Side-by-Side Comparison
Tool Drives & Bit Shanks
Drill Bit Shank Types & Sizing vs. Socket Square Drive Sizes
Comparing 2 standards across 13 specifications. 13 key differences identified.
Comparing:
Drill Bit Shank Types & Sizing
Socket Square Drive Sizes
Drill bit shanks are standardized under ISO 296, DIN 338, and proprietary power tool systems into Straight Round Shanks, 1/4" Quick-Change Hex Shanks (ISO 1173), SDS-Plus (10 mm / 2-groove), SDS-Max (18 mm / 3-groove), and Morse Taper (MT1–MT5) industrial spindle shanks.
Square socket drives are standardized under ISO 1174-1 and ASME B107 into five standardized fractional inch drive square tiers: 1/4-inch, 3/8-inch, 1/2-inch, 3/4-inch, and 1-inch, each defining maximum safe working torque limits, retaining ball detent locations, and pin-hole locks.
Specification Comparison Table
13 Parameters| Parameter / Spec | ||
|---|---|---|
|
Governing Standards
|
ISO 1173 / ISO 296 / DIN 338 / Bosch SDS Standard | ISO 1174-1 (Hand Tools) / ISO 1174-2 (Power / Impact Tools) / ASME B107.4M |
|
Straight Round Shank
|
Universal smooth cylindrical shank held in 3-jaw keyed or keyless chucks (0.5 mm to 13.0 mm / 1/2") | — |
|
1/4-Inch Hex Shank (Form E 6.3)
|
6.35 mm (1/4") with power ball detent groove (ISO 1173 Form E 6.3) | Prevents bit spin-out in impact drivers | — |
|
SDS-Plus Shank (10 mm)
|
10 mm diameter shank with 2 open drive splines + 2 closed ball-locking grooves | Rotary hammers up to 4 kg | — |
|
SDS-Max Shank (18 mm)
|
18 mm diameter heavy-duty shank with 3 open splines | Heavy demolition hammers and core drilling (5+ kg) | — |
|
Morse Taper 2 (MT2)
|
Taper 1:20.020 | Large diameter: 17.780 mm (0.700") | Drill presses, metal lathes, magnetic base drills | — |
|
Morse Taper 3 (MT3)
|
Taper 1:19.922 | Large diameter: 23.825 mm (0.938") | Industrial radial arm drills | — |
|
1/4-Inch Drive (6.3 mm)
|
— | Drive Square: 6.35 mm | Torque Limit: ~30 to 45 N·m (22–33 lbf·ft) | Typical Socket Range: 4 mm to 14 mm (5/32" to 9/16") |
|
3/8-Inch Drive (10.0 mm)
|
— | Drive Square: 9.53 mm | Torque Limit: ~150 to 200 N·m (110–148 lbf·ft) | Typical Socket Range: 8 mm to 22 mm (5/16" to 7/8") |
|
1/2-Inch Drive (12.5 mm)
|
— | Drive Square: 12.70 mm | Torque Limit: ~500 to 650 N·m (370–480 lbf·ft) | Typical Socket Range: 10 mm to 36 mm (3/8" to 1-1/2") |
|
3/4-Inch Drive (20.0 mm)
|
— | Drive Square: 19.05 mm | Torque Limit: ~1,400 to 1,800 N·m (1,030–1,330 lbf·ft) | Semi-truck, tractor, structural bolting |
|
1-Inch Drive (25.0 mm)
|
— | Drive Square: 25.40 mm | Torque Limit: ~2,800 to 3,500 N·m (2,060–2,580 lbf·ft) | Heavy earthmoving machinery, mining, industrial |
|
Retaining Mechanisms
|
— | Spring-loaded steel ball detent (Chrome hand sockets) vs Pin-hole & rubber O-ring (Impact power sockets) |