Question: What Are 12 Point Sockets Used For

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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.

Are 12 point or 6 point sockets better?

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.

What is the point of 12 point bolts?

The twelve point head design is tightened with standard twelve point socket wrenches. 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.

Why are 12 point sockets cheaper?

As far as your question it is because a twelve point can also be used on a six point bolt typically without rounding it off so it is cheaper for the consumer to buy a socket set that works with more bolts.

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?

Are 12 point bolts better?

It’s much better to use a 12-point bolt in this application. The 12-point is also a bit smaller than the flat of the hex; therefore, a smaller socket can be used to get down inside. A lot of times, the 12-point bolts are used for a little higher clamp load. 12-point bolts are also prevalent in engine applications.

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. This difference is most noticeable in the corner of the socket where the wall is thinnest.

Will a 12 point socket work on 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.

Can you use standard wrenches on metric bolts?

A: In some cases, yes. A 5/16 bolt typically requires a 1/2 inch wrench, converting 1/2 inch to millimeters yields a size of 12.7 millimeters; assuming the fastener is in good condition (no rust etc.) a 13 millimeter wrench can be used.

What is the most common socket drive size?

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 are 5 point sockets used for?

All purpose impact sockets are for use with impact power tools in loosening and tightening fasteners. They can apply more torque than a hand drive tool and have an enclosed head that fits around and grips the entire head of the fastener so the socket won’t slip off.

Why is there a hole in impact sockets?

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.

Is it OK to use impact sockets with a ratchet?

Can I use an impact socket on a hand ratchet? You can absolutely use an impact socket on a hand tool ratchet, a breaker bar or a torque wrench without damaging the tool or placing yourself at risk. New impact sockets are designed with a shoulder that is stepped down to a parallel neck.

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.

Can you use impact sockets with a torque wrench?

Among all, impact sockets are the most popular and durable sockets that can withstand the load delivered by torque wrenches. Impact sockets are robust sockets that are designed for impact drivers such as impact wrenches, and industrial torque wrenches that can deliver higher torque than other wrenches.