Anyone using splined sockets?

[930dreamer]

I was looking at a MP ad with Craftsman sockets.

 

[cvairwerks]

Use them all the time...We have spline, 6 and 12 point hardware on the jets and it's handy not to have to change sockets every time there's different heads on the hardware. If I know everything is 12 point or 6 point, and not goobered with sealant, I'll grab 12 point sockets. If there's sealant or there might be splines, then the spline sockets. I almost never grab a 6 point socket out of the tool boxes.

 

[Model A Fan]

Use them all the time...We have spline, 6 and 12 point hardware on the jets and it's handy not to have to change sockets every time there's different heads on the hardware. If I know everything is 12 point or 6 point, and not goobered with sealant, I'll grab 12 point sockets. If there's sealant or there might be splines, then the spline sockets. I almost never grab a 6 point socket out of the tool boxes.

Besides that type of use, is there any difference between spline and 12pt in functionality? Spline seems to have more options because it can do square if I'm not mistaken.

 

[General Geoff]

Yep I use em frequently

 

[Beerhippie]

Torque Test channel on Youtube made a nice video comparing 12, 6 pt and splines a while back.

 

[bonneyman]

I have an assortment of spline sockets - various brands, various sizes. Haven't used them alot, usually on damaged fasteners that a regular socket is loose on. As I recall they worked OK.

 

[ecotec]

I have a few in my spare socket drawer. I have yet to try one.

I have the ICON version of the Mountain/ADT/Powebuilt/Platinum/Tekton/Matco/Cornwell wrenches, and they work great. I have only used them on on 6pt fasteners.

I have always been curious about using spline sockets on Torx fasteners in lieu of an ETorx socket or wrench. Supposedly you can…

 

[wkndwarrior29]

Spline sockets are handy when you need them but one of those things that you get what you pay for, cheap ones will get stuck or chew up your fastener. I have no input on an older craftsman set like that but it couldn't hurt to give them a try.

 

[cvairwerks]

Spline seems to have more options because it can do square if I'm not mistaken.

Not sure on using them on square or 8 point hardware. 6 and 12 point use 30 and 60 degree angles between faces, while square and 8 point use 90 and 45 degree angles. Square *might* work with 90 being a multiple of 30, but I've never tired it before. Haven't had anything with square hardware to mess with in years....not even an Erector set!

 

[danielbuck]

only on lugnuts that have splines. that's the only time I encounter them.

 

[civicissuecesar]

I was looking at a MP ad with Craftsman sockets.

yeah i still use em, not my first grab but theyre handy when you need more contact and dont feel like rounding off some crusty fastener with 12 point junk

 

[Al G]

Sometimes I grab a splined socket when I don't know if the fastener is standard or metric. They usually work but failed me today.

I needed to work on the AC on the roof of the RV. I didn't know what fasteners I would encounter so I took the splined socket set up with me. I needed to remove a six-sided nut. The 5/16 or 8mm socket was too small. The 3/8 or 10mm was socket was too big. Great, I need to go down and get a 9mm socket.

I climb down and back up again with a 9mm socket in hand. It's too small. Well that *****. Climb back down and grab a true 10mm socket and a 3/8 just in case. Climb back up again and the 10mm fits perfectly.

I should have taken up the standard and metric sets the first time.

 

[L.Cheapo]

Tried them once, many years ago. Hated them. Either gave them away or threw them out--I cant remember. They marred fasteners and had too much play, causing issues in the scenarios where I could only get one or two teeth clicks on the ratchet. I don't own anything with spline fasteners.