how about 3d print an adaptor to hold the nut in place on your wrench

have made a few over the years just for that pain in the arse location just to get the nut started

Instead of needle nose, I've also had some instances where I've used straight or curved hemostats to get it in position. Then finger tip to hold up, onto thread; and try to start.

But if you can't get even a finger under the nut, it gets trickier, I realize.

Used goofy combos like hemostats, then a credit card (or other plastic) strip or a popsicle stick under it, to continue to hold it up; while I release the hemostats and attempt a slight spin with the wrench etc.

Then go look for the nut

Tape it to your finger. Easy to manipulate it, lots of blind work in farming, hard to reach places. Works good

I was going to say the same thing.

I've seen some rather great deals for only about $100 for really decent starter printers. Comes in handy for pinball mods too.

Magnet

Maybe you can find a precision nut driver in the sizes you need?

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I have just done a quick custom design and print for one off issues to suit different nuts etc and then it lost or thrown away - like a mini wrench / spanner with a section for the nut to drop into with a retainer.

Since I am metric I measure up the problem nut and make to suit but without a 3 printer this idea does not help much.

What about cutting a jig out of a few millimeter compressed cardboard or perspex with some tape. It won't tighten but might get 1-2 threads on

Sounds like ForceFlow could use a slightly undersized nut holder to keep the nut in place and start it, then slip it off when done. Perfect application to 3D print since it can be made thin to squeeze into a tight area.

ForceFlow So an open ended wrench would work, it's just that there's no way to hold the nut? If one was printed just a hair undersized, would that work?

Like this but slimmed down on the sides maybe:
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I'm going to make one of these!!

Would this work?

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Here’s a few tools that I use in tight spots.

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I've used this a lot in tight spaces, though not on a pin specifically. Would this work? There are lots of different brands/options.

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Titan makes one that works great.

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I use a strip of Gorilla tape over the top of the tool and the nut - holds long enough to get it started.

3d printed spanner with a small spring leaf arm to keep tension on the nut

Wedge a small piece of paper in the box end of the wrench when putting the nut in, oldest trick in the book. Leaves the opening visible, keeps it from moving around

Sure does. You'll have to play with it a couple times to see what the right amount of paper is. With the small nuts, it's not much at all

I agree, as an add on if you find it still slips out, use a wide elastic instead of paper, as you get extra grip that way.

If I did, I can't remember. LOL. I've done a lot of weird improvised tools over the years.

That picture was a #4. Here's a #2. I was able to thread a screw into it w/no problem. Pretty sure a flat blade screwdriver to help keep it flat when starting the screw might help.

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I'll 3D print an open end wrench for you, if you need it. I'll make it slightly undersize to help hold the nut in place, plus a lip to keep it from popping out. Just need the width of the nuts.

One of the other options mentioned above may work out - just tossing that offer out if needed.

Will a 4" needle nose vice grip or extra long help?

https://www.amazon.com/VISE-GRIP-Original-Locking-Pliers-1602L3/dp/B0000BYD9A/ref=sr_1_5

https://www.amazon.com/Tools-VISE-GRIP-Pliers-11-Inch-1773584/dp/B0052XQYQO/ref=sr_1_29

So why does the nut spin if clamped in some small vise grips? That should hold the nut rather tight. Almost sounds like the threads on the bolt are messed up and are binding up in the nut.

Ive never had that spin with the teeth on a vise grip tightened well.
Or when it didnt thread easily.

I just did #6 on a pirate chest, very tight, it took a few bolts to find one that, "just grabbed"

Perhaps temp Loctite or super glue the nut to something else and snap it free?

Magnetic sockets? I use them all the time at work for small hardware, 7mm or 5.5mm in dash work.

Have tried to find a screw the same size and partially thread the nut on the end, then hold the screw in a pliers and bring the nut over the top of the target and spin the nut with your finger?

Wouldn’t a magnetic nut driver work, or am I not understanding correctly. Search Klein magnetic nut driver on Amazon. I use them all the time.

Sounds like FlorceFlow has limited height to work with (or some other similar constraint). So the approach has been to try to use something thin, like a open ended wrench or pliers. That's my take-away on it w/o seeing pictures.

If that’s the case, I’d use needle nose vice grips.

I've used the Wera Joker wrenches for this kind of issue with 5/8 or 3/16 nuts. Holds the nut, and has ratchet action: https://www-de.wera.de/en/great-tools/joker/

They're not cheap, but you only need a couple of sizes. I'm sure someone could 3D print something similar without the ratchet action.

I'm curious as to what item needs this type of bad access. Is it to avoid taking some sub assembly out of something?

I just watched a "hack " video on YouTube, they put the top of a bolt in a rubber hose, maybe that could work for a nut?

I was going to suggest an 3D printed open end wrench with a lip on the top and bottom to hold the nut in place. But if the vise grips aren't cutting it, then I doubt a 3d printed gizmo would work.

Something like this. Holds the nut stationary so the threads can get started. Modded to fit what ever weird location he's working on.
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https://www.thingiverse.com/thing:947423

Thats a great Tool! Everyone should print both of these referrals!!

That looks like it would work well!

I think we need ForceFlow to chime in...