whats this tool called? 12point male ?

[steveo3002]

seen some fastners on a car (audi tt) they require a 12 point male socket

someone mentioned theyre zxw sockets , but google says no

any ideas...so like a allen key but 12 point , not a torx or spline

 

[tigler]

Not just Bi-Hex is it ?

 

[rikrobson]

Photo would probably help

 

[eddie49]

They're known as RIBE ( 12-point ) or Polydrive ( 6-point ).

 

[Coo]

Wikipedia says....

Triple square, also known as a XZN socket, is a type of screw drive.
They are commonly found on German vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen[1]. These screws are used in high torque applications such as cylinder head bolts and drive train components. Triple square bolts are common to early Porsche and Volkswagen constant velocity joints.

Common sizes are 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm. Triple square drivers can be purchased at auto parts stores and through automotive tool distributors.

Increasingly, triple square screws are found on other European and Asian makes of cars.

Other names for triple square screws and drivers are "Double Hex", "Double Allen", and "Aircraft Screws". Despite this, "Double Hex" and "Double Allen" are misnomers. The recess in these bolts is actually (as the name suggests) made of three squares, not two hexagons. The corners are 90 degrees, not 120 degrees and therefore an Allen key will not fit them properly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_square

 

[steveo3002]

Wikipedia says....

Triple square, also known as a XZN socket, is a type of screw drive.
They are commonly found on German vehicles such as BMW, Mercedes, and Volkswagen[1]. These screws are used in high torque applications such as cylinder head bolts and drive train components. Triple square bolts are common to early Porsche and Volkswagen constant velocity joints.

Common sizes are 6, 8, 10, and 12 mm. Triple square drivers can be purchased at auto parts stores and through automotive tool distributors.

Increasingly, triple square screws are found on other European and Asian makes of cars.

Other names for triple square screws and drivers are "Double Hex", "Double Allen", and "Aircraft Screws". Despite this, "Double Hex" and "Double Allen" are misnomers. The recess in these bolts is actually (as the name suggests) made of three squares, not two hexagons. The corners are 90 degrees, not 120 degrees and therefore an Allen key will not fit them properly.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Triple_square

sounds like the ones...cant find any for sale though?

 

[paul_f]

Halfords do a set

 

[wobblemonster]

Here you go matey....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/US-Pro-Impact...tZUK_Hand_Tools_Equipment?hash=item19b8f4f6bb

 

[Disco_Mark]

as has already been said - Ribe, or sometimes referred to as spline drive.

The Halfords set is excellent, have ahd one for many years having played with various german cars.

Mark

 

[steveo3002]

ribe doesnt look like what im describing at all

assuming i can trust the pic?

 

[Hitch]

That picture you have there is Polydrive i think....

Id expect you need xzn sockets, they are 3-square.
Not to be confused with spline drive, that looks more like 2 torx heads.
Or bi-hex, like a standard 12pt socket.

 

[gavuk]

looks like polydrive as hitch says wiki

 

[the snooper]

could this be the one

 

[general--lee]

the one pictured on first post is a torx , ribe and are similar but squared off instead of pointy at ends and spline and loads of points/lines

snoopers post is a triple square on the smaller bit and a spline on bigger bit for taking off alternaotr nuts

triple square is what you are after are fitted to vag etc
torx
http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/e/ec/Torx_driver_secure.png
ribe
http://www.sm-sw.de/multi/ribe.jpg
spline
http://images.bidorbuy.co.za/user_images/601/1135601_091026135304_Hazet.JPG
triple square
http://www.zdmak.com/wbstore/images/th_zzzzzxzn21.jpg

last two are very simliar not 100% sure if images are right but hopefully gives you an idea

 

[steveo3002]

yeah triple square is the one.....dunno why ribes was suggested , its not even similar

 

[tigler]

Snap-On list triple square.

 

[steveo3002]

yeah what doesnt snap on list , i was hoping for something a bit cheaper

 

[paul_f]

Halfords do a set, i needed them for some porsche CV joints.

If you know which size I have seen individual ones on ebay

 

[gavuk]

i have a sealey torx. spline. hex. set ........3/8 and 1/2" drive, sealey.......not sure i paid that much though.......