funny set a sockets

[oilcooled :)]

i bought a set a sockets today, was looking for hex sockets, but i ended up buying these, there flank drive sockets seem to be a real good idea far ahead of bi-hex

http://www.bgstechnic.com/product.php?id=48&prodID=03483

here is a bit of info on them

http://machinedesign.com/article/fl...rning-power-without-slipping-or-rounding-1103

do you think they will undo torx, look V similar must give it ago. wonder will the idea catch on looks good for use on something worn ?
90euros

 

[graffian]

will the idea catch on looks good for use on something worn ?
90euros

Been available at least since the mid 70's.

 

[shenion]

I still dont see them as stronger than 6-point sockets. Used similar on the cheap bolts on my Jeep. Still rounded then off. 6-point will break the heads off before slipping.

 

[oz.]

The do flank drive on 6 sided sockets.

 

[Justme]

Plus flank drive on the larger socket sizes will fit more than one head size.

 

[rockjock620]

As mentioned they've been around for years - good on rusty/rounded out bolt heads and nuts, they've saved my bacon many times, esp on stuff like exhaust/manifold nuts on studs. I also have a set of three open-ended/ring spannners at around 10-15mm sizes, called "Metrinch" and again as mentioned they each fit a range of sizes.

 

[gordon stephenson]

I have a set of Roebuck combination spanners called Uniwrench they are a strange sort of flank-splined shape, and they really do grip heads that have been partially rounded off.And quite a few different shapes and sizes as well.
The good part was that I had read about them then looked on eBay, found a tool dealer with some listed, I bid the starting price of £4-99 and ended up getting them, Good old eBay!!!

P.S. they also do sockets in the same style,

 

[pedrobedro]

I've had a set of Metrinch since the 70s, they are not a new idea. I find my good quality 6 point Bahco sockets easier to use and more positive location on slightly rounded heads. I had to buy some E torx sockets recently to get the brakes off a Corsa C, they are totally different profile to flank drive.

 

[s410man]

i can remember in a book a while ago sockets that were supposed to do torq ordinary nuts and something else all in one

they looked like a torx one

 

[oilcooled :)]

there a round that long first i ever seen, of them, i buy a lot of stuff of the fella that sold em to me, an he said he doesnt sell me s**t. i checked today, them torx do fit v well in them

 

[scarecrow]

heard good things about them but never got a chance to try them have you seen that welder on DD looks rougher than mine and wait till you see the price

 

[oilcooled :)]

lot a money for its condition, seen little use yah ryt. wonder does it come wit bttle

 

[Rick]

Ive had snap on flank drive for years. I like them they do seem better.

 

[Nimbus]

Started using flank drive in the early 70's - recommended by RR and Westland on their aircraft (mostly titanium fastners) never had one trash a bolt head.

 

[Shox Dr]

I have a set of Flank Drive Metric and Imperial 3/8" Drive Snap-on sockets I bought 26yrs ago, and they were definitely not new then.

 

[Flathead_Dave]

All Draper Expert sockets are flank drive.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Draper-43646-3-8-Metric-25pc-Socket-Set-Flank-Drive-/120642376740

 

[OUCH! That's hot!]

Like some others on here I too have Snap-On flank drive single hex sockets that I have had for well over 30 years. The idea is that they shift the point of contact with the nut or bolt back a little from the corners thus reducing the possibility of rounding off the corners of the fastener. It works!

 

[metalspanner]

Do what I do, and only buy six point sockets, NEVER had one slip off or round off a head yet, sheared plenty off though.
Not much of the stuff I work on has torx/spline or any other of the latest home/diy mechanic defeating fasteners that have been designed to make people open the bonnet and give in before even opening the tool box.
Six sided nuts. bolts and cap screws have stood the test of time, only in modern times have this plethora of tamperproof fixings exploded, to deter the diy or non franchised mechanic.
To me it is a bugbear that has to be overcome when encountered and normally involves wasting beer tokens.