VERY ANNOYING!!!

I purchased a relatively expensive special Ferrari Head Nut Wrench from a "reputable" supplier only to find out that the height of the 15mm box end will not allow it to clear the top of the middle three nuts on the inside row of each 308QV head. The alternatives are to return said wrench at a 33% restocking fee or grind the wrench - possible removing the temper - to where it will probably break.
I have it by good authority that this problem is common so I am asking all of you if you know of a wrench source that really fits. I am withholding the name of my wrench source until they have enough time/opportunity to withdraw the restocking fee for a custom tool that does not work. If they insist on charging I will post their name to prevent any of you following in my footsteps.
Thanks
Art

 

I bought a head wrench from Baum, and had the same problem, I just ground the box end down some and it worked fine. Annoying yes but it worked and never broke. I have since made my own wrenches by bending and welding a Craftsman wrench and have used it many times. $120 for the custom wrench or $8 for one at sears with some customizing

Wade

 

Wade,

Can you post a picture of your "customized" Craftsman wrench when you have a chance?? I suspect I'll be needing to do a little customizing when I get into my 328 project this winter.

Thanks,
Steve

 

Art -

Did you purchase 95971393 ? I have not heard of this issue before -- but sometimes customers don't necessarily call to advise of such problems.

On a brighter note... I might have some super pro-strength ones from "my secret agent in London" in the coming year.

 

I did not buy the 95971393 Racambi part. A reply to my original post has mentioned my supplier's name - Baum. They insist that their specifications are correct. My wrench measures just over 11mm thick. I called Baum and they measured 11.3mm. The 95971393 from Racambi looks thinner so I fired off a message requesting their dimension.
I'm not set up with a grinder or welding rig (blue wrench) so I am interested in getting the correct tool.
I wouldn't mind so much if it was not referred to as a custom tool for this application with a price to match.
Art

 

That's too bad, Art. Hopefully you can solve your problem with Baum withouth too much trouble.

 

This tool is the real deal..that I have been using for about 25 years. It is an OEM Ferrari tool made by USAG. As the head of my tool is tapered; at it's thickest point it measures 10.34mm...and at its thinest point 8.84mm. Even with this thickness, I still will have trouble from time to time on the front bank of the QVs getting this wrench over the nut.

So..if your tool is 11mm thick, likely you'll not be able to get on certain head nuts...as the castings "flash" seem to vary engine to engine.

David

 

Modification of even the factory tool is required but that is pretty standard for them. Welcome to the world of Ferrari.

Careful grinding will not harm the tool in any way.

 

Thanks so much David - I was looking for some confirmation that the Racambi 95971393 tool was a better fit. I'll get it ordered and submit to the Baum restocking fee. Again I really aprreciate the help.
Art

 

I'd order the tool from Ricambi, but I wouldn't submit to a Baum restocking fee. The tool is "not fit for purpose" and your consumer rights should protect you on this one. Normally, that phrase is somewhat loosely applied by various consumers who want to return items but in this specific case it's absolutely spot on.

They said the tool would fit, it doesn't, and it should be refunded as a defective item.

All the best,
Andrew.

 

Here is the tool I made, I have been using it for about 3 years and no problems.

This is a generic 3/8 drive 6" extension, with a Craftsman box end wrench, both cut and welded together for a perfect fit.



Wade
www.308qvregister.com
www.sportclassiccomp.com
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I bought 5 of the Baum tools and had the same problem with one of them not fitting, I never tried to return it so I never had the "customer service" issue instead I was looking all over to find the right size tool. Eventually I decided to grind it down and it worked fine.

I am always amazed being a business owner myself how some companies get away with ridiculous "restocking fees" or whatever other names they come up with for being rude basically. I suppose its basically a rental fee as they would possibly have people buy the tool use it and return it but there should be some common sense applied to such rules and regulations.

Helmut

 

Yes, I had to grind mine also. Pix below. Here's an excuse to buy a grinder.
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Mine did the same thing from Baum.

Forward the Bastar$%s this thread!!!!!

 

120 bucks for that??? Wow!

 

Somebody should change the thread title to make it easier to find for those who come along later. You know, something like "Baum head wrench doesn't fit worth spit" or similar.

 

Good point!!!

We all need to be more "correct" in our thread titles so as to make them more useful in the future!!

 

Addendum: I bought my head nut wrench from "Zdmak.com, for $46 bucks. As I said, "I still had to grind it", but for $60. less.

 

Me too. $45 delivered and whoever I spoke to on the phone was very helpful.

Spang

 

I've never bought the cylinder head wrench from Baum, but I have several of their Ferrari-specific ring nut sockets. They are exceptionally well made and fit perfect, for what its worth.

 

I will agree - along with the head wrench I bought a ring nut socket. Exceptional product! Not trying to bash Baum - just make it known that they have an issue with one of their tools in spite of their claim that there has never been a problem.

 

Art,

Thank you, my pleasure.

I have many, many "Factory-supplied" tools...and what Brian said is frequently true. Just part of the charm, I suspect.

Way back when I started working on Ferrari's, we ordered the special wrench required (from FNA) to torque the engine case halfs on a BB/TR. The tool fit so badly that we had to grind approximately 5mm of material off the end of the wrench just to clear the case casting....

I do have a few Baum tools, as well...although their primarily for BMW's. No fittment problems, as I recall.

Best,
David

 

Same here, have several of the ring nut sockets and they are exceptional.



Wade
www.308qvregister.com
www.sportclassiccomp.com

 

The OEM Ferrari tool made by USAG, which I purchased from Racambi, WORKS!
As for the other supplier, I will continue to ask for a full refund.
Thanks for your inputs on this thread.
Art