This is for any member that enjoys a little project or making specialized tools. When it came time to change the tires on my ZX-14, I realized that I needed a hex head driver tool for the front axle. I called the local bike shop and they did not stock one (but suggested they could order one in $74.00 + tax). I saw a ton on Ebay for reasonable prices but did not want to have to wait. Some of the ones you can buy will fit several axle sizes and are great if you work with a lot of different street bikes or dirt bikes. I read on the internet where it was suggested that the hex head size was the same size found on many spark plug sockets (not the actual female socket end, but the opposite end where you attach the ratchet). So I measured the axle with my calipers and stopped in at the local pawn shop and bought a used spark plug socket and a smaller socket that would fit inside the spark plug socket and offered up a 1/2 drive square hole. I inserted the smaller socket into the spark plug socket and welded it in place. I put it on my lathe to pretty it up (remove the small weld hump and make it flush in appearance). I paid $2 for both sockets. 10 min weld, 5 min lathe.
When looking for a spark plug socket see if you can find one that will allow an extension to be inserted from either end (some cheap sockets are made this way). If you find this type it will save you the second socket, welding, etc. and you can simply just use the socket, and extension and your ratchet.

I uploaded 2 photos to show the finished tool. If you wanted the tool to be shorter in length you can cut the spark plug socket shorter. I like to be able to have something to hold onto.

Thanks for looking,

Spyglass

* Last updated by: spyglass on 7/3/2012 @ 12:21 PM *

You can slip a long extension through the axle, snap it into the socket and you don't need to make or modify anything. Or, if the square-drive hole goes all the way through, you can snap the socket on backwards and use it like that.

The problem with using a long extension (if you own one that long) and working through the axle is that one tends to push into a nut when tightening or loosening it. This will either cause the socket to move out of the axle nut and can cause damage to the axle nut, or if you pull instead you may find that the extension pulls out of the socket. A proper hex driver, or a little tool like the one I made allows you to maintain sufficient pressure to ensure that the socket remain seated in the nut during tightening or loosening.
In a pinch Danno's approach can work too. Just requires more attention (and a fairly long extension). If anybody has any other tricks or approaches it would be great to hear them.

OH Snap!

Spyglass

* Last updated by: spyglass on 7/3/2012 @ 3:08 PM *

I have one of those multi-hex axle sockets, but I couldn't find the damned thing when I needed it, so I improvised. Of course, as soon as I was done, the proper tool turned up.

* Last updated by: Danno on 7/3/2012 @ 4:02 PM *

Perfect we now have 3 tools / approaches. Do I hear 4 (or more)?

Danno that is how it always works. You can search for days looking for the item you need. 10 min after you no longer need it, it crawls out and positions itself in plain view to mock you. - LOL

Hub what do you have going on under your seat.

Spyglass

* Last updated by: spyglass on 7/3/2012 @ 4:34 PM *

That exact same thing happened to me with my Norton clutch spring compressor tool. I looked for it for months after I bought new plates and finally broke down and borrowed one from a nice fellow halfway across the country. 2 days after I mailed it back, I found the one I knew I had.

I love this idea! Thanks!

Kofla

NINJA ZX-14 MotoVlog

I made my own years ago for my ZRX.Went to Lowes and got a 3 inch long metric bolt.Measure with calipers.Then buy 2 nuts the same size.Take it home and put both nuts on then put a wrench on the inside nut,then hit the outside one with an impact gun.Worked great and still use it today.I'll get a picture.
Craig

Good Stuff Audioboyz. Great to see cost effective solutions that are workable options for all members. Look forward to seeing your photos.

Spyglass

I bought TWO of those black multisocket deals...I cut the ends off that weren't needed...had to...they wouldn't slide all the way in with em on there.Made one for each side...1/2 drive....work very nicely.I think that axle socket is a 22 mm....yes?Also punched a teeny mark on both axle ends,and line it up to the right degree on the fork holes.Works very good at making sure I get the axle in and turned the same everytime.You can't see the marks...unless you know they're there.Did the same with almost all the removable bolts that are not anodized or whatever...I can glance at em and see if they're coming loose at any given time.Front to back....all of em that would be a problem IF they worked loose.

