.

Thanks in advance.

A wrench is what I would use.

An offset combination open end-closed end.

Perhaps an 8 point socket designed specifically for square head plugs.

I'm guessing either 14 mm or 15 mm.

That said, you could also use an open-end adjustable metric wrench if necessary.

I don't think a hammer would be an appropriate tool for this particular application.

However, I do recommend a wire brush be applied first to eliminate all the debris that you will otherwise drop into the hole once removed.

 

[surfpig]

Isn't it a standard 3/8 or 1/2" size? If I remember I just used whatever was closest to me at the time.

 

[bhsdriller]

crescent usually or even vice grips

 

[2000cruiser]

Thanks all, and for the advice on cleaning the area up. I'll keep trying with a wrench- if not look for a square plug socket. If all else fails then pliers.

 

[BILT4ME]

Thanks all, and for the advice on cleaning the area up. I'll keep trying with a wrench- if not look for a square plug socket. If all else fails then pliers.

You can also use a 12 point socket. It will grab the corners as well. Just will be a weird size that fits.

 

[2000cruiser]

You can also use a 12 point socket. It will grab the corners as well. Just will be a weird size that fits.

Haha yes, I just realized a 12 point socket can solve my problem- sadly I only have an 1/2" in hand that seems a bit small. Heading to the store to try a few on.

 

[jonheld]

I had a buddy weld two 1/2" drive sockets together. Fits perfectly and makes quick work of it.

 

[Grandlooser]

Drill it out and put a zerk fitting on it.

 

[Roketdriver]

Am I the only one who just uses a 12mm box wrench? Or am I thinking of the wrong plug?

 

[2000cruiser]

Done- 9/16 12 point socket did it easily.

 

[MUDZLLA]

For rusted-in studs and plugs use...

Loctite 2343776 Freeze and Release Penetrating Oil​

 

[Broski]

Or use the old plumber's trick, tightening it first tell it moves just a little then back it out

 

[audi2nr]

go to homedepot or lowes or amazon and find a pipe plug socket, its got a square hole to fit it. i misplaced my craftsman socket otherwise i'd snap a pic of it

also.... hit it with a wire brush then some pb blaster, let it sit for a little bit, tighten just a hair to break loose any corrosion then remove as normal

 

[mjosoba]

I used a 1/2” socket extension, upside down, then a crescent on the other end. Works for me.

 

[surfpig]

I used a 1/2” socket extension, upside down, then a crescent on the other end. Works for me.

This right here.

 

[Bryanseye]

It's the only thing I get to use my 8pt sockets that came with the mechanic's tool set I bought years ago.