sockets; 12pt, bi-hex, hex-impact

Honest John Back Room » Motoring discussion
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Sun 11 Apr 2004 17:40
sockets; 12pt, bi-hex, hex-impact - Dalglish
what are the merits and/or differences between the folowing types of sockets?:

a. 12point
b. bi-hex (is this not the same as 12 point?)
c. hexagonal impact


for examples see

www.bennetts.com/tools/handtools?categoryId=359


thanks in advance for any help.





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Sun 11 Apr 2004 23:50
sockets; 12pt, bi-hex, hex-impact - Dizzy {P}
I use ordinary hexagonal, impact hexagonal and bi-hex (i.e. 12 point) sockets, depending on the job to be done -- mostly heavy engineering rather than motor cars. These are my thoughts ...

Hexagonal is better than bi-hex on worn nuts/bolts because it drives against a larger surface so is less likely to slip.

Impact hexagonal is better still where the nuts/bolts are extremely tight and the force needing to be applied (by hand or by air-driven impact wrench) could break an ordinary socket. The disadvantage is that this socket has a thicker wall than normal and therefore needs more clear space around the bolt/nut.

Bi-hexagon is better in tight spaces because the socket can be fitted onto the nut in 1/12ths of a turn. I think it is the best 'general purpose' socket.

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Mon 12 Apr 2004 14:54
sockets; 12pt, bi-hex, hex-impact - Dalglish
dizzy

thanks for a very useful reply.

i will go for a hexagonal for the job i have in mind.

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