Replacing brake light - what tool for the bolts?

[jengod]

I want to replace a burned-out brakelight bulb.

I purchased the bulb from Pep Boys and I found a YouTube video explaining the steps, but I don't know what tool to buy so that I can remove the bolts that attach the light assembly.

http://Here is a photo of the bolts I need to remove (see also attachment below). Help?

[eil]

Just guessing since I have no scale for reference but it looks like maybe a 8, 9, or 10 mm socket and ratchet would work.

If you want to do more DIY work on your car and around the house, you would do well to pick up a starter tool kit. Something like this would be ideal: http://www.harborfreight.com/hand-tools/hand-tool-sets/105-pc-tool-kit-with-4-drawer-chest-69380.html There are probably dozens of threads on beginner DIY tools.

[HipGnosis]

Sure would help to know year, brand and model of car we're talking about.

[guitar_stitch]

Is it bolts, or plastic push pins?  Can't tell from that photo.

[Thinkum]

Take a better photo or describe the bolts in detail. They could be torx heads, or allen heads.

Torx


Allen

[jengod]

The car is a 2013 Ford Edge Sport WG.



I measured the bolt and I think I got 8 mm.

P.S. Thanks v much for the Harbor Freight tool link. I will pick that up. The only car DIY I've ever done before was replacing an air filter so this kind of insourcing is completely new territory. Thank you all for your patience and guidance!

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[Thinkum]

Looks like an allen head; six sided.

[jengod]

Thank you. I should have asked the Pep Boys lady instead of bugging you guys but my 2yo was having a meltdown and I got distracted.


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[jda1984]

Looks like an allen head; six sided.

It looks like a standard hex head bolt in a countersunk space to me.  Standard socket should do the trick.

[Thinkum]

hex head bolt in a countersunk space to me. 

Which is what an allen head bolt is precisely. Defined: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allen%20screw

[bobechs]

Looks like an allen head; six sided.

It looks like a standard hex head bolt in a countersunk space to me.  Standard socket should do the trick.

If by standard you mean metric I'm with you in Rockland.

[Spork]

hex head bolt in a countersunk space to me. 

Which is what an allen head bolt is precisely. Defined: http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/allen%20screw

That link wants me to sign up...  but I think you're talking about different things. 

Allen Screw:


Hex bolt:


I'm with jda... looks like a hex bolt that is in a countersunk location.

[Thinkum]

WAY better photo and clearly a hex bolt. Glad you got it sorted.

[jengod]

I DID IT! I am 38 years old and have never touched a socket wrench before in my life but I now own that Harbor Freight tool set and I got the light assembly off and I changed the bulbs and now it works and I feel soooo cool.

I would post a picture but it's just brake lights in the dark which you've probably seen before.

Thanks all. You guys rock.


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[Greg]

Nice job!  Next you'll be changing your oil and so forth.  Or not, but it's amazing what doing your won simple car repairs does for one's confidence and actual ability.

Side note; it's often good to replace the same bulb on both sides of the car while you're at it.  The other one will likely burn out soon since they get about the same or exactly the same amount of use.  Also, some new cars have sensitive bulb monitoring systems that will react to different brands/ages/wattage of bulbs in each side.

[jeromedawg]

I DID IT! I am 38 years old and have never touched a socket wrench before in my life but I now own that Harbor Freight tool set and I got the light assembly off and I changed the bulbs and now it works and I feel soooo cool.

I would post a picture but it's just brake lights in the dark which you've probably seen before.

Thanks all. You guys rock.


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Feels good doesn't it?! :) Yep, it sure is handy to have a socket wrench and sockets around the house. I'd advise having both metric and SAE sets around - they're indispensable. I replaced the fender and door on my car (long story...there's actually a thread or two on it haha) and the socket wrench was absolutely necessary. In fact, I wish I had gotten deep sockets and socket extensions much earlier on - I picked them up halfway through the job (at the point that I had taken off everything but before I had to reinstall the new fender and door). Having deep sockets and socket extensions would have made life so much easier at the junkyard - I nearly broke my wrist trying to remove this one bolt that I couldn't get enough leverage on.

Anyway, don't get too caught up with tools either - it can turn into a can of worms.

[zolotiyeruki]

I DID IT! I am 38 years old and have never touched a socket wrench before in my life but I now own that Harbor Freight tool set and I got the light assembly off and I changed the bulbs and now it works and I feel soooo cool.

Be careful--DIYing can be addictive.  I just spent a few days learning how two-stoke engines and their carburetors work, so I could fix up my string trimmer that's been collecting dust for four years.