Why Spline wrenches?

[mucksavage]

Every store's tool department I visit now days has spline wrenches? What are they for? Is there a new fastener out there? I'll admit I'm a new guy around here, but i'm a 46 year old car hobbyist since my early teens. The only "new" car I've messed with in 18 years is a new Charger I just purchased. I haven't noticed any fasteners that my "old" wrenches can't remove.

Thanks in advance for your responses!

 

[MFolks]

Spline wrenches and sockets were for quite a while used in Aerospace work, but I see now they are used in some automotive areas. Kinda like how "Torx" were for a number of years in appliance work.

 

[u118224]

I think spline wrenches and sockets are gimmicky, but/and I'm not a pro. I have some long zero offset ratcheting box wrenches in spline. I like the wrenches but I find they "mark up" good nuts and bolts if you have to use more torque to loosen or tighten them. I'm not looking to buy any more.

 

[mucksavage]

So they have no place for working on my "old junk" ('71 Fiat, '79 Z28, '85 Mustang GT, '96 Jeep Cherokee)

 

[u118224]

No, you don't need them.

 

[Hpozzuoli]

I used to use spline drive sockets to remove pipe plugs prior to getting a pipe plug set.

 

[General Geoff]

They work fine if properly sized, about the same as a 12 point socket. I think they engage square heads a bit better than 12 point.

 

[mucksavage]

Thanks to all!

 

[jim1987]

"Spline" drive is supposed to be the one does all wrench. 6 and 12 point, etorx, square, actual splines and something else. It does none of those well, except real spline fasteners.

My fiance keeps on trying to get.me to buy them or have her buy them for me.. I keep on telling here I have all the tools o do all that. She is just trying to be a good woman in support of my habit, but trying get her to understand why they're gimmicky is impossible.

 

[Kyle.B]

I imagine it's so they can advertise as fitting more bolts. All the ones I see advertise "Fits 6 types of bolts!!!" and that sort of thing very prominently, and "all-in-one" seems to be a popular theme.

 

[General Geoff]

"Spline" drive is supposed to be the one does all wrench. 6 and 12 point, etorx, square, actual splines and something else. It does none of those well, except real spline fasteners.

My fiance keeps on trying to get.me to buy them or have her buy them for me.. I keep on telling here I have all the tools o do all that. She is just trying to be a good woman in support of my habit, but trying get her to understand why they're gimmicky is impossible.

The combined "metrinch" tools are VERY gimmicky, but there do exist quality spline drive sets which actually fit fasteners properly (have dedicated SAE and metric sizes) and work well.

 

[ChevyEFI]

When it's a challenge to even remember a single time they would suit your needs better than a 12 point, that's a good indication you shouldn't bother.

 

[Wakefield]

Spline wrench on spline bolt=best?
Spline wrench on 12 point double hex? As good as 12 point wrench-or not?
Spline wrench on 6 point hex? Not as good as 6 point wrench?
Are Wright or Snap On spline tools special?
do some expensive 12 point sockets for head bolts or driveline bolts look more like spline?

 

[NoahG]

Beside 6 point hardware, there is a lot of 4 point hardware in my life, so I like the widely available spline sockets, because they fit 4 point hardware better than a 12 point socket, and are much easier to find that 8 or 4 point sockets in a pinch. That said I really only even need about 4 sizes of them.


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[Bigblue&Goldie]

Spline wrenches grip standard hex bolts better than most 12pt sockets. The way they bite into the fastener makes them great for loosening goofed up nuts and bolts. They will leave teeth marks if that bothers you. I cant speak for cheap tools, but my Proto's are awesome. Spline is far from a gimmick.

 

[xj31]

Spline wrenches grip standard hex bolts better than most 12pt sockets. The way they bite into the fastener makes them great for loosening goofed up nuts and bolts. They will leave teeth marks if that bothers you. I cant speak for cheap tools, but my Proto's are awesome. Spline is far from a gimmick.

Absolutely right.

 

[BK13]

Glad to hear that about the Protos. I've had a hankering for their chrome ratcheting combos...

 

[wvrailroader]

I have the SAE and metric SK spline sockets. They work really well on damaged bolt heads. I don't think they are a gimmick at all. Just another weapon in the arsenal that is there when I need it. I have quite a few tools that I have used less than my spline sockets lol.

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[crane_guy]

I love my proto reversible rachet wrenches with spline box end! I have no bad issues and when I dont need an impact wrench, its what I use.

 

[GTA Matt]

I don't think there are too many people who don't love their EZ Red extra long flex head ratcheting spline wrenches. I know they're usually the first wrenches I reach for.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I love my proto reversible rachet wrenches with spline box end! I have no bad issues and when I dont need an impact wrench, its what I use.

I like my metric set so much that I have thought about replacing my non spline SAE ratcheting wrenches with splines.

The people saying they are a gimmick have never used them. SK, Proto, Armstrong, Snap On, and EZ Red don't typically sell gimmick tools.

 

[Koolmoose]

I have the SAE and metric SK spline sockets. They work really well on damaged bolt heads. I don't think they are a gimmick at all. Just another weapon in the arsenal that is there when I need it. I have quite a few tools that I have used less than my spline sockets lol.

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I bought an SK 3/8 drive SAE metric combo set with both regular and long sockets for my basement workshop. I was finding myself sometimes lacking the correct socket and needing to go out to the garage for the right tool (most of my sockets are in the big tool box in the garage). They have worked very well! The only disadvantage I've noticed is on 12 pt's one needs to have the socket directly over and on the bolt. A solid purchase and excellent addition to your tool box!

 

[madcrisis]

Ive got some kobalt spline metrinch pass thru sockets (i thought it was about the most gimmicky tools i could buy) that i got on clearance at lowes. I got them to keep in the truck. Ive used them a handful of times and im actually thinking of buying more now. Im very surprised at how well they grip and bite into the nut. In fact I was changing an alternator on my buddy's jeep tonight (was not next to my box just had the tools i brought with me) and these saved my *** tonight. Put one on an 18" 3/8 breaker bar and it broke that stud free nicely.

 

[MattPersman]

The Matco branded ones, not made by them obviously, are solid wrenches. Have had the long ones for many years, it's amazing how well they hook up on bolts. Expensive but real nice. Haven't searched for a quality socket set with spline drive yet although I should anyone know of one?

 

[c-hawk19]

The Matco branded ones, not made by them obviously, are solid wrenches. Have had the long ones for many years, it's amazing how well they hook up on bolts. Expensive but real nice. Haven't searched for a quality socket set with spline drive yet although I should anyone know of one?

I have a set of 3/8 sae and metric in both shallow and deep sk. I'm not sure if they still make them as I'm pretty sure these are from the ideal days but they are very good sockets I keep them in my truck and they do get used regularly.

 

[joedodge]

If you where a pro tech you would use them daily. Everyone in the shop who has them loves them.

 

[rmsg0040]

Spline wrenches are very good.

I got a matco set, a SK set, and 1 ATD platinum all with the infamous gold screw (kabo design).

They grab the flat side of fasteners really good reducing rounding off

I think as long as you are using the upper end spline stuff you wont have a problem.

 

[efb16acrx]

I don't think there are too many people who don't love their EZ Red extra long flex head ratcheting spline wrenches. I know they're usually the first wrenches I reach for.

I do love mine, but I wish they were 12pt and not spline.