12pt Impact Sockets?

[kythri]

Does anyone make these beasts? How about 12pt wobble impacts?

I've already had to drop two drivelines on a couple of Ford SUV's (1990 Bronco II, 1999 Explorer), and ended up having to use a chrome socket with a universal-joint wobbler thing to get these off.

Seeing as I'm going to be installing a lift on my Explorer here in the near future, and will need to be removing the line again, it sure would be nice to have the right tool for the job.

At this point, I really only think I need a single socket, 12mm if I remember correctly, but if there's a "cheap" set out there, I'd probably buy it. My existing impacts are deep-well Stanley's from WallyWorld (set of SAE, set of Metrics, 6pt, 12 or 13 sockets per set, $17.97), which have so far done everything I've needed but this.

 

[Uncle Buck]

No such animal ever made! ( at least 12 pt impacts) 6pt everything in impact. Yes you can buy wobble impacts, no problem.

 

[-lecroix-]

believe it or not Harbor Freight's impact sockets are not too bad for weekend warrior use and are dirt cheap ... they are also available in universal/wobble type in 3/8" as well as 1/2" ... never seen any 12 pt. impact sockets though.

Harbor Freight Impact Sockets

 

[kythri]

Awesome.

Now I have to wonder if there's some special Ford tool/socket designed for taking these off, or if the dealership mechanics just put a chrome socket on the impact gun...

 

[eschoendorff]

Awesome.

Now I have to wonder if there's some special Ford tool/socket designed for taking these off, or if the dealership mechanics just put a chrome socket on the impact gun...

Probably. There are 12 pt impacts, but using a chrome for those times when you need one is probably cheaper. Just be careful (wear face and hand protection).

 

[ratchet_gear]

Does anyone make these beasts? How about 12pt wobble impacts?

I've already had to drop two drivelines on a couple of Ford SUV's (1990 Bronco II, 1999 Explorer), and ended up having to use a chrome socket with a universal-joint wobbler thing to get these off.

Seeing as I'm going to be installing a lift on my Explorer here in the near future, and will need to be removing the line again, it sure would be nice to have the right tool for the job.

At this point, I really only think I need a single socket, 12mm if I remember correctly, but if there's a "cheap" set out there, I'd probably buy it. My existing impacts are deep-well Stanley's from WallyWorld (set of SAE, set of Metrics, 6pt, 12 or 13 sockets per set, $17.97), which have so far done everything I've needed but this.

Snap on and SK make 12 pt impacts in the size you need.

 

[kartracer55]

Snap On and SK both make them as Tony said. My snap On guy has a few 12mm 12pts on display specifically for fords.

They are becomign more and more common and Im going to invest ina set of shport 3/8. Some Land Rovers use a 19 or 21 (Cant remember) for their caliper brackets. Honda's use them in odd places on thier suspension. They are something worthwhile to have if your going to be fixing alot of cars, but Id probably just use chromes because its not a super frequently used tool.

Jim

 

[mulepackin]

I'm guessing this is due to 12pt. star fasteners? My Dodge is loaded with them, but haven't had to impact off anything yet. KMFC.

 

[sha_ba_do_bang]

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1613&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

works great and is 1/2" to get those stubborn ones out

(they make a tool for everything it seems like)

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

well i use a 12pt,12mm shallow and a impact reducer extention, is all i need to bang those things out

 

[Deafautotech]

I have 12mm snap on shallow impact swivel 12pt and it cost me 32 dollars and i did used it few time while i work with ford mechanic next door when i dont have any work in Chrysler shop.

 

[Uncle Buck]

12pt impacts? I have been married and out of the tool buying loop way.....way.....too long! I have never seen, nor heard of them until right now! If youse guys say so, I guess that is good as gospel for me!

 

[kythri]

Thanks for the SK and Snap-On info, guys!

Yeah, the U-joint flanges on the drivelines for Explorers, Rangers and Bronco II's (possibly more, but these are all I have experience with) are held on by 12mm 12pt bolts.

They're loctite'd from the factory, and are a b!tch and a half to get off without an impact wrench.

I've already binned one Craftsman 12mm 12pt socket, and don't really want to buy more - would rather spend the money on the right tool.

Of course, we might have a bit of a personal crisis, here - God forbid I actually buy a Snap-On product...

