Best 12-Point Square Drive Sockets of 2026

Harry Stack Avatar
Harry Stack
Last Updated: Jan 18, 2026

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12-Point Square Drive Sockets are essential tools for any mechanic or DIY enthusiast. These sockets have a unique 12-point design that allows for a tighter grip on nuts and bolts, reducing the risk of slippage and rounding. They are made from high-quality materials, such as chrome vanadium steel, and come in a variety of sizes to fit different fasteners. The square drive feature ensures a secure fit with ratchets and extensions, making them versatile and easy to use. 12-Point Square Drive Sockets are a must-have for any tool collection and are sure to make any job easier and more efficient.

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Klein Tools 66031 3-in-1 Slotted Impact Socket Cover #TOP 1
Klein Tools 66031 3-in-1 Slotted Impact Socket
ftb score rating icon 9.9
NEIKO 02522A 30mm Socket Cover #TOP 2
NEIKO 02522A 30mm Socket
ftb score rating icon 9.8
TIGHTSPOT 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Socket 1-1/16 Inch Cover #TOP 3
TIGHTSPOT 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Socket 1-1/16 Inch
ftb score rating icon 9.6

Top 8 12-Point Square Drive Sockets

Klein Tools 66031 3-in-1 Slotted Impact Socket

66031
Multi
One Size
Klein Tools 66031 3-in-1 Slotted Impact Socket Cover
Klein Tools 66031 3-in-1 Slotted Impact Socket, 12-Point Deep Sockets, Coaxial Spring Loaded, 3/4 and 9/16-Inch Hex Sizes, 1/2-Inch Drive

Klein 3-in-1 Impact Socket is a versatile tool that combines two common socket sizes in one, allowing you to easily switch between 3/4-Inch and 9/16-Inch hex sizes without the need for multiple sockets. The high-torque, 12-Point design is easier to position and works with square fasteners. The socket also features an alignment slot to tighten and loosen most hot-line clamps, which saves you time and effort. The single-ended impact socket allows for hands-free adjustment between socket sizes, which is a convenient feature when you need to switch sockets quickly. This socket's patent-pending design makes it stand out from others in the market.

What We Like
Strong spring mechanism
Speeds up workflow
Highly durable
Great for linemen
Fits most small nuts

NEIKO 02522A 30mm Socket

02522A
30 MM
NEIKO 02522A 30mm Socket Cover
NEIKO 02522A 30mm Socket | 1/2” Drive Deep Impact Socket | Spindle & Axle Nut Socket | 12 Point |Chrome Molybdenum Cr-Mo |Deep Well Hub | Triple Square | Axle Shaft Nut Remover

The Neiko 30mm Socket is a high-quality and durable tool that is designed to handle extreme levels of impact and torque changes. Made from drop forged premium chrome molybdenum steel, this socket is built to last. With its black phosphate coating, it offers increased protection from the elements, ensuring its longevity. The 12-point hex socket design makes it efficient for use on most axle hub and spindle nuts, including those for wheel bearings, CV axles, and knuckle assembly. The rounded corner design prevents rounding and slipping of fasteners, providing convenience and ease of use. Additionally, the extra deep socket allows for easy access, removal, and installation of axle nuts. The high contrast laser etched socket provides high visibility, making it easier to identify the socket size. Overall, the Neiko 30mm Socket is a reliable and practical tool for any automotive or mechanical work.

What We Like
Heavy duty
Durable
Efficient
#TOP 3

TIGHTSPOT 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Socket 1-1/16 Inch

IS12D1-116IN12-TW
TIGHTSPOT 1/2 Inch Drive Impact Socket 1-1/16 Inch Cover
TIGHTSPOT 1/2 Inch Drive 1-1/16 Inch Deep Impact Socket with Anti-Rounding 12 Point Design, Heat-Treated CRV Steel

The TIGHTSPOT Impact Socket is built from aerospace-grade steel, giving you the strength and flexibility needed for tough, high-torque jobs. Its design is perfect for tight spaces, balancing thickness and high tensile CRV steel to fit where other sockets might not. The radius corner design helps you apply more force evenly, reducing the chance of rounding off bolts by gripping them on the sides instead of the tips. Plus, the chamfered opening makes it easier to line up with fasteners quickly, speeding up your work and making gripping smooth and hassle-free.

What We Like
Aerospace-grade steel
Compact for tight spaces
Radius corner design
Chamfered opening

CRAFTSMAN 1/2-Inch Drive 27mm Metric Shallow Socket

CMMT44243
27 MM
CRAFTSMAN 1/2-Inch Drive 27mm Metric Shallow Socket Cover
CRAFTSMAN Shallow Socket, Metric, 1/2-Inch Drive, 27mm, 12-Point (CMMT44243)

The CRAFTSMAN 27mm Shallow Socket offers a polished chrome finish that helps prevent rust and keeps the tool looking new, making it durable for long-term use. Its 12-point design ensures quick and secure engagement with fasteners, so you can work efficiently without slipping. Large size markings make it easy to identify the socket you need at a glance, saving you time during projects. Plus, this socket meets or exceeds industry standards, giving you confidence in its quality and performance for your mechanical tasks.

