Yellow Jacket Hex Key Bit 3/16" & 5/16" 60609

The Yellow Jacket 60609 is a hex key bit set covering 3/16 and 5/16 inch sizes, for service valve and equipment fasteners.

Hex socket fasteners appear throughout refrigeration and air conditioning equipment, most notably on service valve stems, where the valve is opened and closed with a hex key rather than a handle.

Valve stem work is where the fit of the key matters most. A service valve stem is brass or a similar soft alloy, and a key that is worn, undersized, or not fully inserted will round the socket. A rounded valve stem cannot be operated, and on a system under charge that is a serious problem, since the valve may be stuck in a position that prevents the work being done.

Recovering a rounded stem generally means recovering the charge and replacing the valve.

The precautions are straightforward. Use a key that fits snugly, insert it fully before applying force, keep it square to the stem, and apply steady pressure rather than shock loading. Worn keys should be discarded rather than persevered with.

Valve stems that are stiff from age or corrosion should be approached carefully, since force applied to a seized stem is what rounds sockets.

Confirm the sizes suit the equipment serviced, and inspect keys for wear and rounding at the tips before relying on them.

Brand

Yellow Jacket

SKU

60609

Category

Hex Keys

Weight

0.15 lbs

Dimensions

3.00" x 0.50" x 0.50"

Price

$23.00

Availability

In stock

Rating

4.4 / 5.0