Let's Settle This! What Wrench & Socket Design Will Slip 1st?

Summary

In this episode of Torque Test Channel, the host tests various hand tools—specifically wrenches and sockets—on soft, imperfect hardware to see how different designs perform. The focus is on 12-point, 6-point, and spline tools, with detailed comparisons between brands like Craftsman, Gearwrench, and Powerbuilt. The host rounds bolts to 60% to simulate real-world wear and assesses each tool's grip, durability, and torque tolerance. Results reveal that 6-point tools generally outperform the others, particularly in non-ideal conditions, challenging previous assumptions about spline tools. The episode provides valuable insights for tool enthusiasts and DIYers on choosing the right wrench for various tasks.

Takeaways

• 😀 The 6-point wrench/socket design outperforms other designs when dealing with soft or imperfect fasteners.
• 😀 12-point wrenches provide more access and positions, but they tend to slip more easily on rounded or damaged bolts.
• 😀 Spline wrenches, although initially seen as gimmicky, showed better grip on imperfect fasteners compared to 12-point wrenches in the tests.
• 😀 Open-end wrenches are useful for access but provide the least grip, with slippage occurring at lower torque levels compared to other designs.
• 😀 6-point wrenches were able to reach higher torque levels (up to 150 ft-lb) before slipping, outperforming both spline and 12-point wrenches.
• 😀 The spline design showed mixed results, offering good performance in biting into rounded fasteners but ultimately falling short compared to 6-point designs.
• 😀 12-point wrenches tend to slip earlier and provide less torque before failure, especially on rounded or rusted fasteners.
• 😀 The tests involved various brands (Craftsman, Gearwrench, Proto) to compare different wrench/socket designs under the same conditions, ensuring reliable results.
• 😀 6-point sockets were shown to consistently outperform both 12-point and spline sockets in terms of torque resistance and grip.
• 😀 Spline tools may be more suitable for specific tasks (like larger bolts or connecting rods) but for general use, 6-point designs are more reliable on soft or worn fasteners.

Q & A

What is the focus of the torque test in this episode?

The focus is on testing different types of wrenches and sockets (12-point, 6-point, and spline) on soft, imperfect fasteners to evaluate their performance, particularly in terms of grip and ability to avoid slipping.

Why were coupling nuts chosen for the tests?

Coupling nuts were selected because they are made from soft steel, making them prone to slippage, and they have large internal threads compared to their external hex, which is ideal for testing the grip of wrenches on rounded or imperfect hardware.

How were the coupling nuts modified for testing?

The coupling nuts were precision-rounded using a jig and a tabletop grinder, removing 40% of the flat surface to simulate imperfect or damaged hardware, which allows for testing in more realistic conditions.

What was the key difference between 12-point and 6-point wrenches in the tests?

The 6-point wrenches outperformed the 12-point wrenches in terms of grip and torque tolerance, especially when dealing with rounded or damaged fasteners. The 12-point wrenches performed poorly on softer or more rounded nuts, while the 6-point provided better stability.

Why did the spline wrenches perform better than the 12-point wrenches in some tests?

The spline wrenches demonstrated better grip due to their design, which seemed to 'bite' into the hex nut slightly before securing more firmly. This characteristic allowed them to perform better than the 12-point wrenches, especially on soft or imperfect bolts.

How did the socket versions of the wrenches compare to the open-end wrenches?

Sockets, particularly 6-point sockets, performed better than open-end wrenches, delivering higher torque without slipping. The open-end wrenches, especially the 12-point variety, showed lower performance, often slipping at much lower torque levels.

What role did the 'bite' of the spline wrenches play in their performance?

The 'bite' of the spline wrenches refers to their ability to grip the fastener by initially slipping slightly before securing tightly. This feature provided more control and higher torque values, especially on damaged or imperfect hardware.

How did the different wrench types fare in terms of durability?

The 6-point wrenches showed the best durability, withstanding the highest torque before camming off. In contrast, the 12-point wrenches showed significantly lower durability, especially on rounded or soft fasteners.

Did any specific brand outperform others in the tests?

In the tests, the 6-point wrenches consistently outperformed the 12-point and spline wrenches across various brands. Specifically, the GearWrench 6-point performed very well, while the 12-point models from GearWrench and Craftsman struggled more with grip.

What conclusions can be drawn regarding the choice of wrench for different fastener conditions?

For non-perfect or damaged fasteners, 6-point wrenches are the best choice due to their superior grip and durability. Spline wrenches can also perform well, but they may not always be as reliable as 6-point wrenches. 12-point wrenches are generally less effective on softer, rounded fasteners.