A User’s Guide to Square-Head Sockets and Clavos
Maybe you’ve always been curious about the distinction between a clavo and a square head socket. It’s possible that you’re unfamiliar with these terminologies and have no idea what they mean or how to use them in a given situation. If this sounds like you, don’t worry-you’re in the right place! This book will teach you everything you need to know about square head sockets and clavos, as well as how to use them in various construction and repair tasks. Let’s get started!
A square head socket is required for turning bolts with square heads. Each of the square head socket’s four corners has been rounded off to allow for rotation in any direction. It is also used with a ratchet wrench or breaker bar to loosen tight bolts or nuts. A clavo is the Spanish word for nail and is often shaped like a long, thin screwdriver. Clavos are nails with square heads as opposed to round ones. When your creation needs to be less flimsy, you can use them instead of screws. The clavo’s square shape creates an even surface on the board it is being nailed into. These are also perfect for nailing boards together. To properly use clavos, any gaps between the parts being joined must be closed.
Square head sockets are used in a variety of situations, but they’re not interchangeable with other types of sockets. To effectively tighten or loosen a fastener on a flat surface, a square head socket is the finest tool to use. You can use clavos in conjunction with square head sockets if you have an old nut or bolt that doesn’t have a square hole. Square head sockets are more sturdy and less prone to slip off the bolt or shatter than round or deep sockets. When using clavos, it’s important not to hammer them too hard, or they will bend. If this happens, the nail might have a hard time penetrating.
When hammered into wood, clavos tend to shatter the surface instead of going in easily like other nails. Before driving in a clavo, you may give yourself a fighting chance of averting splits by utilizing a tactic called kicking. This is accomplished by gently pressing the point of the nail into the surface with your foot. Round-head screws are ideal for use with thinner materials, such as hardwood boards, as they can be pushed in deeper without needing to be spun as often.
To ensure your square head socket is always in tip-top shape, follow these care instructions: Clean the socket with warm water when it becomes dirty and grease-covered. Put a bit of oil on the inside of the socket to prevent rusting. Check that the socket’s edges do not rub against anything substantial, since this might create fractures.