How to fasten heater element nuts under dishwasher?

darsunt

I have a frigidaire dishwasher that was leaking through the heater element. I've read that this is a common problem with frigidaire dishwashers.

I tightened the nuts by hand and the leaking has stopped. But I am concerned that is not tight enough. Also I have heard that the reason the nuts get loose is because they crack.

I am ordering some new fastener nuts to be safe. There is little space down there, little room for tools and the nuts are almost flush with the dishwasher bottom when tightened down. Does anyone know the proper way of tightening these nuts, short of pulling the dishwasher out and flipping it on its side?

Thanks