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Posted: 3/25/2017 7:56:21 PM EDT
Does anyone have experience with using spline drive tools on regular 6 point hex head bolts and nuts?

I picked up a complete set of Snap On torque adapters from Uncle Sam's Retail Outlet, and the day after they shipped I realized they were spline instead of hex.  (One said it was hex but when they arrived they are all spline).  The price was killer compared to new retail so I felt like I was in a hurry to order so that I could guarantee a full set, but should have read the description more closely.  Having to cart them one at a time wasn't helping either.

I think the set will be useful for hard-to-reach stuff on my fleet of two jeeps and one mil vehicle, but if the spline drive is only mediocre for hex I might just try to sell them and make some of my money back.  

Link Posted: 3/25/2017 8:13:37 PM EDT
[#1]
Get the correct tools for the job.

If you are intending to work on standard hex bolts and nuts - that ain't it.
Link Posted: 3/25/2017 8:20:05 PM EDT
[#2]
They work fine.
Link Posted: 3/25/2017 8:32:07 PM EDT
[#3]
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Quoted:
They work fine.
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Thanks.  The Snap On website says you can use them on hex, I'm just worried they'll strip out.  

I remember craftsman used to have a display of their spline drive tools that let you try them on all different kinds of bolt heads- said they did everything- but the splines on those were a lot deeper than these.  

I guess I'll hang on to them.
Link Posted: 3/25/2017 11:34:43 PM EDT
[#4]
Low torque large bolt probably fine. Anything else, you're playing with fire imho.
Link Posted: 3/26/2017 12:26:14 PM EDT
[#5]
Think of it as an extreme 12 point socket.

Anything really tight can strip corners on the fastener from reduced contact area.

That is why we use 6 point sockets on tight things.
Link Posted: 3/27/2017 9:57:32 AM EDT
[#6]
Yes they work on 6 point or 12 point nuts and bolts.
Been using them for 20 years.

Attachment Attached File
Link Posted: 3/28/2017 4:24:48 PM EDT
[#7]
The tail of a U-2 joint about 10 feet forward of the actual end of the fuselage) is held on by four titanium bolts with spline drives on each.

There is a small spring loaded cover at each bolt on both sides to allow getting a pair wrenches in.

It is a real PITA to remove though because the swing is only about 1/8 of a turn.

After you move the tail back about 6 inches you have to start disconnecting some hydraulic lines and cable harnesses.

The multiple cables for tail control surfaces are disconnected first.
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