Grading What size socket to remove mower blade

[Allen2]

I went to remove the blades on my BX23-60"MMM and discovered that I don't have a socket or wrench that big. I would prefer using a socket, so I will have to stop at the store someday to get one (-or- father's day is rolling up. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif). I measure it to be 30 mm. The manual says it is 30.2 mm. I am pretty sure I won't find a 30.2 mm socket! For those of you with the same deck, what size wrench or socket have you been using?
Thanks.
Allen

 

[bczoom]

If you bought a wrench instead of a socket, you own it and wouldn't it therefore be known as an Allen Wrench? /forums/images/graemlins/tongue.gif Sorry, couldn't resist. /forums/images/graemlins/wink.gif

How about getting a good quality adjustable wrench instead of a dedicated socket? My reasoning is that you can then keep it in the tractor tool box (if one is installed) or at least nearby and use it for the mower, trailer ball...

 

[Bird]

I kept an adjustable wrench in the tractor toolbox in case I needed a wrench in the field, but for lawnmower blades, and almost anything else that I could do inside the shop, I sure prefer either a socket or a box end wrench of the proper size.

 

[HomeBrew2]

Don't have the deck but, 30.2mm seems to be right at 1-3/16". Seems like the cheapo Harbor Freight 1/2" drive set goes up to 1-1/4" ... not positive though.

 

[botalvr]

yep 30mm. Napa had one.
/forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[RonR]

I bought a cheap harbor freight metric 1/2" drive impact socket set for <$20. It covers all sizes I need on my Bota. And even being cheap, it will outlast me probably............

ron

 

[surfran]

30mm is what I bought and use as well.

 

[Allen2]

Thanks all for the info. As usual, lots of good ideas. I picked up a 30 mm socket at Ace on the way home and it worked like a charm. I'm glad I had the socket. It took my breaker bar to get them loose. There was an old thread around about the bearings not having sufficient grease coming from the dealer. I got about 20-30 pumps each on mine before I started getting some grease out on the blade side. The grease coming out was blue and mine going in was green, so they weren't dry. I feel better now knowing it is properly greased. Now I can get back to mowing. Thanks again for your speedy responses.
Allen

 

[Alan L.]

I wouldn't want to use an adjustable wrench on a blade bolt, as tight as they can be you might booger it up. And you might not get it off at all.

 

[tomnky]

I use a 30 mm six point socket. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[cokeman]

Me too. You would never get them off with an adjustable wrench.

 

[Junkman]

I use a 1 3/16" chrome Snap-On socket with my 1/2" impact gun. So far, I have yet to break the socket and if I do, then Snap-On will replace it........ as long as they don't know that I used an impact wrench with it..... /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif

 

[tomnky]

I actually do use an impact to take them off then torque then on. My half inch IR works fine. /forums/images/graemlins/grin.gif