looking for hex-shaped steel tube 11

[actaris]

I need some help. I am looking for a hex-shaped steel tube to make a nut-driver type tool for a 3/4" nut. The hex will need to measure 1.125" on the inside. I haven't been able to find anything except squares and rectangles. Does anyone know a source for hex shaped tubes?

 

[logoslarry]

If you can't find it make it! Take a piece of pipe of appropriate size, heat the end. Using the bolt or nut as a form pound to shape. Drill holes in other end for a cross bar. Rough and ready but it does work. I've actually seen and used such.

 

[TVP]

Companies that specialize in roll-forming custom shapes could easily produce such a section, but it is unlikely that they would do so for the ~ 0.1 to 1 m section that you want. You would probably be better off purchasing hexagonal bar stock and machining the desired contour.

 

[actaris]

TVP,
I'm not sure what you mean by the "~ 0.1 to 1 m section". The inside of the section should measure 1.125 inches (flat to flat). I don't care about the outside dimension (wall thickness), as long as the wall is thick enough to withstand a little torque.

Also, wouldn't it be really hard to machine an internal hexagon shape?

 

[stressriser]

It can be extruded, but you will have to pay.

 

[Hush]

I know you can get brass hex tubing for modelling or decorative use, but I've never seen it in steel. Just a couple thoughts.

If you're only making a couple, buy some 1-1/8 6-pt deep sockets and cut the ends off if need be.

If you're making more than a couple but less than a whack have some bar stock broached.

If you're making a whack of these, stressriser's suggestion of extruded forgings is probably the way to go. Another option might be investment castings.

 

[patdaly]

Actaris, I believe TVP means for you to purchase the appropriate size solid hex, then you would bore a round hole, the proper size for a 1-1/8" hex broach, and broach the hex to size. You did not specify a length or quantity of parts required, but ultimately this should be the least expensive option unless very large quantities are produced.

 

[TVP]

I mean that the length of the section you want is probably of the order of 0.1 to 1 meters, not 10, 100, etc. patdaly gave a further explanation of what I was trying to convey.

 

[MadMango]

You could use a tool steel (like A2), machine it to the desired internal dimensions of your hex socket, and then press this into a round tube, and knock it out. You'd have the socket that you're looking for.

Also, using a solid hex bar, you could easily machine an internal hex shape if you have access to a mill (CNC or with an experienced machinist).

Just be aware the 1st method might create forming cracks at the corners, and the second method will have radii at the internal corners. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."

 

[MadMango]

Doh! I forgot another simple method of creating an internal hex, a variant of my first one. Simply drill a hole that has the same OD and teh flat dim you are looking for, then use a hex the size you are looking for made out of a hard steel (again A2). When you drive this into your hole, the edges of the hex bar will cut your hex shape. This way, your outer shape can be anything you want. "The attempt and not the deed confounds us."

 

[diamondjim]

Actaris,
I think you could make a die that could be
forced thru the round tube that would be
a tapered hex at the start and only have
a short hex actual cross section to form at the
major portion of the die or rod.
The hex as it passes thru the tubing would form
the hex. Your would have to caculcate lengths
of the hex sides and divide by pi to get the
proper id of the tube to use.

I do not know if you could do this in a vise
or not by rotating the part each time at 60
degrees and slowly form the part by increasing
the pressure on the vise.

 

[JBurgess]

I form simular parts using a hose crinping machine with dies cut to a hex. Of course this only works if you are doing a lot of short sections. 1-1/8 is probably on the small size to use an expanding die, but it would give a smaller radius in the corners.

 

[dvd]

G&G MANUFACTURING COMPANY 4432 McKinley Street Omaha Ne, 68112 (402)453-9595 (800)442-6009 (402)453-1740 FAX

http://www.ggmfg.com/

These folks might be able to help you out, if it's not a stock item they can probably make it.

 

[GregLocock]

Or you could take a tube of the 'correct' size and squish it. If you were feeling fancy you could even squish it between shaped jaws.

Cheers

Greg Locock

 

[cadastrophe]

All the advice given so far has merit, but why not just buy a tube spanner. They are made from thin wall steel tube, with hex formed ends, and have a hole at each end for a tommy bar.
They are available in sizes from about 3/16" up to about 5", and can be bought at any good hardware store. You often see them in car/motorbike tool kits.

 

[logoslarry]

Cadastrophe: You just want to take the fun out of everything don't you?

'Tis better for you to pound metal than for metal to pound you.