thermostat housing bolts stripping my sockets..help!!!

**dmahlikGT** · 10-16-2010

Im trying to upgrade my stock thermostat to a 180* and im having a difficult time getting these simple bolts off the housing.Its the 2 main bolts obviously,anybody have any idea or tips on to get them off? So far I have stripped 3 of my 10mm sockets and its annoyin

**djrepoman** · 10-16-2010

Buy better sockets. ive seen bolt heads round off never a good socket

**Rust** · 10-16-2010

There is definitely something wrong with either the quality of the tools or a major problem with the bolt.
Get a good socket, soak the bolts for a while, lightly tap them a few dozen times with a brass punch or hardwood block and hammer, and be prepared to possibly replace the bolts.
Keep soaking with penetrant and keep tapping until the oil and shock free them up. May take a while, even a few days of trying.

**Bio248** · 10-16-2010

youre using the wrong size socket.

**Jakegday** · 10-16-2010

try a 6 point deep well. 10mm is indeed the correct size.

edit: one of them is like a stud, so you have to use a deep well. you are using deep wells, right?

**dmahlikGT** · 10-16-2010

Ok.Well the sockets I do have are no craftsman for sure,it was a cheap $35 set from advance auto.So it may be the sockets,ill try and buy some other ones.But I used WD-40 last week while taking a stab but nothin.Ill try these methods though.

**dmahlikGT** · 10-16-2010

what size socket do you suggest then?As far as I know the directions say 10mm

**Jakegday** · 10-16-2010

10mm is right. are you using 12 point or 6 point sockets? are you using regular short sockets, or long ones?

**matt5112** · 10-16-2010

if the bolt is fine and your socket is ****ed.... you REALLY need better sockets.

I know i bought cheap ones (207 piece for $135 anyone?), but they're holding up just fine so far.

**dmahlikGT** · 10-16-2010

yeah the problem may be my socket size.Im not using deep well ones only the short small ones.And im using 6point-my ratchet.Ill try again soon,this is a simple task that has turned my day into a mess lol

**gtpinsc** · 10-16-2010

i wasted money on that autozone el cheapo set... i broke several sockets in the first week.
go buy a kobalt deep well 12 point socket.. that should snatch it off for ya.