What We Like
Corrosion resistance
12-point quick engagement
Large size markings
Industry-standard quality

SUNEX TOOLS 212zm 12mm 12-Point Impact Socket

212ZM
Black
1″
SUNEX TOOLS 212zm 12mm 12-Point Impact Socket Cover
SUNEX TOOLS 212zm 1/2-Inch Drive 12-mm 12-Point Impact Socket

The SUNEX 212zm Impact Socket is crafted from high-quality chrome molybdenum alloy steel, giving you a tool that's both strong and durable for tough jobs. Its unique radius corner design helps protect the fasteners you work on, extending their lifespan and saving you from frequent replacements. This socket grips the sides of fasteners rather than the corners, which means you get a better hold and less chance of slipping. Plus, it’s designed to handle rusted or damaged fasteners without rounding them off, making your repairs smoother and less frustrating. This makes the SUNEX 212zm Impact Socket a reliable choice for your toolbox.

What We Like
High-strength alloy steel
Radius corner design
Side grip on fasteners
Prevents rounding rusted fasteners
#TOP 6

Crescent 3/8" Drive 12mm Socket

CDS42N
No Color
One Size
Crescent 3/8" Drive 12mm Socket Cover
Crescent 3/8" Drive 12 Point Standard Metric Socket 12mm - CDS42N

The Crescent Metric Socket is a reliable and durable tool that is perfect for automotive and mechanical repairs. Made of chrome vanadium steel alloy, this socket is heat-treated for strength and corrosion-resistance, ensuring its longevity. Its nickel chrome plating offers long-lasting protection, while the mirror polish finish makes it easy to wipe clean. The off corner loading technology of the socket virtually eliminates fastener rounding, making it easy to use. The Crescent Metric Socket meets stringent new ANSI and ASME specifications and comes with a full satisfaction guarantee, making it a great addition to any toolbox.

What We Like
Durable
Corrosion-resistant
Easy to clean
#TOP 7

TEKTON SID23213 1/2 Inch Impact Socket

SID23213
1/2 in.
TEKTON SID23213 1/2 Inch Impact Socket Cover
TEKTON 1/2 Inch Drive x 1/2 Inch Deep 12-Point Impact Socket | SID23213

The TEKTON Impact Socket is designed to make your work easier and more precise. It features two clear size markings, one laser-etched and one stamped, so you can quickly identify the right socket without confusion. The full-length interior well ensures the socket grips the fastener deeply, giving you a better hold in various situations. This socket fits both friction ring and detent pin drive tools, offering you flexibility with your equipment. Plus, the rounded corners help protect fasteners from damage by applying force evenly on the flat sides, reducing the chance of slipping or rounding off. This makes the TEKTON Impact Socket a reliable choice for your toolset.

What We Like
Dual size markings
Deep socket engagement
Compatible with multiple anvils
Fastener protection design
#TOP 8

MTO 19mm 1/2" Drive Deep Impact Socket

MTO
MTO-CR-V-DEEP-19mm
Black
19mm
MTO 19mm 1/2" Drive Deep Impact Socket Cover
MTO 1/2" Drive 19mm Deep Impact Socket, 6-Point Metric Socket for Automotive Maintaince, CR-V Steel Meets ANSI Standards

The MTO 19mm Impact Socket is crafted from durable Chromium-Vanadium steel, giving you a strong and long-lasting tool that stands up to regular use in automotive and maintenance work. Its 6-point design grips bolts securely, reducing slipping and protecting both your tools and fasteners, even when dealing with worn or rusty parts. You’ll appreciate the clear laser-etched size markings, which stay visible over time and help you quickly find the right socket, especially in dim or cluttered spaces. Plus, it meets strict ANSI standards, so you can trust it for tough jobs requiring reliable strength and performance.

What We Like
Durable CR-V steel construction
6-point anti-slip design
Permanent laser-etched markings
ANSI certified quality
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Are 12 point sockets worth it?

The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.

2. What are 12 point sockets called?

Hex Sockets The 12-point socket, also called a double-hex or bi-hex, has 12 angles in the bolt end. The double-hex is able to fit over a hexagonal bolt head in twice as many positions as the regular hex socket, so it's a good choice for working in tight spaces.

3. What is a 12 point socket good for?

Uses of 12 Point Sockets 12 point sockets are used to loosen and tighten both 12-point and hexagonal head fasteners. It is necessary when working with 12 point fasteners such as ARP engine bolts since no other socket will fit the fastener.

4. Are 12 point sockets better than 6?

Answer: It's true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here's why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they're less likely to flew.

Editor's Notes

During our 12-point square drive socket research, we found 24 12-point square drive socket products and shortlisted 8 quality products. We collected and analyzed 45,506 customer reviews through our big data system to write the 12-point square drive sockets list. We found that most customers choose 12-point square drive sockets with an average price of $13.30.

The 12-point square drive sockets are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of 12-point square drive sockets, including KLEIN TOOLS, NEIKO, TIGHTSPOT, CRAFTSMAN, Sunex Tools. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Harry Stack Avatar

Harry Stack owns a small hardware store, his career landed him a depth of knowledge in categories such as tools, equipment, machinery and hardware. In his spare time, he usually repairs furniture, safes and appliances, and he knows how to make simple repairs to plumbing or electrical fixtures. His hobbies also include woodworking and fishing.