What are ball hex sockets for?

What are ball hex sockets for?

A hex key, also known as an Allen key is a simple tool used to drive bolts and screws with hexagonal sockets in their heads. From standard keys in chrome vanadium steel to extra-long with ballpoint heads in chrome molybdenum steel, there are a wide variety to choose from.

What is a hex socket?

A “hex” socket—short for “hexagonal”—is a socket that fits around a hexagonal (six sided) nut or bolt head. The twelve-point socket—also sometimes called a “double hex” or “bi-hex”—has twelve angles in the bolt end.

Why do some technicians use Allen keys to fasten joints?

Why do some technicians use Allen keys instead of self-tapping screws to fasten joint? To summarize, a hex key is a tool having a hexagonal socket that is used to drive nuts and screws. They are easier to use and less prone to strip than their Phillip’s head equivalent since they have six driving points.

Why do hex keys have ball ends?

Easier hex key When you buy a hex key (Allen wrench) set, get them with ball ends. The advantage is that their ball end make it easier to slide the wrench into the receiving slot. You can reach in at an angle and feel your way to the needed drop-in position faster.

Can a 12 point socket be used on a hex 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.

What are the 5 different types of socket?

The presumed processes are used to interact between the same type sockets with no other limitations which stop the communication of different types of sockets.

• Stream Sockets.
• Datagram Sockets.
• Raw Sockets.
• Packet Sequenced Sockets.
• Hex Sockets.
• Socket Bit.
• Impact Sockets.
• Spark Plug Sockets.

Why are Allen keys hexagonal?

These instruments are essentially L-shaped wrenches that have six sides. They are utilized to drive hexagon-shaped recessed holes. Greek “hex” means “six”. Hence the name.

Why do hex screws exist?

You get screws with many different heads. All are designed to allow someone a good stable grip before applying the force needed to drive the screw in or out. You normally find hex heads on bolts but you do find them on screws. A hex head screw just allows the use of a socket attachment on a drill to do this.

What is the difference between a hex key and an Allen key?

This article is aimed to help you figure out the difference between an Allen wrench and a hex key. The short answer is “there is no difference”. Really, these two names can be used interchangeably. Keep reading if you want to know why.

What is better a 6 point or 12 point socket?

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. Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew.

Which is better 6 point or 12 point?

Therefore, 6 point sockets are the clear winner, and here’s why: Six-point sockets have thicker walls than 12 point sockets. Thus, 12 point sockets often come out of the fastener due to its thinner material. On the other hand, there’s no such problem with the 6 point sockets.

What are the 2 main types of sockets?

What are the different types of socket?

• Hex Sockets. Hex sockets are the most common type of socket and come in two main types: hex/6 point sockets and bi-hex/12 point sockets.
• Socket Bits.
• Impact Socket.
• Spark Plug Socket.
• Insulated Sockets.
• Pass Through Sockets.
• Adjustable Multi Sockets.
• Oil Filter Socket.

What is hex key socket?

A hex key, also known as an Allen key or Allen wrench, is a small handheld tool that’s used for for driving bolts and screws with a hexagonal socket. They are available in many different sizes, though they all have the same hexagonal-shaped tip.

What is hex socket head cap screw?

Hide Product Description. The hex socket screw, also known as the socket head cap screw, is a headed and externally threaded part designed for insertion through a close tolerance internally tapped hole and mated with a nut. Tension on the hex socket screw is induced by rotation of the screw head.

What is a Hex Bit Socket?

A hex bit socket is a specially designed bit that fits into a manual or power screwdriver or drill. Such sockets are usually two-sided, with one side featuring the male, or driver, unit and the other side featuring the female, or socket, unit.

What is a hex socket set?

A hex socket set, also called a 6-point socket set, is designed to fit over a standard 6 sided hexagonal shaped nut or bolt head. These are the most common type of socket.