The GearWrench 1/2" Drive 6-Point Deep Metric Socket extends socket reach for fasteners on long studs, deep-set bolts, and recessed nuts where a standard shallow socket cannot fully seat. The Surface Drive off-corner load profile grips the flat face of the fastener instead of the corner, reducing rounding on stuck or high-torque hardware.

• Size: 18mm 6-point metric
• Drive: 1/2" square
• Profile: Deep well for long studs, recessed nuts, and protruding hardware
• Material: Chrome vanadium alloy steel
• Finish: Full-polish chrome for corrosion resistance and easy wipe-down
• Surface Drive off-corner loading reduces fastener rounding under load
• Chamfered opening starts the socket onto the fastener quickly
• Manufactured to ASME B107.5M specifications
• Full lifetime warranty

Fastener Match: M12 bolts on subframe mounts, brake-rotor hat bolts, and CV-axle nuts on some compact cars. Deep profile clears the protruding stud on through-bolted suspension brackets.

Drive Selection: 1/2" drive is the heavy-torque tier in the GearWrench socket lineup, rated for lug nuts, axle nuts, suspension bolts, and hub hardware typically in the 50-300 ft-lb range. For mid-torque work on engine accessories and brake hardware, step down to 3/8" drive (G1142). For precision and electronics work, use 1/4" drive (G1138).

Deep vs Shallow: Reach for a deep socket when the fastener sits on a long stud, in a counterbore, or behind protruding hardware that blocks a shallow socket from seating fully on the flats. Common deep-socket use cases include U-bolts, exhaust studs, suspension control-arm bolts, battery hold-down bolts, and axle nuts on long spindles. For surface-mounted bolt heads with no obstruction, a shallow socket is faster and easier to ratchet.

Tip: Verify the socket fully seats over the flats before applying torque. A partially-seated deep socket rocks under load and will round the corners. This chrome hand-tool socket is not impact-rated -- for impact-wrench work on stuck fasteners, use a black-oxide impact socket instead.