robertbartsch

I heard some say 6 point chrome sockets are as strong as the black impact sockets and that they can be used with impact wrenches...

It looks like they are a little less beefy than the impact sockets but the 6 points rather than twelve points should help; right?

I'm also seeing a lot of 6 point box wrenches now. I guess these are really strong too.

Dope

iTrader: (2)

I would think impacts would be way stronger. The ones I have are twice as beefy as my normal sockets. I use them for everything, impact or hand tools.

Dope

aresixx

chrome sockets are actually stronger than impact. inturn, they are dangerous to use on impact. chrome sockets will shatter while impact wil deform.

robertbartsch

That is interesting - so the impacts are softer and absorb better so they hold up under stress where the chrome sockets just shatter....

I never understood why chrome sockets were made in 12 point. If they are used with ratrchets, there is no need for a 12 point; right. Not so with hand wrenches since the 12 points fit is tighter places...

jimmyblue

iTrader: (11)

I have split several 5/8 deep chrome 6-points, using just a
breaker bar, pulling head bolts off SBC motors. I have also
cracked one impact, same, but it lasted longer. The chrome
were Craftsman so I got them replaced. The impact was a
Fine Imported Tool from the flea market so, out of luck there.
But the whole set was like 10 bucks, back in the day.

jmd

iTrader: (4)

Impact sockets are like a racing ring & pinion. They're somewhat softer, so they won't crack, shatter, etc. But in a non impact application, the chrome is stronger. DON'T use your good chrome stuff on an impact.

Chuckl

One of the reasons for 12 point sockets is found in aviation use. There are actually nuts and cap screws with 12 point "heads" (commonly called "missle nuts"). They tend to be lighter in weight than regular hex-head fasteners, but are torqued to very high specs. To prevent damaging the lands of the drive surfaces, they came up with 12 point heads which require 12 point sockets or wrenches. These are also different from what are known as "spline or spline-drive bolts and nuts.

robertbartsch

..interesting....

I see the star wrenches alot now - what about them - are they also light weight

How about the huge allen head bolts that are used on Mercedes? Where are these sold?