Facom 3/8" Drive 12pt Swivel Socket (16mm) - these are 30% shorter than conventional swivel sockets for access and mobility in tight spaces. Facom markets these to the Aerospace industry but they're useful in other commercial and automotive applications. Made in France.
Facom still offers a swivel socket in fractional sizes but no longer makes these in metric sizes.
The Facom J.16F is a premium, vintage 3/8" square drive, 12-point metric swivel (hinged/universal joint) hand socket sized at 16 mm. The "F" suffix in Facom's classic catalog numbering system designates a Flex / Swivel configuration, joining a high-performance socket profile directly with a built-in universal pivoting knuckle joint.
- Ultra-Compact Profile: Engineered to be roughly 30% shorter than a conventional pairing of a standard standalone socket attached to an independent universal joint adapter. This significantly lowers the tool's clearance height, offering maximum access inside tight engine bays or compact industrial frameworks.
- Drive Specification: 3/8 inch square drive (Facom's "Junior" or "J" range).
- Fastener Profile: 12-Point (bi-hexagon) internal configuration, making it much easier to snap onto hexagonal fasteners at restrictive, awkward angles where handle swing arc is limited.
- OGV® Geometry: Built with Facom's proprietary convex wall architecture. By applying rotational force to the flat sides of the 16mm nut rather than its sharp corners, it maximizes torque delivery while preventing fastener head rounding.
- Aesthetic Finish: Complete high-polished bright chrome plating designed to resist oil degradation and workplace corrosion.
Catalog Evolution & Replacement Options - Please note that the classic integrated, single-piece J.F metric flex range has been officially discontinued in Facom's active catalogs. In modern professional inventory environments, order fulfillment for a 16mm angle application is typically handled by combining separate components:
- Modern Multi-Piece Setup: A standard 12-point fixed socket (Facom J.16) paired dynamically with an independent 3/8" universal joint adapter (Facom J.240A).
- Deep Fixed Alternative: If you only need deep reach without angular articulation, the active alternative is the 16mm 12-point deep socket (Facom J.16LA).
