Special impact sockets

[Brianstick]

Has anybody ever tried those impact sockets that have the corners cleared out so it grips the fastener by the sides insted of gripping on to the corners?

[farmersamm]

Never have tried 'em. Still use my old Mac 6pt sockets, and have never rounded a fastener yet.

For regular non impact I prefer 6pt also. Only 12pt I have is for 3/8 drive smaller sockets.

6pt sockets actually can work pretty well in tight areas if you use a fine tooth ratchet

[ed mac]

snapon has had them for years

[lugweld]

Yes,


Their grip is like a pit bull, but be aware that the pressure in the corners is severe enough if the fastener won't budge, it can "eat" the corners off.

[David R]

I use em all the time. They work.

David

[Mandau]

Good stuff I have a set of Facom

[rlitman]

All my sockets have a little extra clearance in the corners. Snap On has been calling this flank drive for what seems like forever, but I've got 20 year old craftsman sockets with the same idea.
I have seen though, that after -much- use, the socket can wear in a way that gets it stuck on the fastener.

[farmersamm]

Are the inside surfaces of the "special" sockets milled, or broached?

I think most standard sockets are broached. Pretty expensive specialized tooling and machine.

[dougspair]

...A few years ago, I saw a video on the 'net, Craftsman sockets, flank drive, impact and non-impact. They are mostly all made from round bar stock, square drive hole is broached after drilling, then the rest is cold-formed. Takes about 7-10 seconds to make the sockets....all done on automatic machines of course.
The larger size sockets have some CNC lathe work on the outside diameter...reduced at the drive end.
Then are heat-treated and plated, sizes are now laser etched on most of the chrome plated hand-stuff....that takes a second or two.
Impact sockets have the sizes/numbers rolled on in a machine that turns the socket against the number stamp on a moving rack. Heat-treated after that, then black oxide finish.
Open end and box-combination wrenches are forged, then the openings are broached.

Snap-On pioneered the flank-drive name, but now with patent expired, most all the tool companies are doing it.

Only sockets I've seen that are broached from the open end are the cheaper softer stuff....same goes for 'imported' allen socket screws.
As far as the allen bolts go...most all are cold formed, threads rolled on, then heat-treated/case-hardened....can't dril them out unless you use carbide drill.

Proto at one time had a sequential picture demonstration on here ('net) of how they make the hand wrenches.