Cavu2u

Having trouble with socket clearance on the header bolts.
Has anyone here tried these or something along this line?
https://www.mcmaster.com/#92196a660/=1dw7z3g

Thanks.
Steve

ZEN357

Have you tried a Thin Walled Socket? Here are some options if you know the size of the bolt.

https://www.jegs.com/webapp/wcs/stor...ersistYmm=true

HeadsU.P.

I do not believe you would be happy with allen header bolts. They require a allen socket which is bigger diameter than what you are using now.
You could look at Summit Racing under fasteners and find ARPs header bolts, with washers 12 point instead of 6 pt in black or stainless. With the smaller headed bolts you will gain clearance and the 12 pt are wonderful for tight spaces. I use nothing but a box-end wrench.

Mooser

They do sell them as header bolts, I've never used them myself.
You may be able to use a crowsfoot on that bolt you have, or go get a cheap closed end wrench and grind the outside to work
When I had normal headers, I bought one socket from the discount tool store and ground the outside where I needed clearance. Did the same for sparkplug socket for the same reason
ARP (and others?) make a 12 point header bolt that will use a smaller side socket and therefor more clearance.

M

Vette5311

Cavu2u

Thanks folks. All good ideas to ponder.

Steve

Rodnok1

Allen head header bolts suck... Get arp like the others have mentioned.

Darinm

I did the Percy's Vibe lock which is a 12 point with an inner allen head lock. They available in either point Stainless or black. Had them on for over a year now with zero problems.

Fredtoo

I used a 1/4 drive socket to tighten the header bolts, as it has a thinner wall.

If you want to switch to Allen, I would suggest looking at TORX, as they don't strip out as easily.

resdoggie

Wow! Allen bolts are ****? Better than hex bolts for headers in tight places. I use allen bolts on my intake. Better than hex bolts. These are not critical fasteners like head bolts or flywheel bolts or wheel lug nuts. Torque is not critical. They just need to be checked and tightened periodically. Allen bolts work just fine!

OldCarBum

I've used Allen head bolts on headers, intakes and most other automotive applications for years.
You can use the Allen wrenches with ball ends to get the bolts started at almost any angle.
I have one ball end set that have screwdriver handles that work awesome.
They also come in extended lengths that you can get with 3/8" socket ends to use with a ratchet or torque wrench.
Most Ace Hardware stores carry all sizes and you can get them in polished stainless steel with the knurling machined for a smooth finish.
For additional protection under the head, they make special Allen head flat washers that are slightly larger diameter that the Allen head.
You barely notice them and they will help protect your mating parts without noticing the washer.
If you want extra shine go to almost any Harley Davidson shop and you can get them in chrome plated steel and the cost is very reasonable.
FYI, you can find almost all sizes grade 8 and 10 fasteners at a Harley shop chrome plated.

gkull

I have used grade 8 Allen for header bolts for years

MelWff

In addition to using Allen head in certain locations, I have taken a combination wrench and removed the closed end to make a short open end wrench for tight spaces.

resdoggie

I take an "L" shaped Allen key, insert the long or short end into the Allen head and then use a wrench to turn the allen key or use a closed end wrench and slip it over the other end of the allen key for leverage and turn. Allen head bolts are more versatile than a standard 6 or 12 point bolt in tight places.

HeadsU.P.

There were two brothers four score and seven years ago, named Al & Phil They hated the industrial revolution. They hated cars. They hated wood working. So one day they decided to seek revenge for all those that work on machinery, cars and wood so that everyone would suffer in misery, for years to come. They invented the fasteners as we know them today as the Allen and the Phillips. True story (not).

I still say allens are crap. No matter how you look at it, its still a six sided fastener like the hex bolt. Slip-strip-OH FUDGE!
12 point bolts are superior.

MCMLXIX

ARP makes a reduced head 5/16 12 point on a 3/8 stainless bolt in a couple of different lengths.
With a short old thin 3/8 x 5/16 12 point box wrench works well.

lars

I like to use the Stage 8 header bolts - they give you the best of both worlds: They have both a 6-point hex, so you can use an open-end wrench in the tight areas, and they have the allen head that you can use where the allen head wrench can get to them. I throw away the locking system parts and just use the dual-design head bolts - they work great!

https://www.summitracing.com/parts/stg-8911/overview/

Lars

naramlee

I disagree... I love my allen bolts, I get snap-on 6" extended reach ones that reach all the way through the headers, sorry but 3/8 allens is smaller than a flank drive socket but still hold up to 30lbs/ft, too many issues with regular bolts and I have two bolts you cant get a box-end on them at all cuz they are too close to a primary

HeadsU.P.

That could be. My allen socket set is 1/2" drive, too big.

Worked on some older machinery yesterday. A bearing cradle had allen bolts. Got my not so trusty allen wrenches out:
Please don't strip-please-don't strip-please don't strip. Bolts came out, whew!

Cavu2u

Thanks Fred.
I was thinking TORX also for the same reason. But without the versatility of angle-engagement like a ball-end Allen key has, I might be screwed in an instance or two.

Steve