What Is a Hexagon Socket?
A hexagon socket is a type of tool used for the socket portion of a socket wrench with a hexagonal prism-shaped head.
It is mainly used to tighten or loosen hexagon socket bolts (cap bolts). A hexagon socket is not used by themselves but in combination with other handles such as socket handles, ratchet handles, and screwdriver handles.
A hexagon socket has a hexagonal prism-shaped tip, and most double-sided sockets are of the millimeter-size standard. In addition to millimeter-size sockets, inch-size sockets are also available. Therefore, they must be used according to the cap bolt on the mating side.
Uses of Hexagon Sockets
Hexagon sockets are used by inserting the insertion angle into the drive angle portion of the handle.
Make sure the insertion into the drive angle is deep enough so that it is shallow and does not float. Most types of handles are equipped with an anti-loose mechanism. When inserted deeply, the anti-loose ball plunger fits into a groove on the inside diameter of the insertion angle of the hexagon sockets, preventing it from being pulled out.
When inserting the socket into a cap bolt, it is important to exercise caution to ensure that it is not inserted at an angle to the hole, not inserted too shallowly, and that it is fully inserted to the back before fastening.
Principle of Hexagon Sockets
Hexagon sockets are hexagonal because they are designed to engage the tool when tightening/loosening and to make it easier to turn a screw from any angle.
If the bolt tip were square instead of hexagonal, the tool would have to be turned 90 degrees to engage the bolt, making it difficult to tighten/loosen the bolt, especially in tight spaces where tool space is not sufficient. On the other hand, the octagonal shape reduces the contact area between the tool and the bolt, making it easier for the screw to become jammed. Therefore, the hexagonal shape is adopted for its best balance in consideration of the ground contact area with the tool and the engagement during tightening/loosening operations.
The advantage of using a cap bolt with hexagon sockets is that only a tool of the correct size for the hole of the cap bolt can be used, which makes it easier to apply high torque and prevents the threaded hole from becoming distorted. Another advantage of using hexagon sockets is that they require less space when tightening/loosening than a hex bolt, which needs to be rotated with a wrench because the tool can be rotated in a central point like a screwdriver in its Structure of rotation.
How to Select Hexagon Sockets
Points to consider when selecting hexagon sockets can be divided into the following three categories:
- Width of the two sides
- Length of the hexagonal part
- Insertion angle size
1. Two-Face Width
The two-face width refers to the size of the hexagon sockets and is related to the insertion angle on the handle side. As mentioned above, the basic two-face width is a millimeter size. There are various sizes available, ranging from 1.5 mm for the smallest to 14 mm for the largest, depending on the cap bolt standard.
Generally, they are sold in sets ranging from 3 mm to 10 mm widths. Some sets are one size larger or smaller, depending on the contents of the set. They do not necessarily have to be in a set, so you can purchase only the size you need individually. Also, some sockets have a double face width of an inch, necessitating the need to check in advance whether the socket is compatible with the insertion angle of the handle side.
2. Hexagonal Part Length
The length of the hexagonal part depends on the product. However, there are long and short types based on the normal size of 10 to 30 mm.
The long type should be selected when the cap bolt is located in a place that cannot be reached with the normal length. On the other hand, the short type should be selected when the cap bolt is too long and hits peripheral parts. The short hexagonal type tends to transmit more force to the bolt when tightening/loosening, but it is important to select a socket of the appropriate length in consideration of the surrounding parts.
3. Insertion Angle Size
Generally, 6.3mm and 9.5mm sockets are commonly used. The size of the handle also plays a role, so if you want to increase the tightening torque, choose a larger type. However, this can lead to damage to the screw due to over-tightening, so it is necessary to select a tool that meets your needs.