I use a universal socket on the 32mm socket to loosen the cap, then unscrew it by hand, reinstall by hand and just tighten with the socket.

 

I have a cheap AmPro off the shelf 32mm 1/2 drive that I picked up at Advance back in 06. Basically the same, I use it to crack the cap loose and then take it off by hand.

 

solman- My Craftsman (standard 1/2" drive) 1-1/4" socket is too tall. It is 1-3/4" tall, & in no way will clear my 2.4 intake manifold.

How tall is your 1-1/4" socket ?

I had to get an auto parts store brand (3/8" drive) "shorty" 32mm that is only 1-3/16" tall..

My craftsman socket is 9/16 of an inch taller than my 32mm shorty.

 

Well lets see if it's the height, or just the shape of the socket that makes a differance. Mine is an AmPro I picked up at Advance. 32mm, 1/2 drive and it's 1 3/4" tall total, but it's not fully barrel shape, but tapered at the top.



I don't use the socket to take the cap off completely, but I break it loose and get a few turns with it and then have to take it off by hand. Socket is too tall to try and take it off completely.

 

Yep,

It's the shape of the socket. Mine are cylindrical in shape, not tapered at top as you pic, & my 'shorty socket'..

 

LOL, well we figured out something.

 

Yep, sure did..

 

I just bought a oil filter socket from Lordco and the part number is W80678.
Its a gm 2.2L oil filter socket. Made for the Ecotecs.
I've seen it for 9 bucks us on the US ebay sites, but in Canada where we pay more for everything, it is 27 bucks.
I got mine for 13 using my cash account.
Here is a link to a picture of it.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Performance-...5329%26ps%3D54

 

The ss uses 1 1/4 and has no problem. But on cobalts n such i use a swivel and only just break it loose, then unscrew by hand.

 

The 32mm fits best. Your local parts spot should have such a socket that is short. I've found a long swivel ended extension works best.