At the risk of been seen as a thicko

I want to buy a socket to undo the cap on top of a filter cartridge. The size of the hexagon nut on top of the cap is almost certainly in millimetres do I measure it across the flats or across the points of the nut to get the size.

Thanks

Google turned up http://www.boltdepot.com/fastener-information/Measure-Diameter.aspx

HTH,

Chris

Across the flats as a spanner is.

If someone said "hexagon nut" to me, I would assume they meant "allen bolt", in which case it's internal flat to flat across the centre.

An ordinary nut is as said.

Across the flats as a spanner is.

Thats what I thought .I measured it across the flats it measured 36mm then went to Halfords bought a 36 mm socket got back home and it was way too small .I rechecked it across the flats and it was 36mm and across the points it was 40mm.The 36mm socket I bought would not even cover the nut never mind slipping over it.

Am going round the twist or am I a bigger thicko than I thought

What engine is the oil filter on?

This is an octagon but the principal is the same

What engine is the oil filter on?

Dare I mention it on here

Its a 2002 1.4 tdi pd VW polo

Then it is either a 32mm or 36mm socket

So am i correct that a 36mm socket should fit it.

Although its not mentioned in the list of cars do you think it is possible that this low profie socket would fit my oil cartridge.

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/s.nl/sc.2/category.1955/it.A/id.8759/.f

Thanks

PS I will recheck the size again when its daylight tomorrow

Looks the same as my one at work.

Just pop the engine cover off, undo the cap and withdraw the filter,

Just one thing before I call it a night

Is it possible the 36mm socket I bought was for a hexagon nut and not for a octagon nut and this was the reason it would not fit What I am trying to say is there a difference in size between the flats on the 6 sided octagon and the 8 sided hexagon

There isnt a difference in size, but a difference in shape.

Square peg, round hole. It should be a hexagon anyhow, I just found eight sides easier to draw..

I doubt very much that you are thick.

I imagine the simple answer is that Halfords have sold you the wrong socket.

Measure the socket across the (internal) flats. If it's not 36mm, then take it back & get them to give you the correct one.

I imagine the simple answer is that Halfords have sold you the wrong socket.

Measure the socket across the (internal) flats. If it's not 36mm' date=' then take it back & get them to give you the correct one.[/quote']

Wouldn't surprise me, either. The size of the socket ought to be stamped on it somewhere TBH...

Ordered this one online hope it fits

http://www.justoffbase.co.uk/s.nl/sc.2/category.1955/it.A/id.8759/.f

Looks the same as my one at work.

Just pop the engine cover off' date=' undo the cap and withdraw the filter,[/quote']

Just curious

When you replace your oil filter do you use a torque wrench to tighten down the plastic cap or do you use the mark the cap and canister and then reline them and if the latter way would it be a safe way for a novice.

Thanks

Alan