12-point sockets?

[dragonle87]

how common are 12-point sockets in the automotive field?

 

[sargentl]

I'm going to assume you mean 12 point bolts/nuts rather than sockets because sockets are pretty much standard. I would say not really all that common. I would put them on the same level of commonality as E-Torx or Square drive bolts, but they typically aren't really a problem because almost everyone has 12 point sockets/wrenches.

 

[pipsters]

I'm not sure why but I tend to see them in high torque applications like flex plate bolts and axle nuts. That is about it. No idea why. Maybe an engineer can explain?

I've never seen them used beyond that.

 

[metaleltr]

The only place I have seen a 12 point bolt is on a ford driveshaft. 12mm 12 point attaching the driveshaft to the pinion flange.

 

[toolmaker1]

Dana 44 front axle on 94-01 dodge trucks use 12 pt to retain hub assembly also.

 

[Skin]

how common are 12-point sockets in the automotive field?

Depends on the vehicle but they're around enough that you should at least have 3/8 and/or 1/2 12pt sockets.

 

[Wakefield]

12 point socket on 12 point nut-grips better than 6 point on 6 point?
12 point socket on 6 point nut-grips not quite as good as 6 point socket on that nut?
Spline socket on spline nut grips best of all? (Until nuts rust)

 

[AZ_Catskinner]

According to my bolt class from Cat, the reason for the 12 point head design is better torque distribution across smaller areas.

 

[Mstrfxit12]

Harley brake calipers use them.

 

[byoungblood]

I'm not sure why but I tend to see them in high torque applications like flex plate bolts and axle nuts. That is about it. No idea why. Maybe an engineer can explain?

I've never seen them used beyond that.

More contact area between the fastener and tool. Same idea as a higher spline count on axles.

The old Ford 2.3L SOHC engine used 12 point head bolts, and of course the aforementioned bolts on the driveshaft yoke on cars with 7.5/8.8" (maybe even the 9.75", but I've never worked on one) rear ends.

 

[Griff93]

Jeeps use them on headbolts (1/2 12pt) and to hold the unit bearings on the front axle(13 12pt). BMW used them for some suspension on the newer stuff as well as they have used them on axle nuts for a long time.

 

[Kestas]

Like metaleltr, I too have only seen them on Ford driveshafts. Though I've seen plenty of 12-pt heads in the aircraft industry.

 

[diesel research]

Lotta semis used same 12 or sometimes 13mm 12pt bolts for their driveshafts. Pretty crazy to think a 3,500lb ranger and an 80,000lb loaded freightliner are using same size and quantity of driveshaft bolts...

As far as wakefield's questions:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=69163&showall=1

http://garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=73245

 

[DrkMtnDew]

the two automotive application i've seen 12pt bolts on is axle nuts and driveline bolts. in heavy duty application i've seen the 12pt CAT bolts.

 

[jk47]

Harley brake calipers use them.

Also the bolts that hold the tappet blocks, and cylinder head.

 

[93sr20det]

Alot of Nissan flywheel bolts use them.

 

[diesel research]

There will be more in the future. Quite a few inside engines like rods and heads. Probably easier for the robotic torque tools to hit their target?

 

[GoBlue]

I only see them in ford drive shaft bolts. You dont need sockets for these as you can just use your wrench.

 

[MBfreak]

Ujoint driveshaft axle nuts, internal fasteners in gearboxes, flywheel bolts and the list can go on ad on.
I keep my 12 point sockets in a box and use only whenn reqired by the fastener.
For all other I use the modern profile 6 point sockets.


Ola

 

[humpdawg]

They have a slight edge over 6pt if you do alignments and other general cramped space work. They set on bolts twice as easy.
I like them for those horrible UCA nuts on late full size GM Trucks. Theyre also a nice option for adjusting the ball joint position sleeves or Ford solid axles and I beam front ends.
12s for 13 mm-19mm could be useful on 3/8 drive.
21mm and 1 1/8 & up are the only sizes that come to mind for 1/2 drive must haves.

 

[shampoop]

Like triple square fasteners, 12 point fasteners are used when a high torque load needs to be placed on a small fastener. Those designs allow more torque to be exerted without stripping out.

I'd love it if all fasteners were 12 point, but they aren't. Because that would be expensive. I prefer 12 point sockets on 12 point fasteners, and 6 point sockets on 6 point fasteners.

 

[87handmedown]

In addition to the aforementioned applications, I've also seen them used on steering spline connectors on Ford Mustangs.

 

[wafrederick]

GM does use them too,the 4L80E has two 12 point fastners.The newer import cars and trucks use 12 point axle nuts.VW/Audi does use 12 point fastners too and I have been told Porsche does use a lot of 12 point fasteners also.

 

[roalco]

One more thing, use a 12 point fastener and no-one will be able to use a crescent on it!