17mm Sockets

17mm sockets are a specific size of socket, spanning all socket types, that measures 17mm in diameter. The 17mm diameter measurement is the output measurement of the socket, meaning that it will fit over fasteners that are also 17mm in diameter.

Sockets are drive head attachments used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Sockets are placed over the fastening as opposed to around them, giving users a different angle to approach tightening or loosening a fastening. There are many different types of sockets, including hex sockets, impact sockets, nut drivers, and more.

Individual sockets are simply accessories that need to fit over the drive head of a turning tool, such as a spanner. The square tip of the turning tool is called the drive, and different drive heads, such as sockets, ratchets, and drivers, attach to the drive. The most common drive sizes are ¼ in,⅜ in, ½ in, and ¾ in. 17mm sockets are somewhat in the middle range for socket sizes and therefore will be found with either a ½ in or⅜ in drive.

17mm sockets are not the most common size, but luckily RS sells a wide range of individual sockets, 17mm hex bits, and other head attachments measured at 17mm.

17mm Hex Sockets

17mm hex sockets get their name because they have six flat contact edges within the socket that make the shape of a hexagon. Hex sockets are designed for use with hex bolts and hex nuts. In addition to the standard six-sided hex sockets, we carry 12-point hex sockets, also known as bi-hex or double hex sockets. A double hex provides more flexibility in confined spaces and creates twice the amount of friction contact points.

Hex sockets are the preferred and standard shape for sockets and are used in nearly every industry, ranging from simple auto mechanic work to large manufacturing. 17mm hex sockets and 17mm hex bits are commonly used for service German automobiles and motorcycles and are sometimes used for assembling heavy-duty medical equipment.

17mm Deep Sockets

Deep sockets are a type of socket that has a longer barrel than standard-sized sockets, designed for accessing hard to reach fastening or fastenings in which the nut is recessed. The most common example of using a deep socket is for tightening or loosening a lug nut on a car.

17mm deep sockets are often made of chrome vanadium, however, for more heavy duty purposes, such as use with pneumatic impact tools, you would need to use a 17mm deep impact socket made from chrome molybdenum.

Impact sockets are used in conjunction with pneumatic impact tools like impact guns, impact wrenches, or impact drivers. During application, the hammer action from the impact tool delivers multiple blows and high torque to break stubborn fasteners free. Impact sockets most commonly have a dark, blackened finish compared to non-impact sockets as they have a carbonized coating which helps them to harden under the impact and manage torque impact changes due to their material makeup.

Non-impact (standard) sockets will bend or break when used with an impact tool, such as an impact socket wrench. This can be dangerous and cause injuries or damage to the tools or pieces of machinery being worked on.

As mentioned above, 17mm long sockets are often used with service German automobiles, as German manufacturers, more than others, are keen on using 17mm fastenings. If you are an owner of a German car, you might want to keep a few 17mm impact sockets on hand for home repair.