anode rod

I use a 1-1/16 socket and extension to insert and tighten my suburban anode rod. I start with a 6 sided hex socket and extension with out being connected to the ratchet. I tear a piece of cardboard cereal box or cracker box into a strip about 3/8 inch wide and long enough to wrap half way around the anode rod hex. Then force the rod hex and cardboard into the hex socket. It makes a tight enough fit it will stick out from the hex socket without having to support the rod. Don't forget to use a couple wraps of Teflon tape on the threads. I then insert it into the tank drain boss and line it up. The boss has a very slight downward angle. I push on the anode while turning it counter clockwise until I feel the end of the hole thread and end of the anode thread slip off each other kind of a bump as mentioned above. Then I start tightening slowly making sure the threads are lined up then tighten away.