I have been trying to remove the Negative cable which is bolted to the Crankcase on my 2012 Sportster 48. Does anyone know what size and type socket will work. I think a flex socket 1/4" or 3/8" drive is needed but I am not sure which drive or socket size. I would like to buy one so I can remove the Battery. I was not able to get it with a universal and a separate socket so I would like to buy the correct one.
thanks, Barrier

 

I believe that is a metric size. I have always used just a quarter inch drive with a 4 inch extension.

 

Thanks for the reply Sporty Pig.
I tried a 1/4" drive extension, universal and a socket I was not able to get a clear engagement on the nut the socket and extension were too long. I figured a flex socket in 1/4" drive would work. Before I buy one I would like to know if that would work and what the correct socket size is. I cannot easily get to the bike so I need to know before I continue to search. Flex or Swivel sockets in 1/4" do not seem to be easy to find. I would hate to search and buy and find that it does not work.
Thanks, Lew Barrier

 

I use a 1/4" 7/16ths Flex socket. Also try from the left side of bike with a few 1/4" extensions

 

Once you get it out, go to a auto zone and match the cable up with one that is a few inches longer. You will then be able to remove the battery without messing if that connection.

 

Thanks!
Outtakes that will work, now to find one.
Kpb46 that is a good idea, will do.
Barrier

 

I'm pretty sure its an 11mm

 

Buy a plastic dial caliper so you can identify the sizes of your own fasteners.

 

Thanks for the response lo-rider. I have many dial indicators the location is very difficult to get to due to the location on the newer model Sportster and the need to remove the Battery for Winter storage my inquiry would save some time. My purpose was not only size but need to find what others have used to access the nut. When using a 1/4 socket and a universal the extra length of the two would not enable me to engage the nut. I just figured that others have taken the battery out and would have the info readily available.
Barrier

 

If you have trouble fitting the dial calipers into the space, you can substitute something like small Vise-Grips, adjusted to just slide over the fastener. Then you can measure the Vise-Grips.