BAL jacks and electric drill

[idroba]

I know I have seen some information on powering the BAL stabilizer jacks with a cordless electric drill, but a search has not located it. For anyone who has done that, how did you chuck the socket into the drill? All I can think of is to take a socket extension and cut one end off, and then grind some flats into it so it will be griped by the drill chuck.

Is there an easier way? The steel used on those extensions is hard to cut.

What size socket is going to be needed? I am not at home now and can't just go out and try things.

Thanks in advance.

[n2916s]

I just bought one at Camping World. Started to tell them what I needed and didn't even need to finish the sentence before they handed me to tool. Basically a socket welded to a 3/8" shaft. Works great.

Mike

[Skater]

You can also get them at Amazon.

We have one, but we don't use it that often - just not worth the trouble.

[Alumaholic]

Ultra Speed Socket
Catalog Item # 34587
This Item is In-Stock and Ready to Ship
Internet SALE
$8.99 SAVE $1.00
Reg $9.99

[CanoeStream]

Go to Home Depot or homedepot.com. Search for a 'steel square socket adapter' -- just under $4. You probably want the 1/2". It should fit the 3/4" spark plug socket in any socket set. That's what works with your BAL jacks.

[ROBERT CROSS]

1/4",3/8" and 1/2" will come in handy for the AS tool kit.

Bob

[dznf0g]

If you use what Robert and Canoestream suggest, the 3/4" socket can do double duty for the wheel lug nuts as well as the Hensley jacks (and PP too, I think).

[idroba]

thanks guys, I didn't know those little drill to socket adaptors were available. I have lots of sockets, so that is the easy solution.

You see, I just got a new Ridgid Lithium 1/2" drill at Home Depot on Black Friday sale. Great drill, amazing unconditional lifetime warantee, even on the battery! Only $100

Now I have to find some good uses for it. Grin

[Alumaholic]

Until you get used to it, hold the drill with both hands, and crank the jacks at low speed.
You can sprain a wrist or even a shoulder if you aren't careful.
Don't ask me how I know this.

[noreen&sal]

Originally Posted by Alumaholic

Until you get used to it, hold the drill with both hands, and crank the jacks at low speed.
You can sprain a wrist or even a shoulder if you aren't careful.
Don't ask me how I know this.

I know I know how you know this. Don't ask me how I know I know. Sal

[dboehmer]

Originally Posted by noreen&sal

I know I know how you know this. Don't ask me how I know I know. Sal

My chin knows how I know.

[RTurnConn]

I use an impact drill that I use to take off and replace lug nuts. Just use an extension and a socket and you are good to go. Carry it with me as well as a cordless drill.
I have an Avion and the crank shaft for the jacks is further under the trailer than it is on the AS and hence the need for the extension.
Ron T
Avion 34W, 1987

[Antique Pedaler]

Originally Posted by idroba

I know I have seen some information on powering the BAL stabilizer jacks with a cordless electric drill, but a search has not located it. For anyone who has done that, how did you chuck the socket into the drill? All I can think of is to take a socket extension and cut one end off, and then grind some flats into it so it will be griped by the drill chuck.

Is there an easier way? The steel used on those extensions is hard to cut.

What size socket is going to be needed? I am not at home now and can't just go out and try things.

Thanks in advance.

Ace Hardware. Tell them what you want to do. Socket size is 3/4" 6 point.

[featherbedder]

I have used cordless drill with socket and adapter for many years, just remember to charge drill before using or else take charger with.

[Sphere Guy]

Idroba, also if you have the type of drill with a torque setting, use it. They can produce a lot of torque. I use a 14 -16 setting on my drill (Milwaulee 18 volt) and it puts just enough onto the jack with out "lifting" my AS incorrectly.

[idroba]

Originally Posted by Sphere Guy

Idroba, also if you have the type of drill with a torque setting, use it. They can produce a lot of torque. I use a 14 -16 setting on my drill (Milwaulee 18 volt) and it puts just enough onto the jack with out "lifting" my AS incorrectly.

Thanks for that tip, my drill does have a torque setting, and it is a very powerful 18 volt Ridgid, so it could throw one I am sure. I had not thought about using the torque limiting feature for the application of running the stabilizing jacks.

Good call.

[Stoney]

I use a cordless impack wrench to lower my jacks.

[tfbeitz]

Harbor Freight has inexpensive socket adapters.
I use an 18v HF cordless drill, 74 ft/lbs, that sometimes is not enought torque, or maybe it needs a bit more lubrication on the threads.

[ROBERT CROSS]

....... dirt and grime is attracted to grease/oil on the BAL screws, I just keep them clean, If you need to lube use a dry graphite lube.

Bob

[Skater]

Yeah, do not grease them. Ours have gotten to the point where they pretty hard to use, and I think the grease made them worse, not better. I've been trying to graphite lube them, and it is helping, fortunately.