sockets for nuts

macafee2 · 9th December 2019, 18:24

I've seen advice that having a socket that works off the sides of a nut is better then one that works off the corners.

I can see the thinking behind this but Halfords professional sockets seem to work off the corners. This seems a contradiction
Have you had problems with a good fitting socket that uses the corners rounding off the corners of a quality nut.. or bolt?

I have some sockets to replace, 27, 32 and something else. My 32mm which works off the corners has undone drive shaft nuts which are 350nm torque when fitted. I'm therefore not convinced that ones that work off the corners are bad. I'm also having a bit of difficulty finding suitable sockets that work off the sides and are the right shape to fit in my socket set

macafee2

gnu · 9th December 2019, 18:38

It’s true, all other things being equal the ones with the hex shape when you look at their face, are heavier duty than the corner type. Of course it’s down to the tool steel they are made from and their quality as well...

Phil-Hex · 9th December 2019, 18:43

i dont think it'll matter too much if the nuts are in good condition but its a different story once theyve been subjected to a bit of rusting

I have the halfords set but usually end up using the 6 sided sockets from my impact set for everything

SCP440 · 9th December 2019, 18:45

Impact sockets are always 6 sided and when I buy new sockets I always choose 6 sided.

suzublu · 9th December 2019, 18:52

Best socket set I've ever had https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teng-M381...0AAOSwaXpb8zR-

Comfortably Numb · 9th December 2019, 19:40

If you've got to crack a heavily torqued nut, best to use a six sider, if you have enough access and "swing" room available, but sometimes the extra angles available with the pastry-cutter type will allow you to get on the nut, and have room to crack it. If it's a good fit, it shouldn't have a problem. Obviously, you shouldn't use a rachet to crack a heavily torqued nut.

Mike Noc · 9th December 2019, 20:32

When it comes to the oil filter housing Ian you need a surface drive socket - anything else can damage the moulded nut on the top.

My car has such damage despite being serviced only by main dealers before I bought it.

Maybe they let the Appo have a go at it?

9th December 2019, 18:24	#1
macafee2 This is my second home Rover 75 Saloon & Tourer Join Date: Sep 2012 Location: Lincoln Posts: 14,929 Thanks: 1,630 Thanked 3,032 Times in 2,181 Posts	sockets for nuts I've seen advice that having a socket that works off the sides of a nut is better then one that works off the corners. I can see the thinking behind this but Halfords professional sockets seem to work off the corners. This seems a contradiction Have you had problems with a good fitting socket that uses the corners rounding off the corners of a quality nut.. or bolt? I have some sockets to replace, 27, 32 and something else. My 32mm which works off the corners has undone drive shaft nuts which are 350nm torque when fitted. I'm therefore not convinced that ones that work off the corners are bad. I'm also having a bit of difficulty finding suitable sockets that work off the sides and are the right shape to fit in my socket set macafee2 Last edited by macafee2; 9th December 2019 at 21:11..

9th December 2019, 18:38	#2
gnu Gets stuck in MG ZT Join Date: Apr 2018 Location: Bristol Posts: 696 Thanks: 332 Thanked 164 Times in 133 Posts	It’s true, all other things being equal the ones with the hex shape when you look at their face, are heavier duty than the corner type. Of course it’s down to the tool steel they are made from and their quality as well... __________________ gnu

9th December 2019, 18:52	#5
suzublu This is my second home rover 75 1.8 vvc club se wedgwood blue Join Date: Aug 2009 Location: Seaton Carew Posts: 26,921 Thanks: 65 Thanked 7,142 Times in 4,642 Posts	Best socket set I've ever had https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Teng-M381...0AAOSwaXpb8zR- Last edited by suzublu; 9th December 2019 at 18:55..

9th December 2019, 18:43	#3
Phil-Hex Gets stuck in Typhoon ZT-T CDTi Bittersweet 135 TF Join Date: Jul 2014 Location: Ribble Valley Posts: 672 Thanks: 226 Thanked 141 Times in 117 Posts	i dont think it'll matter too much if the nuts are in good condition but its a different story once theyve been subjected to a bit of rusting I have the halfords set but usually end up using the 6 sided sockets from my impact set for everything

9th December 2019, 18:45	#4
SCP440 I really should get out more....... MG ZT-T 260 Join Date: Feb 2016 Location: Witney Posts: 2,504 Thanks: 6 Thanked 910 Times in 571 Posts	Impact sockets are always 6 sided and when I buy new sockets I always choose 6 sided.

9th December 2019, 19:40	#6
Comfortably Numb Posted a thing or two Rover 75 Saloon Join Date: Dec 2017 Location: Penrith Posts: 1,336 Thanks: 165 Thanked 303 Times in 241 Posts	If you've got to crack a heavily torqued nut, best to use a six sider, if you have enough access and "swing" room available, but sometimes the extra angles available with the pastry-cutter type will allow you to get on the nut, and have room to crack it. If it's a good fit, it shouldn't have a problem. Obviously, you shouldn't use a rachet to crack a heavily torqued nut.

9th December 2019, 20:32	#7
Mike Noc This is my second home Rover 75 CDT Manual Connoisseur SE, Rover 75 CDT Automatic Connoisseur SE & a Freelander Td4. Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Hampshire Posts: 11,551 Thanks: 3,470 Thanked 3,119 Times in 2,247 Posts	When it comes to the oil filter housing Ian you need a surface drive socket - anything else can damage the moulded nut on the top. My car has such damage despite being serviced only by main dealers before I bought it. Maybe they let the Appo have a go at it?