Makes tightening a lot more 'accurate' imo if you aren't always using a torque wrench.Did this the first hour or so after I got my bike...that way...everything was marked at factory spec.Tightening and loosening WILL change the threads and depth of the bolt,if just a little...but at least you can see how close ya are to factory torques.Nice when ya don't want to snap a head off a bolt!

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 7/12/2012 @ 2:09 PM *

When I tried to get the wheel off my ZRX I figured I'd use the spark plug wrench.Wrong.It justed twisted and collapsed.Thats when my quest began.
Craig

Audioboyz was it one of those press formed sheet metal spark plug sockets? or something cheaply mass produced from a developing country? I have never heard of a spark plug socket collapsing before. I have seen cheap ones develop splits when used with an impact gun. For the front axle (which is basically a very thin tube) I would never use an impact, or even an air tool, on it. I bet anyone looking at the axle for the first time would say "holy crap.... is that all it is?"
When I made up my tool I selected the "drive" socket that fit snugly inside the spark plug socket and I preheated the socket to reduce stresses from welding (hence the discoloring on the sides). It would be pretty tough to do it in. Your bolt and nut idea would be strong too. The beauty is that anyone could build it and you can select the grade of bolt you want to use.

Spyglass

Yes it was from the bikes tool kit.And no never touched it with an impact.I put a phillips on the side hole and the sheet metal plug wrench collapsed.I used the impact gun juat to make the tool.I think it was a 22mm bolt and two 22mm nuts.I made it for under $12 at Lowes.I looked for it but couldn't find it.My front tire is cupping so I might have to make another one.
Craig

Good photos ErikR.

Craig you just know when you will find your original axle tool........ You will go to put your new replacement axle tool in an ideal spot where you will always know where it is, and see the old one there smiling up at you, mocking you - LOL

Spyglass

* Last updated by: spyglass on 7/14/2012 @ 1:00 AM *

It always works like that.If I cleaned my garage a bit maybe I'd find it.Lucky I can find my tire changer.
Craig

Standard 13/16 inch spark plug wrench is best it is in everyones toolbox so you don't have to go buy a special tool.

Strange - maybe because Oz here is metric.
I've tried 5 different spark plug sockets - they all measure 21mm and if used will badly mar the axle nut.
I'm yet to find one that actually measures 22mm.

I bought a multi-hex tool from MP, which is OK for the Axle bolt, but it wont go into the nut.
@Grn14 had a good idea - buy a second one and cut off the extra part.

I just wasn't too sure if the angle grinder would temper the steel soft again for that.
I suppose I could use a hacksaw ....

Ya...I just hacksawed one off....worked just fine.It is a 22mm.

* Last updated by: Grn14 on 2/17/2013 @ 7:13 PM *

Just go and buy a hex head from a tool shop, mine cost me around 12 bucks.

Neil

I went to a tractor supply store and bought the right size, but a specialty tool shop that handles impact grade sockets and stuff will have the right size.

$17 works great

axle tool

^^^I got that. Only one problem....it only fits in the axle hex. On the opposite side is the axle nut. It has the same size hex but that tool will not fit deep enough into the axle nut mate up with the axle nut. The threaded end of the axle stops the tool from going into the nut far enough. You can loosen the pinch bolts on the axle and loosen it while the axle nut is held fast in the opposite pinch boots if you want. The front axle is supposed to be removed AFTER the nut is taken off but I see no problem doing that vice-versa.

I use that thing during installation to hold the axle while I tighten the axle nut. Doesn't seem to have ever been necessary but it's sort of there just in case the axle would spin while tightenning the nut.

POINT: That tool only fits in one side. The spark plug socket hex fits both sides.

* Last updated by: Rook on 5/7/2013 @ 7:36 PM *

Spy, I hear you. One is a 17mm nut glued on one end and a 12mm nut glued to the other end so the spark plug tool does not implode. I then have at least one or two strips of tire plug rope, the insert tool, but not the starter tool. Couple of C02's to limp home on.

$17 works great
axle tool