8-pt sockets

[wore out]

Just as I suspected. No one here has ever heard of or has a set of Metrinch sockets. Why would one not want a socket set that works on any size nut or bolt, metric and sae included? Is there some kind of curse to the user that I don't know about? I must have purchased this set about 40 or 50 years ago.

To me, it makes much more sense for a socket to put the pressure on the flats of a nut or bolt head. Oh, have I mentioned they'll also work on square bolt heads.

I have a set, meh.

 

[glennster]

Grey Pneumatic makes them. I think WIliams does too... Grey Pneumatic can be had on Amazon for sure.

grey pneumatic also make drain plug sockets for square head plugs and also for recessed plugs

 

[Mike(NEOhio)]

I have a few I bought as singles but need a couple more. Last one I got from a NAPA store a while ago. McMaster-Carr had them last time I checked. Nothing better for pipe plugs.

 

[Mule Meat]

Blacksmith Bolt & Rivet Supply has them from 1/4" up to 1 1/4". 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2" drive. All made in the USA.

I have a few I got from them for when we were building pole barns using utility company square head bolts and nuts.

 

[Watthour]

Still have a selection of 8-point sockets in my sets. I hope I never have to replace any. They are convenient for plugs, set screws, and various other applications. Then again, I have a few boxes of random sized square-head bolts specifically for restoration work, some of them new in the antique boxes.

 

[JOCCO]

Just as I suspected. No one here has ever heard of or has a set of Metrinch sockets. Why would one not want a socket set that works on any size nut or bolt, metric and sae included? Is there some kind of curse to the user that I don't know about? I must have purchased this set about 40 or 50 years ago.

To me, it makes much more sense for a socket to put the pressure on the flats of a nut or bolt head. Oh, have I mentioned they'll also work on square bolt heads.

I have a similar set.

 

[cwtech]

8-point sockets are useful for turning taps !

 

[gmccool]

Grey Pneumatic makes them. I think WIliams does too... Grey Pneumatic can be had on Amazon for sure.

 

[scootergmc]

Just as I suspected. No one here has ever heard of or has a set of Metrinch sockets. Why would one not want a socket set that works on any size nut or bolt, metric and sae included? Is there some kind of curse to the user that I don't know about? I must have purchased this set about 40 or 50 years ago.

To me, it makes much more sense for a socket to put the pressure on the flats of a nut or bolt head. Oh, have I mentioned they'll also work on square bolt heads.

ok, but what exactly did you suspect? Nobody replied to your post quick enough? I've heard of them and you're right, I don't have a set of metrinch. I've never found myself needing a metrinch set. I actually have a set of similar "universal" sockets that have been used exactly zero times. I tend to just grab the right tool for the job.

 

[joeysmith]

ok, but what exactly did you suspect? Nobody replied to your post quick enough? I've heard of them and you're right, I don't have a set of metrinch. I've never found myself needing a metrinch set. I actually have a set of similar "universal" sockets that have been used exactly zero times. I tend to just grab the right tool for the job.

I will admit the silly gator grip socket has gotten me outa a jamb a few times over the years

 

[charlie n]

Got a set of 3/8 and 1/2 from sears years ago. Found my 1/4 inch drive at Proto.

 

[caterpillar guy]

I had never heard of them and the search for them turned up they have been made since the 80's and if one was worried about it in restoration wqork or the like would want to worry about they can mar the finish on fasteners during loosening or tightening by them. Though most would not be a problem with that. Since it would be an old used bolt with rust and grime on them for most intents and purposes. Lots of times regular SAE wrenches will fit a good many of the metric nuts and bolt heads. And yes there are some sizes that will appear to fit yet slip if pulled on hard. 19and 3/4 is one that comes to mind. Not so much with 6 point sockets or box ends.

 

[Kevinwterry]

8-point sockets are useful for turning taps !

Never have I ever thought about that. Worked great!! I use 8 and 12 points for square drain plugs all the time but never thought about it for taps. That holder tool that is meant for taps never works right. I usually just use an adjustable wrench or some pliers. Not anymore!! Thanks!! I just happen to be cleaning out some threads now.

 

[Tony in SD]

After spending years with a gap in our set, I managed to find a decent Craftsman 1/2" drive 5/8" 8-pt socket on eBay for something less than a very good steak dinner.

8-pt sockets have long become specialty items, but not a single one is to be had locally or even reasonably close. People in hardware or even tool stores ask, "Don't you mean 6- or 12-point"? No, I don't. Heck, even the search engines assume the 8 is a typo and give me 6- or 12-. On y by adding the word square do I get any useful returns.

I get it: square nuts and bolts are not used anymore. But square-headed plugs still are, and adjustable wrenches always pose the danger of slipping.

There is a drain plug on one of our JD As that has soft corners, and the adjustable wrench just won't get it. Thus, I ordered this socket.

This forum is sponsored by "Antique Tractor Headquarters," so I assume most here will acknowledge the utility of 8-pt sockets. Does anyone know of a source--other than scrounging resell ships and yard sales and estate sales--for these very useful tools?

In the aerial utility outside plant, almost all pole hardware is still and probably remain square bolts & nuts. Over the years of aerial contracting, I have probably bought more square & more longer longer (8" to 36") bolts than any other person on this site has bought hex bolts & nuts.

 

[Destroked 450]

I was needing 1/2” and 9/16” 8 point sockets recently, local NAPA could get them in a set or as singles, I purchased a couple of singles

 

[Hobo,NC]

Never have I ever thought about that. Worked great!! I use 8 and 12 points for square drain plugs all the time but never thought about it for taps. That holder tool that is meant for taps never works right. I usually just use an adjustable wrench or some pliers. Not anymore!! Thanks!! I just happen to be cleaning out some threads now. View attachment 119887

When life is good to ya you can find this set for $25, they hold the tap well no falling out on ya.

70500 Tap Socket Set

For Use in Restricted Areas.

www.lislecorp.com

 

[Steven Allen]

I picked some up buying coffee cans full of sockets at garage sales What size you need Ill probably never use them ?

That is very kind of you, sir! Please see the message I have sent.

 

[WI Dan]

I'm always surprised that it seems that not many people know about these sockets. It's a "Metrinch" socket set as you see in the first pictures. If you have one of these sets, you won't even need a metric socket. These sockets and wrenches fit everything, metric or ASE. No matter how much a nut or bolt head is buggered up one of these will work on it. As you can see in the second picture shows that they work on the flats of nuts or bolt head, not the points.

I like those. I want to get a set!