Friction rings and pin detents are both used on socket tools, and most non-specialists believe that there’s not much difference between the two. However, this couldn’t be farther from the truth. Read through our guide to learn the difference between friction rings and pin detents and which is the better connector type.

What Is the Difference Between Friction Ring and Pin Detent?

The discerning difference between a friction ring and a pin detent located on the driving gear (or anvil) in various tools lies in the gripping mechanism holding onto the socket tool. Both mechanisms have their respective advantages and drawbacks, which we’ll discuss later in this guide.

As their name implies, a pin detent uses a locking pin or a spring-loaded ball detent to hold the socket onto square drives (in ratchets) and detent anvils (on cordless impact wrenches). The spring actuation requires a substantial amount of force, which ensures fantastic impact socket retention. As a result, they’re mostly used on high-torque impact drivers, with an infrequent change of sockets.

However, if you’re frequently changing sockets, a friction ring might seem better. The combination of a rubber ring and c-ring (also called a hog ring) keeps the socket on the square but doesn’t exert as much force on the socket, allowing for easier socket changes. They’re mostly used on air impact guns and cordless power tools. We’ll discuss the inner workings of both types in the sections below.

Friction Rings

Friction rings don’t exert as much force on the socket, thanks to their mechanism, allowing easier and more comfortable socket removal and interchangeability. If you’re using several different sockets during your workday, a friction ring is a good choice.

What Is a Friction Ring?

A friction ring, also called a c-ring or a hog ring, is a ring on the end section of the square drive which keeps the socket seated to the square. The end section of the hog ring anvil is actually circular and has a circular groove that holds the rubber o-ring, with a steel c-ring on top of the rubber one. The rubber ring basically expands the diameter of the steel ring, which exerts enough force to keep the socket in place.

Where Can You Use Low Friction Rings?

Friction Ring connectors are great in situations where you need multiple sockets for a particular job, as it allows easier changing of sockets. However, fighting to change several sockets during a workday can be a huge negative. Luckily, these are “soft” enough for easier socket change yet sturdy enough for most applications.

Their downside is that they’re not as durable and sturdy as pin detents since both rubber and steel rings are susceptible to wear and team and require occasional replacements before using the impact wrench again. They’re also not very suitable for high-torque applications, in which a pin detent on a high-torque impact wrench would be a better-suited tool.

Friction Ring Kits

Since both rubber and steel rings are susceptible to wear and tear, major manufacturers of impact wrenches like Milwaukee or DeWalt offer original replacement friction rings designed for use with their respective products.

Pin Detents

On the other hand, the pin detent interlocks with the socket tool and keeps it securely in place. This makes changing the sockets much more difficult than with friction rings, but they’re great for high-torque applications when you’re using one socket or two while working.

What Are Pin Detents?

A pin detent is either a locking ball or a locking pin that holds the socket tool in place. The spring-loaded ball or pin is usually located on one of the sides of the square drive and serves to interlock with the hole on the internal section of the socket tool, keeping it tightly secured on the square drive. Unlike friction rings, which offer easier swapping of the sockets, the retaining pins on pin detents require a significant amount of force to actuate.

Most sockets intended for pin detent use have a through-hole on their sides. This hole serves a dual purpose: to interlock with the retaining pin and allow pin actuation via a tool (screwdriver, nail, or drill bit) if the ball spring is too powerful to actuate by pulling on the socket.

Where Can You Use Pin Detents?

Pin detents are fantastic for high-torque applications, as they’re often more secure and heavy-duty oriented than friction rings. They’re ideal for tougher jobs, especially ones that don’t require different socket sizes but only one socket size. However, there’s something to be said about flexibility, and when you’re in need to move between different sockets, operating with a detent pin is a real hassle.

Are Pin Detents Replaceable?

Unlike friction rings, which are more susceptible to wear and tear, pin detents are much more durable by magnitudes. As a result, it’s more likely for your impact wrench to reach the end of its lifespan or malfunction before the pin detent on the square drive malfunctions due to wear and tear, even with extensive use.

In an unlikely case that you need to change a pin detent, perhaps due to physical damage that hinders normal operation, you’d have to purchase an entirely new square drive since the balls and/or pins are integrated by design and can’t be swapped.

Is a Friction Ring or Pin Detent Better?

Personal preference is the most important factor when considering which type of square end to use, either a friction ring or a pin detent. One is not better than the other; they’re just better suited for different applications.

Professional mechanics and technicians would most likely benefit from having both types of square drives — pin detents for extremely heavy-duty applications and friction rings for daily tasks that usually require the use of several sockets. On the other hand, DIY individuals don’t usually require high-torque professional-grade tools. They’re more likely to get better value for money by investing in tools that use friction rings, as detent pins can’t match their versatility.

Summary

There’s no clear-cut winner in this debate, as both types of tools excel and fall flat in vastly different applications. If you want to learn more about friction rings and detent pins, visit Reid Supply — a supplier of a comprehensive line of metalworking tools for machining and finishing applications and other types of hardware, like drill bits.