Which socket for the axle nut?
Thread Starter
Safety Car
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 3,730
Likes: 707
From: Shelton, Connecticut
St. Jude Donor '08-'09-'10-'11-'12-'13-'14-'15-'16
Which socket for the axle nut?
Since the 1-5/16 socket appears to fit both size axle nuts, which one
is better, the 6 pt or 12 pt? I want to pick one up this weekend.
is better, the 6 pt or 12 pt? I want to pick one up this weekend.
Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
Just for some knowledge in case you cannot find the 1 5/16" socket the metric conversion is a 33mm socket. I had to look the conversion up as I was at Checkers looking high and low for the 1 5/16" deep socket and was unable to find it but they had the 33 mm deep sockets.
The more points the stronger the socket is. So if to torque at 150 lbs I would go with the 12 point socket.
The more points the stronger the socket is. So if to torque at 150 lbs I would go with the 12 point socket.
Racer
Joined: Aug 2004
Posts: 489
Likes: 121
From: Albany NY
Just for some knowledge in case you cannot find the 1 5/16" socket the metric conversion is a 33mm socket. I had to look the conversion up as I was at Checkers looking high and low for the 1 5/16" deep socket and was unable to find it but they had the 33 mm deep sockets.
The more points the stronger the socket is. So if to torque at 150 lbs I would go with the 12 point socket.
The more points the stronger the socket is. So if to torque at 150 lbs I would go with the 12 point socket.
Team Owner
Joined: Sep 2005
Posts: 20,352
Likes: 568
From: Ventura County, Calif
6 point gives bigger bite on the flats of the nut. 12 point concentrates on the points of the nut.
Team Owner
Joined: Oct 2004
Posts: 27,420
Likes: 64
From: San Clemente CA
The nut is a six sided nut and a six point socket is the best bet. I have a 34 mm GM axle nut socket (6 point). As nut's get bigger there is more leeway in the size socket that can be used. Some members use a 33 and other member report it won't fit on their axle nuts. The 34 is the best bet as it will fit for sure.
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Safety Car
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 4,269
Likes: 4
From: Mililani HI
??? I broke many 6 point sockets on suspension work but never a 12 point. Just my work experience with breaking sockets at high torque specs.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Nov 2005
Posts: 804
Likes: 3
From: San Francisco Ca.
Being a former mechanic in the US Army, Working on everything from a power generator to the most modern combat vehicles. I will tell you that a 6 point socket is stronger than a 12 point socket. The advantage of the 12 point socket is that it allows for more positions in putting the socket on the nut. (space versus turns) You will not have that problem for the axle nut.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
A six point socket is less likely to "round the nut," though more likely to break. I'd rather have the socket break than the nut damaged, since SnapOn replaces my broken sockets as part of their lifetime warranty.
Burning Brakes
Joined: Jun 2007
Posts: 940
Likes: 1
From: Woodstock Ontario
Being a former mechanic in the US Army, Working on everything from a power generator to the most modern combat vehicles. I will tell you that a 6 point socket is stronger than a 12 point socket. The advantage of the 12 point socket is that it allows for more positions in putting the socket on the nut. (space versus turns) You will not have that problem for the axle nut.
Instructor
Joined: Oct 2006
Posts: 222
Likes: 0
From: San Diego California
