This is a 17 mm, 12‑point socket designed for use with 1/2" square drive hand tools. Its primary use is to engage 12‑point (bi‑hex) fasteners and hex heads in confined spaces where the extra contact points of a 12‑point profile make alignment easier and allow finer indexing with a ratchet or breaker bar. The socket is intended for manual tightening and loosening with ratchets, torque wrenches and extension bars rather than for impact tools.

The socket is manufactured from chrome‑vanadium steel (Cr‑V) and is heat treated for strength and wear resistance. The outside surface is polished and chrome plated to provide corrosion resistance and a smooth finish that resists grime build‑up. The internal profile is the 12‑point (bi‑hex) type and the drive is a 1/2" (12.7 mm) square recess to suit standard 1/2" drive accessories. There are no threads on the socket itself. The geometry and dimensions conform to industry standard 12‑point socket profiles and are produced to DIN, ISO and BS dimensional tolerances applicable to hand sockets and accessory tools, ensuring interchangeability with other standard tools and fasteners.

Typical applications include automotive maintenance and repair, agricultural machinery servicing, plant maintenance, construction equipment servicing and industrial assembly where medium to high torque is required from a 1/2" drive. The 12‑point form is particularly useful on fasteners in restricted access areas and where a quicker engagement angle is advantageous. Because it is intended for hand tools, it is suitable for accurate torque applications when used with a calibrated torque wrench.

Key benefits include good corrosion resistance from the chrome finish, robust strength and fatigue resistance from the Cr‑V construction and heat treatment, and broad compatibility with standard 1/2" drive ratchets, torque wrenches and breaker bars. Note that this socket is not specified for impact use; for impact applications select a dedicated impact socket manufactured from suitable alloy and finished for impact service.

Duchy Fasteners stocks this 17 mm 12‑point 1/2" drive socket as single items and in assorted sets. We hold a wide metric socket range commonly from 6 mm up to 32 mm in various drives and pack quantities to suit workshop or field use. For availability and pack options please contact Duchy Fasteners.