Pro tip: I was using the wrong size socket on fuel line fittings for way too long

Honestly, I was working on a Duramax injector line last Tuesday and kept rounding off the same fitting. I must have tried three times, getting more mad each time. My old man stopped by the shop, watched me for a minute, and just said, 'That's a 12-point, son. You're using a 6-point.' I felt like a total fool. I'd been grabbing the 6-point because I thought it had a better grip, but it was just chewing up the corners. Switched to the right socket and it came off smooth as butter. I guess I just got stuck in a habit from working on older stuff. Has anyone else had a simple tool choice mess up a whole job like that?

3 comments

3 Comments

hart.sage16d agoMost Upvoted

Man, that 6-point habit is a real trap, right @jamie770? I once spent an hour on a drain plug before realizing my wrench was on upside down.

the_aaron16d ago

Read a whole forum thread about that exact trap, @jamie770, it's way too common.

jamie77016d ago

Stuck in a habit from older stuff" gets me every time. I've been there, just staring at a rounded bolt feeling like a total rookie.