2023/06/09

Hand Tools Knowledge and Resource

How far will universal joint socket bend? Impact VS. Hand

How Much Can a Universal Socket Actually Bend?

Many customers are curious about the flexibility of the professional universal socket produced by Tien-i. Can it bend at various angles? Can it bend 90 degrees?

What Problem Did the Universal Socket Solve?

Typically, customers who purchase universal sockets are experienced maintenance professionals. They have found it tiring to constantly switch between a universal joint and a manual socket during repairs. As a solution, the universal socket, which can replace both the universal joint and the socket, emerged.

Before:

Now:

Is 360° Rotation the Same as Bending Angle?
Each universal socket can rotate 360 degrees, which refers to the socket itself rotating in a full circle.

However, when we ask about the "bending angle of the universal socket," we are referring to the maximum bending angle between the "upper 6 point socket" and the "lower square drive socket."
The image below shows a professional pneumatic universal socket produced by Tien-i, which has a bending angle of 30 degrees.

Why Can't a Universal Socket Bend to 90 Degrees?
From a mechanical perspective, it is difficult to imagine achieving a 90-degree bend without using gears and relying solely on the central axis.

Therefore, I asked our Tien-i engineers to explain how torque transmission and angles are balanced.

Does the Length of a Socket Affect Its Bending Angle?

First, let's clarify a concept: the length of the socket itself is not the reason for the bending angle.

Angles are angles,
Length is length.

Will the intersection angle of the two red dashed lines and the length of the red dashed line affect the angle? No, it won't. The angle is determined by the structure of the connection. Regardless of the length of the socket, the angle can be maintained at around 30 degrees.

Many tool brands claim, "Our universal socket bends because it is short," but this is an incorrect statement.

What they mean to say is that their universal socket is shorter, allowing it to fit into narrower spaces. This is correct because you sacrifice the effective depth of the hexagonal socket in exchange for a compact and flexible design.

Is a Larger Bending Angle Always Better?
Additionally, the angle itself also affects the efficiency of torque transmission. The closer the angle is to 90 degrees, the less efficient the torque transmission becomes.

However, due to space limitations in many cases, screws and nuts are designed in areas where it is challenging to apply force directly with a socket or wrench. The function of the universal socket is to easily access these areas. The larger the bending angle, the easier it is to reach restricted areas that were previously difficult to access.

Any question about universal join design, please contact with Tien-I sales team.

For more information about universal joint socket and universal impact socket, please check the link:

https://www.tien-i.com/detail/18-987-universal-joint-socket-flex-socket-swivel-socket-

https://www.tien-i.com/detail/75-848-3-8-drive-universal-impact-socket-6-point-360-degree-swivel-flex-impact-socket

If you like to know more about universal join design, simply click below button:

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What kind of factory is Tien-i?

Tien-I is a manufacoturer at professional designing tool kit and producing OEM/ODM products.

Is the bit head magnetic?

Please provide the sample or the photo for us reference to see which bits you ask for.

What is the popular size of impact sockets?

What kind of tool kit do you want? And what’s the sales territory? Different countries have different popular sizes. Welcome to send us an email for further discussion. .

What is the popular size of chrome sockets?

What kind of tool kit do you want? And what’s the sales territory? Different countries have different popular sizes. Welcome to send us an email for further discussion.

What is the difference between impact socket and chrome socket? Why is CR-V material not suitable at producing impact sockets?

Tien-i's hand sockets are made of Cr-V steel (CR-V).

Compared with the raw material "CR-V" for hand sockets, the raw material for pneumatic sockets, CR-MO, has stronger toughness, i.e. stronger shock resistance. Suitable for use with air and electric guns. CR-V steel (CR-V) has higher hardness, but in the need for shock-resistant use environment will lead to reduced service life.

to know more about hand socket and impact socket

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Please download through the website.

Go to our download page

How to inquiry the products which does not in the Tien-I’s catalog?

Please contact our sales team. It’s welcome to provide the relative drawing or sample and the product sales information.

https://tien-i.com/contact

Please contact our sales team. It’s welcome to provide the relative drawing or sample and the product sales information.

How to get the sample? What is the sample cost?

https://tien-i.com/contact Please contact our sales team.

Please contact our sales team.

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