This is an 18 mm, 6-point socket designed for use with 1/2" square drive ratchets, torque wrenches, extensions and breaker bars. Its primary use is to apply controlled torque to metric hexagon nuts and bolts in maintenance, repair and assembly tasks where a robust, accurate fit is required.

The socket is manufactured from chrome vanadium (Cr‑V) steel that has been heat treated to provide high tensile strength and toughness, with a typical hardness in the work‑hardened range appropriate for hand tooling. The external surface is chrome plated to resist corrosion and ease cleaning, while the internal bore and hex profile are machined to tight dimensional tolerances. The tool uses a 6‑point (6pt) hexagon internal profile which contacts the flats of the fastener rather than the corners, reducing the risk of round‑off under high torque. The drive is a 1/2" (12.7 mm) square, compatible with standard 1/2" accessories; the socket itself has no thread and is retained on drive tools by the customary detent or retaining pin of the ratchet or extension used.

Dimensions and performance conform to recognised hand‑tool standards and are compatible with DIN, ISO and BS drive and size conventions for sockets, ensuring interchangeability with other manufacturers' 1/2" drive equipment and metric fasteners. The 18 mm size is suitable for many automotive, commercial vehicle and agricultural applications as well as industrial plant maintenance and general engineering work.

Typical industries using this socket include automotive and light commercial vehicle repair, agricultural machinery servicing, building services maintenance and fabrication shops. Key benefits are improved torque transmission and reduced fastener damage from the 6‑point profile, good corrosion resistance from the chrome finish, and compatibility with the widely used 1/2" drive system and ISO/DIN sizing conventions, making it simple to integrate into existing toolsets.

Duchy Fasteners stocks this socket individually and as part of metric socket sets; we carry a comprehensive range of metric sizes and 1/2" drive accessories in single units and multi‑pack sets to suit workshop and site requirements. Please contact us for current sizes and pack options.