The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.

Whats better 6 point or 12 point sockets?

Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew.

Can a 12 point socket be used on hex head bolt?

Both 6-point and 12-point sockets can be fitted on hex nuts, the primary differences being convenience and torque. The more points a socket has, the more points of contact available. Compared with the 6-point socket, a 12-point socket has twice as many points, so it can more easily slide onto a hex nut.

Why are impact sockets black?

Impact sockets are typically black. This is because the surface is carbonized in order for it to harden. Ensuring that the surface is hard allows the sockets to absorb sudden torque changes i.e. “impact” a lot better.

Is a 12 point sockets better?

The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.

Will a 12 point socket fit a square nut?

usually you can find a 12pt socket that will fit over a square nut, but thats not something they are designed for. if the nut is very tight, you will likely round it off. the reason is the angle of those points.

What are 12 point bolts used for?

12-Point Bolts are an alternative head design for hex socket cap screws. The flange diameter and head height are designed to fit a range of applications and counterbored holes designed for standard hex socket cap screws.

Can I use regular sockets with an impact driver?

Chrome-plated sockets should never be used with an impact driver. Regular chrome-plated sockets can crack or shatter and send pieces flying. Use only impact-rated sockets for impact guns, and impact-rated sockets or nut drivers for smaller cordless impact drivers.

Which socket is best?

• Sunex 80-Piece Master Impact Socket Set.
• DEWALT 192-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.
• TEKTON 3/8-Inch Drive Socket Set.
• GearWrench 57-Piece 3/8-Inch Drive 6-Point Socket Set.
• Stanley 201-Piece Socket Set.
• Stanley Black Chrome and Laser Etched 69-Piece Socket Set.

Why do impact sockets have a hole?

That hole has a very specific purpose. It’s called a retaining pin and it is integral in making sure an impact socket and impact gun/wrench work perfectly together. The pin prevents the socket from coming off the end of the wrench or gun as a result of vibrations.

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Are hex keys the same as Allen keys?

A hex key, also known as an Allen key is a simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. From standard keys in chrome vanadium steel to extra-long with ballpoint heads in chrome molybdenum steel, there are a wide variety to choose from.

Why are 12 point bolts used instead of hex bolts in some applications?

The 12 point design permits greater torque to be applied to the bolt and eliminates the rounding of the hex socket that occurs with standard hex sockets. The flange diameter and head thickness of the 12 Point Flange Bolt are equivalent to the head dimensions of a socket head cap screw.

Are impact sockets different than regular sockets?

The wall of an impact socket is around 50% thicker than that of a regular hand tool socket, making it suitable for use with pneumatic impact tools, whereas regular sockets should only be used on hand tools.

What sockets are the most commonly used?

Hex sockets are the most common type of socket and come in two main types: hex/6 point sockets and bi-hex/12 point sockets.

What is the most common socket drive size?

• ½-inch drive size sockets are for high-torque applications like automotive wheel replacement and when you are using a breaker bar. …
• ⅜-inch drive size sockets are the most common and most available. …
• ¼-inch drive size sockets are ideal when you are in tight spaces or when you are working with recessed nuts.

What socket has a universal joint?

Universal Joints, or Universal Joint Sockets, are used with a ratchet or other socket driver to drive sockets at an angle. This is often very useful in applications with confined or awkward spaces.

What are 12-point bolts called?

Following are the characteristics of the 12-Point-Bolts: These are also called Multi Head Bolts. This design incorporates the modification of ‘Tightened-head-design’. It facilitates the application of larger torque to the bolt which assists in the termination of hex socket rounding.

What are bolt grades?

The grade of a bolt determines the maximum amount of stress (tensile strength) that the bolt can handle. … The SAE marking system uses raised dashes on the bolt head to indicate strength. Metric Bolt Grades—Metric grades are set according to rules set by the ISO (International Standards Organization).

Is there a socket for square bolts?

Sockets & Drivers for Square head Bolts Try using a socket that fits the number of corners on your square head bolts. These Square Socket or 4-point sockets fit many of the common head sizes we sell. Sockets for square head bolts and Square Nuts. Bolts and screws are classified by their shank or shaft size.

Will a 12 point socket fit a 6 point bolt?

A 12-point end is a double-hexagon (sometimes called “double-hex”)—it has 12 points, or vertices, evenly spaced at 30 degree increments around a circle. This geometry will also fit on a 6-point fastener. … If your fastener is 12-point, which is somewhat uncommon, then you must use a 12-point tool.

What is a square nut used for?

A square nut, or square head nut, is a four-sided nut that is designed for use with a square head bolt and flat washer. Square nuts offer greater surface contact with the part being fastened compared to a standard hex nut, and therefore provide greater resistance to loosening.

Are Crescent Tools good?

Are Crescent brand tools any good? A. For the most part, Crescent tools are pretty decent. While the company makes some questionable tools, it’s a solid brand overall.

What are the different socket sizes?

There are four common socket sizes: 1/4 inch (0.6 centimeters), 3/8 inch (0.9 centimeters), 1/2 inch (1.3 centimeters) and 3/4 inch (1.9 centimeters).

Are Quinn hand tools any good?

Well, you can now get Quinn hand tools of good quality but still at better prices. Even with their premium screwdrivers, a 15pc set is sold at $25 on most sites. The same sets from Husky will cost you $30 or more on various online stores. … Quinn hand tools offer great homeowner hand tools at slightly affordable prices.

Why are impact sockets so expensive?

Now, why does the price range of the impact sockets vary so much? Good question. It all depends on how many sockets you’re buying in your set, and whether or not they are deep sockets or shallow sockets. Deep sockets require more material, so they are more expensive.

Can I use drill bits in impact driver?

Yes, you can use an impact driver. … You can make small holes in light-gauge steel and soft wood with an impact driver using a standard hex-shank drill bit, but if you want to make holes larger than ¼ inch in heavy steel, hardwood, or pressure-treated lumber, you need a bit rated specifically for an impact driver.

What happens if you don't use impact sockets?

The brittle metal the chrome socket is normally made of is not meant to take impacts, especially of the torsional variety. So it will cause micro fractures which over time will cause them to weaken and crack or eventually explode.

What is a hog ring anvil?

A hog ring anvil retains the socket with a steel ring in a groove on the square drive, as on most air impact wrenches. The hog ring anvil tends to be more ornery to fit sockets onto and off from, but also retains them better.

Are chrome vanadium impact sockets any good?

Chrome vanadium sockets are a good fit for hand-torque applications and slow action applications like ratcheting. Chrome vanadium socket sets are known for their rigidity and hardness, and they offer a high amount of rust protection. Chrome vanadium is not an ideal for impact sockets.

Do all impact sockets have a hole?

The impact socket has thick walls and is finished in a black phosphate or black oxide finish. Impact sockets also have a cross hole in the handle end for use with a retaining pin and ring or locking pin anvil to allow the socket to be securely attached to the square drive of an impact gun, Snap-on says.

Is a Torx the same as an Allen wrench?

No, they are two very different tools. The Allen wrench or hex key, as it is sometimes called, is a hexagon shape, that is why many refer to them as hex keys. The Torx key has a star shape. So if you are trying to use an Allen wrench on a Torx screw, it won’t work, and vise versa.