This is a 17 mm, 6‑point socket with a 1/2" (12.7 mm) square drive, designed to fit standard 1/2" ratchets, extension bars and breaker bars for removing and tightening hexagonal nuts and bolts. Its primary use is for medium-to-high torque workshop and maintenance tasks where a secure fit on a hex head is required, such as automotive wheel and engine work, plant maintenance and mechanical assembly.

The socket is manufactured from chrome vanadium (Cr‑V) steel and is heat treated and tempered to provide good tensile strength and resistance to wear. The exterior has a chrome plated, polished finish that resists corrosion and simplifies cleaning after use. It is a 6‑point (6PT) hexagon design, which engages the flats of fasteners to reduce the risk of rounding under load, and it uses a 1/2" square drive conforming to common DIN/ISO/BS dimensional standards for interchangeable hand tool drives.

As a general-purpose workshop socket, it is suitable for automotive repair, agricultural machinery servicing, industrial maintenance, construction plant servicing and engineering workshops. The 6‑point geometry gives improved torque transfer on tight fasteners compared with 12‑point sockets and is particularly useful where maximum contact with the fastener flats is required. The chrome finish offers corrosion resistance in damp environments and makes the tool easier to handle and store.

This socket is intended for use with hand‑operated ratchets and wrenches. It is not an impact socket and therefore is not recommended for use with air or electric impact tools; for impact applications choose purpose‑made black phosphate impact sockets. The socket is compatible with standard 1/2" drive accessories such as extensions and universal joints, allowing access into confined spaces.

Duchy Fasteners stocks this 17 mm 6‑point 1/2" drive socket individually and as part of metric socket sets. Our metric hand tool range typically covers popular sizes from around 6 mm up to 32 mm and is available in single pieces and multi‑piece sets to suit workshops and mobile engineers.