3/8″ Drive 12-Point Short Hand Socket

Brief Overview

This 3/8″ drive 12-point short hand socket delivers compact efficiency for fastener work in confined spaces. The short profile reduces overall reach while maintaining full access to standard and metric fasteners from 8mm to 24mm. The 12-point design engages fasteners quickly and minimizes cam-out risk compared to 6-point alternatives. Whether you're working in engine bays, around tight machinery, or in automotive assembly, this socket works as a standalone tool or as part of a complete socket system.

Key Features

• 12-Point Internal Geometry: Double-hex profile provides multiple engagement angles, reducing fastener rounding and enabling faster socket placement
• Short Socket Design: Compact length (28–30mm across the range) allows access in tight, confined areas without sacrificing drive strength
• 3/8″ Square Drive: Standard drive size compatible with ratchets, impact drivers, and extension bars across most tool systems
• Knurled Grip Band: Raised knurling on the mid-body improves handling and control, especially with gloved hands or in oily conditions
• Machined Steel Construction: Hardened steel with precision-machined internal cavity ensures durability and precise fastener fit
• Matte Chrome Finish: Satin chrome coating resists corrosion and provides a professional appearance while maintaining grip texture
• Size Range: 8mm through 24mm sizes available as individual sockets, allowing mechanics to stock only what they need or build custom sets

Technical Specifications

Size (mm)	Socket ID	D1 (mm)	D2 (mm)	T (mm)	L (mm)
8	523208	11.8	17	8	28
9	523209	13.2	17	8	28
10	523210	14.5	17	8	28
11	523211	15.7	17	8	28
12	523212	17	16	8	28
13	523213	18	16.5	8	28
14	523214	19.6	17	12	28
15	523215	20.9	18	12	28
16	523216	22	19	12	28
17	523217	23.4	20	12	30
18	523218	24.6	21	12	30
19	523219	26	23	14	30
20	523220	27.1	24	14	30
21	523221	28	25	14	30
22	523222	29.6	26	14	30
23	523223	31.6	27	14	30
24	523224	32	28	16	30

D1 = Drive recess diameter; D2 = Socket mouth diameter; T = Wall thickness at mouth; L = Overall length

Business Advantages for Resellers

• Individual SKU Flexibility: Stock individual sizes to meet customer demand without over-committing inventory. Small, light items with high margin potential.
• Cross-Sell Ready: Bundle with ratchet handles, extension bars, and universal socket holders to increase transaction value.
• Professional Shop Staple: Short sockets are essential for mechanics who work in confined spaces—automotive, hydraulics, and precision assembly shops will reorder consistently.
• Competitive Pricing: Machined steel construction at standard market rates makes this an easy margin product for mobile mechanics and tool distributors.
• Quality Reputation: Precision machining and 12-point design deliver fewer call-backs and complaints, protecting your credibility with professional users.

Application Context

Ideal For:

• Automotive technicians working around engines, transmissions, and tight underbody areas
• Industrial maintenance mechanics in confined machine assemblies
• Hydraulic and pneumatic system assembly
• Precision fastener work requiring quick engagement and anti-cam-out protection

Not Ideal For:

• Heavy impact or pneumatic use (use impact-rated sockets instead)
• Continuous high-torque applications exceeding hand-tool limits

Why the 12-Point Design Matters

The 12-point geometry is a practical advantage over 6-point sockets in general fastening work. It reduces fastener rounding by engaging at more angles, and it speeds up socket placement—critical when efficiency directly affects labor costs. For resellers, this feature justifies a slight price premium and differentiates the product from commodity offerings.

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Stock these individual sizes or recommend them as part of a professional mechanic's essential toolkit. The short profile and 12-point design make them repeat purchases for shops working in confined spaces.