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    12-Point Socket, Tool Not Bolt

    12-Point Socket, Tool Not Bolt, TorqBolt 12-point fastener with tB ligature and alloy grade marking

    If you searched for "12-point socket" you are looking at the tool that drives an external 12-point bolt, not at the bolt itself. TorqBolt makes the bolt, not the tool. For the tool, retail brands like Snap-on, Craftsman, GearWrench, Sunex, and Husky carry 12-point socket sets.

    What a 12-point socket is

    A 12-point socket has twelve internal splines arranged every 30 degrees around the inside of the drive opening. It fits an external 12-point bolt head (the bolt has twelve external splines that mate to the twelve internal splines of the socket). A 6-point socket also fits but engages only six of the twelve external splines, halving the torque capacity and risking spline rounding under high load.

    Common 12-Point Socket Sizes

    Common metric sizes: 8 mm, 10 mm, 12 mm, 14 mm (often used as a thin-wall spark-plug socket), 17 mm, 19 mm, 21 mm, 24 mm, 30 mm, 36 mm. Common inch sizes: 1/4 inch, 5/16 inch, 3/8 inch, 7/16 inch, 1/2 inch, 9/16 inch, 5/8 inch, 3/4 inch, 1 inch, 1-1/4 inch. See 12-Point Socket Sizes for the size chart.

    Looking for the bolt instead?

    If you actually need a 12-point bolt (not the tool to drive one), see the 12-point fastener catalog or the homepage. TorqBolt manufactures aerospace and motorsport 12-point bolts in A286, Inconel 718, Ti-6Al-4V, MP35N, 8740 chromoly, and L19 race-grade alloy steel.

    12-Point vs 6-Point Socket

    For the engineer's comparison of 12-point vs 6-point socket use, see 12-Point vs 6-Point Socket.

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    Frequently asked questions

    What is a 12-point bolt?

    A 12-point bolt has 12 splines arranged every 30 degrees on the OUTSIDE of the bolt head, also called a bi-hex or double-hex bolt. The 12 external splines provide twice the wrench-engagement angles of a standard hex head, allowing higher applied torque before cam-off, which is why aerospace and motorsport applications adopt the geometry.

    Are 12-point bolts the same as ISO 14579?

    No. ISO 14579 specifies an INTERNAL hexalobular socket head (similar to Torx) recessed inside a cap screw. External 12-point bolts under MS21250 / NAS1351 / AS3216 use an EXTERNAL bi-hex head driven by a 12-point socket wrench. Both involve 12 features but on different sides of the bolt head and require different drivers.

    Which alloys does TorqBolt manufacture 12-point bolts in?

    TorqBolt produces 12-point bolts in A286 (UNS S66286), Inconel 718 (UNS N07718), Ti-6Al-4V Grade 5, MP35N (UNS R30035), Custom 465 H1025, AISI 8740 chromoly heat-treated, AISI 4340, 17-4 PH, H-11 tool steel, and L19 race-grade alloy steel. Choice depends on tensile target, service temperature, and corrosion environment.

    Is TorqBolt AS9100D certified?

    Yes. TorqBolt operates under AS9100D Rev D and ISO 9001:2015 quality management systems, audited annually by the registrar. NORSOK M-630 and NACE MR0175 / ISO 15156 qualifications cover offshore and sour-service applications. Mill test reports MTC 3.1 standard and MTC 3.2 critical-service witness are issued with every lot.

    What lead time should I expect?

    Stock alloys (A286, AISI 8740, AISI 4340, 17-4 PH, 316 stainless) ship in 4 to 6 weeks. Specialty alloys (Inconel 718, MP35N, Custom 465, Ti-6Al-4V, L19) ship in 8 to 12 weeks depending on raw-bar lead time at the alloy producer. Critical-service orders requiring third-party witness inspection (MTC 3.2) add 1 to 2 weeks for witness scheduling.