Blue Spot Tools Individual 17mm Shallow Hex Socket (1/2" Drive) 01729

Blue Spot Tools Individual 17mm Shallow Hex Socket (1/2" Drive)

MPN: 01729

Barcode: 5028734017298

Size: 17mm

Weight: 0.07kg

Overview:

The Blue Spot Tools 17mm Shallow Hex Socket is a chrome vanadium, 1/2" drive socket built for high-torque hand tool work. CrV construction gives the socket the strength to take the load applied through breaker bars, ratchets, and torque wrenches without deforming.

The mirror polish on the outer body gives a hard finish that picks up less grime than a matte surface and cleans down in seconds. A knurled ring around the mid-body serves as a tactile locating point when handling the socket in a busy or oily working environment.

The socket measures 38mm in depth, keeping the overall height short enough to sit square on fasteners where clearance above the bolt head is limited. No adapter is needed - it connects directly to any standard 1/2" drive hand tool.

Key Features and Benefits

• CrV Construction: Takes the torque load from 1/2" drive ratchets and breaker bars without deforming
• 425Nm Rated: Covers the high-torque range for 17mm metric fasteners in automotive and workshop use
• Six-Point Hex: Drives the flat faces of the fastener head rather than its corners
• Mirror Polish: Hard, low-grime finish that cleans quickly after use
• Knurled Ring: Tactile locating point when handling in busy or oily conditions
• 1/2" Drive: Direct connection to any standard ratchet, torque wrench, or breaker bar
• 38mm Depth: Short enough to sit square where overhead clearance is restricted

Specs & Attributes

• Size: 17mm
• Drive: 1/2"
• Type: Hex (6-point)
• Material: Chrome Vanadium (CrV)
• Finish: Mirror polished with knurled grip band
• Max Torque: 425Nm
• Depth: 38mm
• Weight: 0.07kg

Typical Applications

• Wheel bolt removal and refitting on a range of European vehicles
• Brake disc retaining bolts and calliper carrier fasteners
• Suspension top mount and strut bolts
• Inlet manifold and exhaust component fasteners
• General workshop use on 17mm metric fasteners with 1/2" drive tools

How to Use

• Measure the Fastener: Confirm the bolt head measures 17mm across the flat faces before fitting.

• Fit to the Drive Tool: Attach the socket to a 1/2" drive ratchet, breaker bar, or torque wrench.

• Seat the Socket: Lower the hex opening onto the fastener and confirm it sits flat and fully engaged.

• Apply Torque: Drive the fastener in the required direction - stay within the 425Nm maximum.

• Retrieve the Socket: Disengage the drive tool and use the knurled ring to pull the socket free.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• What is a 17mm socket commonly used for?
  A 17mm socket is used regularly on wheel bolts across a range of European passenger vehicles, as well as brake disc hardware, inlet manifold bolts, and suspension fasteners. It is a well-used size in hand tool automotive work.

• Why does a hex socket use six contact points rather than four or eight?
  Six points spread the applied torque across the flat faces of the fastener head in a balanced way. Four points would cover less total face area, increasing load per contact point. Eight points around the same circumference would reduce individual face width, also concentrating the load. Six flat faces give the right balance between contact area and load distribution for standard fastener geometry.

• What is the correct technique when applying torque with a socket and ratchet?
  Seat the socket fully before applying any force. Keep the drive tool as square to the fastener axis as possible throughout the turn. Apply a steady, controlled force rather than sharp jerks. For tightening to a specific torque value, switch to a calibrated torque wrench rather than estimating through a standard ratchet handle.

• Can a socket be used with a sliding T-bar?
  Yes. A sliding T-bar uses the same 1/2" drive square as a ratchet or breaker bar and connects to any 1/2" drive socket directly. The sliding centre allows the bar to be repositioned for leverage and access. It is a practical choice in tight areas where a fixed ratchet handle cannot complete a full swing arc.

• What is the difference between a socket wrench and an impact wrench?
  A socket wrench is a hand-driven ratchet used with chrome vanadium sockets to apply controlled manual torque. An impact wrench is a power tool that delivers rapid, high-torque rotational blows, designed for use with impact-rated chrome molybdenum sockets. The two tool categories require different sockets and are not safely interchangeable at full power tool output.

Summary

The Blue Spot Tools 17mm Shallow Hex Socket is a CrV 1/2" drive hand tool socket rated to 425Nm for automotive and workshop fasteners. The 38mm depth keeps the socket usable in spaces where clearance above the bolt head is restricted. This socket is backed by the Blue Spot Tools Lifetime Guarantee.