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Which twelve point sockets are required on modern vehicles?

Dakotadadv8

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May 30, 2021
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Old thread. Also have CM 12 point set 1/2 drive 10 to 21 from Lowes, only skip 20mm, under $50. No big deal can't remember ever using 20mm as DIYer over the last 25 years.
 
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silkman

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I know this is an old thread, but if anyone googles this and this thread comes up I want to add one I just came across that isn't mentions.

VW 2.0 SOHC (and possibly others) harmonic balancer bolt is a 19mm 12pt (some of them can also take a triple square, but I trust a 12pt impact socket on a high torque 1/2 impact wrench over a triple square).
It was with shear dumb luck that my 1/2" drive 19mm shallow impact socket just happened to be one of the very few 12 point sockets in my impact socket drawer.
I had to take out this bolt in my Audi, got a 19mm single socket, about 7eur, done. Will probably never use it again.

I generally research what tools are needed for the job beforehand and get them before starting work. Stopped buying tools "just in case" a long time ago.
tt.jpg
 

EDRJR

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Oct 25, 2021
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I bought Tekton deep and shallow 12 point set in 3/8 drive 3 years ago, just in case. Smaller sets are $95 currently. Haven't used them yet, but I'm ready. I got paranoid when I came across an external Torx socket on a Chevy steering column and didn't have any. Still shopping for cheap external Torx Plus for my just-in-case drawer. I have to spray all new tools with Boeshield T-9 so the Forida Rust Monster doesn't get them.
 

putergod

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I had to take out this bolt in my Audi, got a 19mm single socket, about 7eur, done. Will probably never use it again.

I generally research what tools are needed for the job beforehand and get them before starting work. Stopped buying tools "just in case" a long time ago.
tt.jpg
What tool is that you got holding that still?? I could have used that tool when I was working on the VW!
And that's the same bolt I was talking about on the same timing belt gear. Only difference is the one I was working on could also have a triple square in the center, but I trusted the 12pt more (on a high torque impact at least)
 

Junkdrawer Dog

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I had to take out this bolt in my Audi, got a 19mm single socket, about 7eur, done. Will probably never use it again.

I generally research what tools are needed for the job beforehand and get them before starting work. Stopped buying tools "just in case" a long time ago.
tt.jpg
Great job on the sprocket holder! I used to build and repair industrial gearboxes (speed reducers). My boss always claimed that "special factory tools" were for people who lacked imagination. We always made our own. Those aren't old bed frames are they? GJ bonus points if they are, lol!
 
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2ndGearRubber

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Great job on the sprocket holder! I used to build and repair industrial gearboxes (speed reducers). My boss always claimed that "special factory tools" were for people who lacked imagination. We always made our own. Those aren't old bed frames are they? GJ bonus points if they are, lol!

Your boss would have a very, very rough time on automotive engines.
 

Steve_P

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Sep 15, 2010
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5,189
14mm 12-point flywheel bolts for a 5 speed second gen (2009) Tacoma. You're not gonna get them off with a wrench :D

I have 12 point chrome sockets in inch and metric in 3/8 and 1/2 drive. Have deep metric 12 point 1/2 impact for axle nuts. I don't have any 1/4 drive 12 point sockets, and have never needed one.
 

silkman

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What tool is that you got holding that still?? I could have used that tool when I was working on the VW!
And that's the same bolt I was talking about on the same timing belt gear. Only difference is the one I was working on could also have a triple square in the center, but I trusted the 12pt more (on a high torque impact at least)
Yes, the replacement bolt ("always replace") also had a triple square in the center. The one in the car was 20+years old and managed to remove it with a 2.5meter 2" galvanized pipe on a 1/2" Hazet extendable ratchet (pic). Surprised the 19mm socket held and didn't break, moreso for the ratchet. Had to remove it to replace the front main seal behind it.
Great job on the sprocket holder! I used to build and repair industrial gearboxes (speed reducers). My boss always claimed that "special factory tools" were for people who lacked imagination. We always made our own. Those aren't old bed frames are they? GJ bonus points if they are, lol!
The "special tool" I made from new 4mm thick L steel stock. Used some washers on one side to compensate. Held very well against the concrete floor, was also used on the opposite side to tighten the replacement bolt.IMG_5740(1).JPGd
 

jayemm

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up high down low
Yes, the replacement bolt ("always replace") also had a triple square in the center. The one in the car was 20+years old and managed to remove it with a 2.5meter 2" galvanized pipe on a 1/2" Hazet extendable ratchet (pic). Surprised the 19mm socket held and didn't break, moreso for the ratchet. Had to remove it to replace the front main seal behind it.

The "special tool" I made from new 4mm thick L steel stock. Used some washers on one side to compensate. Held very well against the concrete floor, was also used on the opposite side to tighten the replacement bolt.IMG_5740(1).JPGd
THAT is one nice looking ratchet!
 

Ulrich1able

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Sep 16, 2023
Messages
27
1/2 and 13mm 12-point (Varies with year) for the bolts that hold the wheel bearing to the steering knuckle on jeeps w/ a solid front axle.

Not sure if other vehicles that have a dana axle will be the same size or not.
 
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