Stumped on socket size

[vanousg]

Okay guys i need your help again, I have a 1995 ford explorer Xlt 4x4, i am trying to find out what size the lower ball joint castle nut is. Someone told me that it was a 21mm however i found out, it is not. I also had someone tell me you could use a pair of vise grips or channel locks on it, well not in my case you can not. I am really strapped for cash right now (seeings how i am getting married Oct 6 2012) so i dont want to have to buy an expensive socket set and advance is charging like 5 to 8 dollers per socket. I really need some help

 

[mustard900]

pretty sure its a 1" but i know when i changed mine the new ones were 1-1/8"

 

[Turdle]

Go to Harbor frieght and get a set of 1/2" sockets and a 1/2" breaker bar.

All ball joints are not created equal, they use different nut sizes.

You may end up getting a socket to fit the old one and need a different size for the new one.

 

[RomeovilleIL]

Go to Harbor frieght and get a set of 1/2" sockets and a 1/2" breaker bar.

All ball joints are not created equal, they use different nut sizes.

You may end up getting a socket to fit the old one and need a different size for the new one.

^^^ Exactly what he said ^^^

Best deal around is HF set of 1/2 drive impacts. Will last forever with hand tools and sizes cover most repair project (except axle nuts). Best part is it's under $25 total & check the Sunday paper for HF coupons to get an extra 20% off.

SAE
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-12-drive-sae-impact-socket-set-67917.html

Metric
http://www.harborfreight.com/10-piece-12-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-67899.html

Throw in a long breaker bar for $10 and you're pretty much set
http://www.harborfreight.com/12-drive-25-breaker-bar-67933.html

Edit: Popped Wayne, WV into store locator - 15 miles away in Ceredo

 

[colintrax]

Buy a couple at advanced, return the ones you don't need. I never had a problem doing this, I've even returned a socket I needed on 1 bolt. (It was a 34mm or something stupid)

 

[SoNic67]

Actually 'Advance Auto Parts' has a "loaner tool" program. You can rent for free tools - you just have to leave a deposit untill you return them.

 

[swshawaii]

Actually 'Advance Auto Parts' has a "loaner tool" program. You can rent for free tools - you just have to leave a deposit untill you return them.

Ditto. Most of the auto part chain stores have a free loaner tool program, call around.
Pay the refundable deposit in cash, it took O'Reilly AP one week to credit my account.

 

[IZwack]

Why not just take a measuring device (vernier caliper, ruler, micrometer, etc..) and measure the nut and then go buy the matching socket?