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Short 12-point chrome hand socket with 1/2-inch drive, knurled band and partially visible stamped marking on the side.

1/2-Inch Drive 12-Point Short Hand Socket, 8-36mm Size Range

Precision 12-point short hand sockets for 1/2-inch drive, 8-36mm sizes. Ideal for confined spaces and fastener accessibility.

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Description

1/2-Inch Drive 12-Point Short Hand Socket

Overview

This 12-point short hand socket is engineered for mechanics and technicians who need reliable fastener engagement in tight working spaces. The double-hex (12-point) design provides superior grip on both 12-point fasteners and traditional hexagonal bolts, reducing the risk of rounding and cam-out damage. With a compact stubby profile and professional-grade chrome or alloy steel finish, these sockets deliver precision access where standard-length alternatives won't fit. Available in a comprehensive 8-36mm size range with SKU-specific dimensions, this socket family supports mixed tooling strategies—pair them with 6-point short hand sockets for complete fastener versatility across your shop operations.

Key Features

  • 12-Point Recess Design: Double-hex configuration engages both 12-point and hexagonal fasteners with multiple contact points, minimizing rounding risk
  • Short Stubby Profile: 38-46mm overall length enables access in confined engine bays, tight assembly spaces, and complex mechanical assemblies
  • Precision Chamfered Lead-In: Guided mouth entry ensures smooth socket placement and reduces fastener damage during insertion
  • Knurled Grip Band: Textured outer surface near the base provides tactile grip control for manual operation
  • Polished Chrome/Alloy Steel Finish: Professional appearance with corrosion-resistant surface suitable for daily shop use
  • Exact Metric Sizing: Individual SKUs for each size eliminate guesswork—8mm through 36mm coverage for European and global fastener standards

Business Advantages for Resellers

  • High Turnover Potential: Short hand sockets address a specific technical need—mechanics repeatedly purchase these for shop rotation and fleet maintenance programs
  • Bulk Order Efficiency: 20-size range allows single-order stocking of complete socket sets, reducing SKU fragmentation and inventory management overhead
  • Margin-Friendly Positioning: Position as "specialist tools" commanding premium margins over standard socket offerings
  • Cross-Sell Opportunity: Pair with 6-point variants for customers seeking mixed-point strategies; recommend as complement to ratchet sets and breaker bar collections
  • Professional Shop Appeal: Industrial-grade finish and precision engineering appeal to serious mechanics and automotive service centers

Technical Specifications

Size (mm) D1 (mm) D2 (mm) T (mm) Length (mm) SKU
8 13.2 22 12 38 524208
9 14.2 22 12 38 524209
10 15.2 22 12 38 524210
11 16.4 22 12 38 524211
12 17.7 22 12 38 524212
13 18.9 22 12 38 524213
14 20.2 22 12 38 524214
15 21.4 21 12 38 524215
16 22 21 12 38 524216
17 23.9 22 12 38 524217
19 28 23 14 38 524219
21 32 25 14 38 524221
24 36 28 16 38 524224
27 40 30 18 42 524227
30 42 34 22 44 524230
32 42 36 22 44 524232
33 42 36 22 44 524233
34 42 36 22 44 524234
35 42 36 22 44 524235
36 48 42 22 46 524236

Notes:

  • D1 = Drive recess dimension
  • D2 = Maximum outer diameter
  • T = Wall thickness at point
  • All dimensions in millimeters
  • 1/2-inch square drive (female recess)

Application Context

These short sockets are essential for:

  • Engine Assembly & Maintenance: Access fasteners in crowded engine bays without tool obstruction
  • Transmission Work: Compact profile prevents interference with surrounding components
  • Suspension & Steering: Confined spaces in linkage assemblies require short-profile tools
  • Industrial Equipment Assembly: Machinery with tight bolt patterns and limited clearance
  • Precision Mechanical Work: Where standard socket length creates alignment or positioning issues

Value Proposition

This socket range represents a critical investment in shop versatility. Unlike full-length sockets, short hand sockets unlock access to fasteners that would otherwise require awkward positioning, specialty tools, or removal of surrounding components. The 12-point design bridges the gap between specialist 6-point tools and general-purpose fastener engagement, making these sockets genuinely multi-purpose within tight-space applications.

Stock this range to serve shops that measure tool efficiency not just by volume, but by the problems they solve. Mechanics will return for individual sizes as they rotate into different vehicle platforms and equipment types.