What tool should I use to remove a screw from cramped spaces

boltshand-toolsscrewstools

I don't tackle many DIY projects. But when I do, the most frustrating thing is knowing that I'm doing things inefficiently. I watch a YouTube video where the guy says it should take 5 minutes to disassemble. 2 hours later, I'm using my fingers to try and unscrew a bolt because I don't know how he did it in 5 minutes.

I'm there now. I don't know what to Google to help me either.

I'm working on my garage door opener and I need to remove a 5/16 screw from inside of the opener. I have no idea what tool to use. I'd normally use a socket wrench for this but it won't fit in such a small opening. I'm trying to take off the bolt that is circled in the picture below.

Any ideas? I know this is probably a simple question but it's driving me nuts.

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Best Answer

Ratchets can be rather bulky as you've found. Combined with a deep socket in the wrong place, you aren't going to remove the fastener. Using a shallow socket and and proper length extension moves the ratchet out of the way to where it belongs.

enter image description here Straight Drive Extension

enter image description here Wobble Drive Extension

The wobble drive allows for some misalignment between what the socket is removing and the ratchet drive handle, probably what you're looking for to take care of the fact that gear is in the way.

Or you use this drive handle to convert the socket to a simple nut driver

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Then there's the time honored nut driver

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