Just ordered a nice 3/8 socket set and realized that it's a bi-hex and not standard hex.
Sizes 8-22mm

Any issues using the bi-hex sockets on standard hex bolts/nuts?

Or are the 12point sockets meant to be used on 12 point bolts/nuts?
The only 12 point screws I recall are on the shocks where they mount to the LCA

Thx

You can use 12-point sockets on 6-point nuts/bolts. Just don't use them on anything rusty or you run a much greater risk of rounding the head off. For that reason I never use 12-point sockets, I live in the last of rust

You're in California so you have no idea what I'm talking about, and as such 12-point sockets are fine

X2. 12-point sockets give you a little more flexibility in situations where access is poor, where a handle has little room to turn. But 6-point sockets are stronger.

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"Buster" in the '95

Our all-Diesel family
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"Oh lord won't you buy me a Mercedes Benz."
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good info
thx very much.
I guess i'll hang on to the bi-hex set for light/regular duty.
maybe get hex sockets for 1/2 drive on bigger nuts&bolts.

By the way, other than the axle nut on a w-124 I'm not aware of any bi-hex (12 point) bolts or nuts on the mercedes chassis... All 6 point afaik...

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John HAUL AWAY, OR CRUSHED CARS!!! HELP ME keep the cars out of the crusher! A/C Thread
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My drivers:
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5Turbo
1987 190D 2.5-5SPEED!!!

1987 300TD
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The front lower shock bolts are 12 point units.

A set I bought came with a 3/8 drive thin walled socket.

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83 SD

84 CD

On W201 I've found loads of torx headed disasters as well as a few 12 pointers such as axles to hub, differential pinion and gearbox output shaft.

I've said it before and I'm sure to rock the boat but I always grab a decent made 12-point in preference to a 6 sided bugger!

...and I live in a place where rust is a way of life...

...and I dislike those 6 sided things because they are more often than not as well made as the 12 points.

The best sockets I have are the type that drive on the sides of the nut / bolt head => corner gripping things are just asking for trouble.

See for example these =>

Metrinch-tools - IF THIS CAN'T DO IT, NO TOOL CAN

(I'll keep on saying it!)

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1992 W201 190E 1.8 171,000 km - Daily driver
1981 W123 300D ~ 100,000 miles / 160,000 km - project car stripped to the bone
1965 Land Rover Series 2a Station Wagon CIS recovery therapy!
1961 Volvo PV544 Bare metal rat rod-ish thing

I'm here to chat about cars and to help others - I'm not here "to always be right" like an internet warrior



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