I was getting ready to fab a side mount license plate bracket and when I went to loosen the rear axle nut I found I didn't have anything that would fit it. It looks different from all the other axle nuts I have seen; instead of using a standard wrench it's a round nut with a hex center. When I measured it with my caliper it was ~19mm. The largest size I could find at any store was 17mm... Sears, tractor supply, home depot and lowes all struck out. Any ideas?

 

Feel your pain. I had to pay HD to install my rear axle covers because they don't have a tool in any stores that fits.

 

Just got back from Harbor Freight, they had an impact socket set that included a 3/4" hex socket, which fit perfectly. So for anyone else that needs to know, 3/4" hex is the one you need.

 

Thanks!

 

Thanks a bunch!! Just saved a lot of us some headaches I am sure!!!

 

Here's the finished side mount plate bracket

 

You could also purchase a 1/2" hex cap bolt. It will have a 3/4" hex head. Back it with two nuts to lock them down and use the outside nut to turn with a socket while the bolt head is inserted into the axle opening.

 

You can also use a spark plug socket turned around backwards with a 3/8" drive extension thru the center.... The end is 3/4" hex.

 

Guess the OP got his answer long ago since his question has been posted more than 3 years ago, lol.

 

Oh ya Ray, I didn't catch that either lol, but I guess with over 4300 views people are still looking for the answer.... Well, at least we added a couple of tricks to the thread for taking the nut off, maybe it'll help someone down the road.