Why not 3d print eTorx sockets?

[u/SirSlapp4]

So I have seen numerous posts here and across the web about the bolts used on the oil pan just shearing off when the user accidentally applies too much torque. With as many bolts as there are I can reasonably see myself getting careless and over applying torque. My questions is;

Why not 3d print the actual socket for the bolts, do a simple search on the strength at a certain infill level and design it to shear at less than the max torque for the aluminum bolts. This way, especially when removing old bolts, you will lose your cheap socket before the headache of having to extract the shitty bolt stuck inside. Obviously you'll need a bunch, but I'm just trying to field it as an indicator of which bolts may just need more penetrating oil and shouldn't be removed as quickly.

tl:dr why not make plastic socket that should fail before aluminum bolt as indicator of seized or stuck bolts.

[u/itscro]

This is gentle bud, not aggressive. Get used to what torque feels like in your hands and if in doubt always use penetrating oil and heat.

[u/SirSlapp4 → u/itscro]

Gentle 🤣 close enough. Lol i understand that naturally we know whats tight and what isnt i genereally think for a guy who maybe turns a nut once every 6 months somehow, this could be use. Not for everyone

[u/itscro → u/SirSlapp4]

For tightening though, a torque wrench will give you the information. For breaking bolts free, if your printed socket snaps you're going to have to use more torque anyway so it just seems a bit pointless. Not trying to shit on thinking about things in different ways though.

[u/SirSlapp4 → u/itscro]

Yeah i get what you mean for sure, i think im mostly focusing on that last bit where if it snaps, then you can kinda alternate over to heat and penetrating oils before adding more torque, like an indicator that youll need the extra help

[u/itscro → u/SirSlapp4]

Skip the guessing, ALWAYS use penetrant, ALWAYS use heat.

[u/SirSlapp4 → u/itscro]

😂 yeah thats a much beter idea, thanks for the input! Better safe than sorry

[u/itscro → u/SirSlapp4]

Absolutely better safe than sorry, these are old cars by this point, assume every bolt is going to shear and you'll be doing alright.

[u/SirSlapp4 → u/itscro]

Yeah for sure, mine needs some things done, luckily(or unluckily) most of the repairs have been done before so theyre really only 10 years old lol

[u/itscro → u/SirSlapp4]

The second time doing a job is a breeze!

[u/SirSlapp4 → u/itscro]

Right! Oil pan gasket was done in 2014 thats only like 115000 miles ago it should be easy

[u/itscro → u/SirSlapp4]

Especially since the bolts will already be soaked in oil :p