How to Start Bolts in Tight Spots

[gtc4d]

This idea helps me out quite alot. Most guys and gals may use this already, but when i have a bolt that is hard for me to reach, I tear a small piece of paper and lay it across the head of the bolt and then insert it into the socket.

The paper wedges the bolt in and will not let it drop out of the socket. I can then put the socket on a extension and reach as far as the extension is long and the bolt will not release until it is started in the threads.

You can also put a wobble joint on the extension and put in bolts at a slight angle. I always start these bolts twisting the extension with my fingers to keep from cross threading.

Hope this can help someone in the future.

Thanks,
Todd Seaford

[ricky racer]

Great tip, Todd!! Thanks for posting. That's one of those "why didn't I think of that?" moments.

[Stanton]

That is a great tip! Thanks.

[John *.?-!.* cub owner]

An older gentleman (about the age I am now) put me on to that trick nearly 45 years ago. Over the years it has become so automatic I never think about others not knowing it.