This was such a good idea because if a nut gets chewed and rounded, the flats are good, the corners are gnarly and out of shape. Simple but very effective to grip the flats.
I noticed this myself. it's pretty smart, and simple. I've always loves self-tightening cam mechanisms. even the simple belt-around-an-oil-filter uses this principle.
But by losing your outermost grip surfaces, the force diameter is smaller, increasing psi to achieve the same torque on the fastener. Saves the corners maybe, but beats on the flats & the wrench!
The problem in part is the hex nuts or bolt heads are not a precise dimension. Plus wrenches are not precise either. Different manufacturers have different tolerances they'll accept for a given size wrench. I think ANSI has standards published about what they'll accept for wrenches. Said that, Snap on and other professional brands do a pretty good job at consistency.
This was such a good idea because if a nut gets chewed and rounded, the flats are good, the corners are gnarly and out of shape. Simple but very effective to grip the flats.
Man I could watch your Snap-On content all day. Keep it up!
I noticed this myself. it's pretty smart, and simple. I've always loves self-tightening cam mechanisms. even the simple belt-around-an-oil-filter uses this principle.
I love learning the history behind stuff like this. Interesting .
More to come!
Every 6 point socket I've ever used works like that. The flank drive system is for 12 points.
You are correct flank drive was first used for 12 points and went on to everywhere for everyone afterwards.
Good day from Ontario. Boy that is interesting
Thankd
1960's? Snap-on?? Probably still making payments 😅
G day Are all snap on sockets like that? Thaks
Like what?
The socket would need to be labeled as flank drive or flank drive plus to be certain
But by losing your outermost grip surfaces, the force diameter is smaller, increasing psi to achieve the same torque on the fastener. Saves the corners maybe, but beats on the flats & the wrench!
Cool they came up with it but everyone uses this now
Because the patent expired. Snap on always leads the way.
If the socket fits the nut correctly this is not necessary.
Lol
The problem in part is the hex nuts or bolt heads are not a precise dimension. Plus wrenches are not precise either.
Different manufacturers have different tolerances they'll accept for a given size wrench. I think ANSI has standards published about what they'll accept for wrenches.
Said that,
Snap on and other professional brands do a pretty good job at consistency.