 

[Dodgepu360]

Proto makes 12 pt impact sockets also MSC

 

[Uncle Buck]

Of course, we might have a bit of a personal crisis, here - God forbid I actually buy a Snap-On product... [/QUOTE]

WATCH IT THERE BUD! I think I am starting to smell popcorn! What is that strange popping sound I hear in the background?

 

[clueless]

snap-on,matco,and mac all have 12 pt impact sockets,i only have 2 12 point impact sockets,1/2'' and 12mm for drivelines.thats it in 12 point,everything else is 6point.

for the ford drivelines,take and spin the shaft till you can get the socket on it,been there,done that a few times!

 

[kythri]

Regarding your 12pt impacts - which ones do you have? Just curious - I was thinking I needed a wobble, but then someone posted that longer head-type socket...

 

[Uncle Buck]

So are you guys talking about individual specialty sockets for special applications or literally complete sets of impact sockets from say 7/16"-1 & 1/4" in the tweve point thing? Individual special application sockets would not suprise me but full sets does.

 

[kythri]

Me, I'm looking for just individuals, but it does appear that SK and Snap-On both package the 12pts as a set...

 

[jimmycrackcorn]

Regarding your 12pt impacts - which ones do you have? Just curious - I was thinking I needed a wobble, but then someone posted that longer head-type socket...

I use just a 12pt. 12mm snap on impact http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...7&group_ID=315&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
and a impact reducer http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tools.asp?tool=all&Group_ID=412&store=snapon-store
the 12pt. impact sockets tend to wear much faster than the 6pt. ones ,but if you don't want to waste the money you can use a crome one. I would crack em with a 12pt. box wrench , i rarely shoot my gun on any crome sockets unless they are lose.

 

[Deafautotech]

Regarding your 12pt impacts - which ones do you have? Just curious - I was thinking I needed a wobble, but then someone posted that longer head-type socket...

that snap on speciality tool is http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1556&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog
and http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...&group_ID=1556&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

S6194 is 34 dollars
S6160 is 40 dollars.

i have snap on 12mm impact swivel socket which it is common use as it is easy for myself to make little flex way to do than do straight way.... it is your choice to do that way....

 

[Major Ramifications]

I just saw an ad in an automotive shop trade magazine for Grey Pneumatic. They offer 12 point impact sockets in four different drive sizes, in SAE & Metric, and standard and deep lengths. They even have 12 point universal impact sockets. I have never heard of this company, but I am not a profesional mechanic. I went to their website, gpsocket.com, and found that they offer all kinds of impact sockets. They have impact sockets for a 2-1/2" DRIVE ! They have 'em in something called #5 spline drive, too. And, just when I thought I had seen it all, they have "triple square" sockets. Triple Square, what the hell is that?
Anybody ever use any GP sockets? Where are they made?

 

[Uncle Buck]

Gray is what our Canadian friends buy alot of. Everything I have ever seen on the board says it is good stuff.

 

[MAD]

just when I thought I had seen it all, they have "triple square" sockets. Triple Square, what the hell is that?
Anybody ever use any GP sockets? Where are they made?

Triple square is very similar to Torx except Triple Square has 12 points. They are common on VWs for CV joints, brake calipers, and head bolts and maybe other things that do not come to mind right now. To give you an idea how long they have been around, the first time I encountered them it was for the head bolts on a ford pinto 2.0 liter engine.

I have not used GP sockets but I have never heard anyone say anything but that they are very good for the money. I believe they are made in Taiwan.

 

[eschoendorff]

I have not used GP sockets but I have never heard anyone say anything but that they are very good for the money. I believe they are made in Taiwan.

Yup. Not the same Gray as the Canadian company....

 

[chevy302dz]

Triple square is very similar to Torx except Triple Square has 12 points. They are common on VWs for CV joints, brake calipers, and head bolts and maybe other things that do not come to mind right now. To give you an idea how long they have been around, the first time I encountered them it was for the head bolts on a ford pinto 2.0 liter engine.

I have not used GP sockets but I have never heard anyone say anything but that they are very good for the money. I believe they are made in Taiwan.

The GP stuff is quite good I use them all the time and have not had any issues, plus the GP sets with a excellent range of sizes in a set compares to most of the sets.

 

[kythri]

So what's the difference between 12pt heads and Triple-Square?

 

[MAD]

So what's the difference between 12pt heads and Triple-Square?

Triple Square is internal like a standard Torx fastener. If you look straight down on it the points are like the corners of three superimposed squares. I have heard some people refer to Triple Square fasteners as 12 point Torx.