XZN triple square vs 12 pt spline vs double hex

[thwaller]

I have seen a lot of conflicting information on the following types of fasteners:
1. XZN Triple Square
2. 12 point Spline (not the spline universal type tools that Craftsman has)
3. Double Hex (which I think is the same as 12 point socket?)

Some sources say some of these are the same, all are different, etc. They all do have 12 points, and from what I can see, they are all technically different although some may work on others. I also see when researching bolt/screw head types, all three are listed individually, leading me to believe that the proper answer is in fact they are not the same no matter how minimal those differences might be.

All comment appreciated, and if my provided detail is off in any way, please correct it to set the topic straight.

 

[Tallpilot]

Double hex and triple square differ in the angles of the 3 squares to each other. One is 120 degrees the other is right angles. That makes it dangerous to treat them as interchangeable.

 

[ovilla]

Is triple square the only one for CV joint axle bolt use?

Sorry don’t mean to hijack but I’m wondering if there’s a specific application/use here.

Thanks

 

[American Locomotive]

I was confused for a long time at the differences too. I just kept thinking "How can triple square be different than 12 point/double hex!!?", until it finally clicked one day.

As Tallpilot mentioned, the different is in the angles of the "points". Double-Hex have 120 degree angles - just like 6 point sockets, while triple-square has 90 degree angles - like a standard 4 point square head bolt.

Spline drive is very different from the others. The hardware doesn't have "points" at all, instead have "teeth" with a squared-off cross section. Think like the splines on an axle shaft, or u-joint yoke/flange.

In some low-torque applications, spline, triple-square and double-hex can "cheat" with each other acceptable. I've even cheated an inverted torx with a fractional box end wrench before without damaging anything. However the problems start with rusty, and high torque applications. You will damage or ruin the fastener if you use the incorrect type of socket or driver bit.

 

[Wamsutta]

As Tallpilot mentioned, the difference is in the angles of the "points".

I like the way you said it better. Tallpilot had me...

 

[Tallpilot]

I like the way you said it better. Tallpilot had me...

How about a picture?

http://www.cnctechnw.com/pics/TripleSq-vs-12Pt.jpg

 

[Wamsutta]

Does this help?

Yes it does. Thank you.

 

[sweet victory]

Is triple square the only one for CV joint axle bolt use?

Sorry don’t mean to hijack but I’m wondering if there’s a specific application/use here.

Thanks

Looks like you have a 914 in your avatar? Porsche uses it in more than just CV joints; door latch screws on later model 911's would be another example.

I believe Alison transmissions use a triple square to secure the trans. dip stick tube.

I'm unaware of the advantages of using a triple square over something like a torx socket. It's annoying having to look at a socket head screw you're not familiar with and figure out if it's a ribe, torx, torx plus, triple square, or double hex.

 

[pstemari]

Triple square or double hex socket head fastener? Do such things exist? Seems like they'd be very expensive to make.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

 

[Spencerg23]

Every European vehicle uses them.... had to break out the triple squares for a vw fuel pump

 

[L.Cheapo]

Triple square or double hex socket head fastener? Do such things exist? Seems like they'd be very expensive to make.

Sent from my Pixel XL using Tapatalk

My 1970s VW Beetles use triple squares on the CV axles. 8mm, IIRC.

 

[noid]

Vw, audi rotor set screws are also triple square.

 

[pstemari]

I'll be darned, I don't think I've seen the socket head version before.

 

[thwaller]

Thanks for the replies. It is fairly clear now the difference on the triple square to the other two, but it is still a bit cloudy on the difference between double hex and 12 point spline. The image posted above shows a triple square compared to a 12 point, but is that 12 point referring to a 12 point spline or a double hex, which I believe is the same as a 12 point hex socket? Or is the 12 point hex socket equiv to the 12 point spline?

EDIT: I think I have missed the explanation of that. As said above by American Locomotive:
"Spline drive is very different from the others. The hardware doesn't have "points" at all, instead have "teeth" with a squared-off cross section. Think like the splines on an axle shaft, or u-joint yoke/flange."

But ... then what is a 12 point socket? I was with the understanding that it was an alternate to a hex head, but that it was also used for "12 point" heads. Is that the double hex then?

 

[Tonyuk]

Essential on all VAG products, you'll need deep & shallow, impact, chrome, loads of them.

Similar to torx sockets they WILL wear out or break eventually, quicker than a standard socket. Once the splines in the fastener get rusted they'll strip out easy if your use the wrong size.

 

[thwaller]

Essential on all VAG products, you'll need deep & shallow, impact, chrome, loads of them.

Similar to torx sockets they WILL wear out or break eventually, quicker than a standard socket. Once the splines in the fastener get rusted they'll strip out easy if your use the wrong size.

If anyone else is like me and did/does not know what VAG means, I looked it up and it means Volkswagen... which makes sense as they use a ton of that stuff.

 

[Tallpilot]

But ... then what is a 12 point socket? I was with the understanding that it was an alternate to a hex head, but that it was also used for "12 point" heads. Is that the double hex then?

Yes.

 

[cvairwerks]

External spline bolt: https://shop.jimcorace.com/products/flywheel-bolt-spline-head

 

[KlausAuder]

Thanks @Tallpilot - owe you a beer some day