1/4-Inch Drive 4.5mm 12-Point Short Hand Socket, 25mm Length

Brief Overview

This 4.5mm 12-point short hand socket delivers precision engagement with standard fasteners in confined spaces. The compact 25mm length and knurled grip band make it ideal for detailed work where standard-length sockets cannot fit. Part of a comprehensive range that includes 12-point short sockets in larger drive sizes and 6-point variants across the same size spectrum, this socket covers an essential fastener size for precision assembly, electronics mounting, and tight-quarter repairs.

Key Features

• 12-Point Profile: Engages fastener flats and corners for reduced cam-out, particularly valuable when working with slightly damaged or partially rounded fastener heads
• Knurled Grip Band: Textured middle section enables secure thumb turning without tool slipping, essential for hand-only operation in confined spaces
• Short Length (25mm): Specifically designed for applications where standard 30mm+ sockets cannot access fasteners—undersides of consoles, tight panel assemblies, and nested fastener locations
• Satin Chrome Finish: Corrosion-resistant plating resists workshop fluids and moisture; maintains appearance across resale cycles
• Chamfered Entry: Guided socket placement reduces threading time and prevents cross-threading damage
• 1/4-Inch Square Drive: Direct compatibility with standard 1/4" drive ratchets, impact tools, and extension bars

Why This Socket Matters for Your Inventory

Addressing a Real Market Gap: Many shops stock only 6-point sockets. The 12-point variant captures jobs where fastener access is marginal—the additional contact points prevent head stripping on partially rounded bolts, a common problem in salvage work and repair jobs. This specialization justifies premium positioning.

Margin-Friendly Sizing: The 4.5mm size fills the gap between 4mm and 5mm fasteners. European assembly specifications frequently specify M4.5 fasteners (common in automotive electronics, HVAC assemblies, and industrial enclosures), making this a non-obvious but high-demand SKU. Resellers who stock it gain a competitive edge against shops relying only on standard metric sizes.

Compact Form Factor = Repeat Sales: Short-length sockets see higher wear in tight-access work. Repeat customers purchasing replacements when the original wears improve customer lifetime value—this is a consumable-replacement opportunity disguised as a tool.

Technical Specifications

Parameter	Value
Drive Size	1/4" Square
Socket Size	4.5mm (Hex)
Point Design	12-Point
Overall Length	25mm
Socket Head Diameter (D2)	11.9mm
Drive End Diameter (D1)	7.1mm
Point Width	5mm
Finish	Satin Chrome Plated
Material	Chrome Vanadium Steel

Application Context

Precision Assembly Work: Medical device assembly, optical instrument mounting, and electronics enclosure fastening frequently use M4.5 fasteners in tight clusters where standard socket depth is excessive.

Automotive Electronics: Engine bay sensors, dashboard panel fasteners, and under-dash wiring harness clips often specify 4.5mm fasteners in confined spaces.

Industrial Control Panels: DIN rail-mounted components and terminal block fastening often require this size in recessed locations.

Restoration and Repair: Vintage equipment and precision machinery repair routinely encounters this fastener size where access is restricted.

Call to Reseller Value

Stock this socket as a margin-driver and customer retention tool. Its specificity to the 4.5mm size and short profile means customers cannot substitute a standard socket—they must buy it. Position it as an accessory bundle with 6-point short socket kits to offer customers a complete precision toolkit while increasing basket value.