Sockets

[Mr.Nutcase]

which socket/ wrenches are better 12pt or 6pt?

[snapmom]

Have you ever seen any so 1/2dr 6pts from the 1930s

[Mr.Nutcase]

nope... I have not, Are you a snap on dealer?

[HandyManny]

I only buy 6 pt sockets in any of the three drive sizes. Box wrenches are all 12 pt because of more angle options in narrow spaces. Sockets on a ratchet can be turned to fit even in narrow spaces without having to move the ratchet handle.

[snapmom]

No, not a dealer, am a collector, but I do sell some of my extra tools.

[Mike83]

I only buy 6 pt sockets in any of the three drive sizes. Box wrenches are all 12 pt because of more angle options in narrow spaces. Sockets on a ratchet can be turned to fit even in narrow spaces without having to move the ratchet handle.

I agree with everything you say except that not all box wrenches are 12 point. Every manufacturer I know of offers a line of 6 point box wrenches.

[Mike83]

which socket/ wrenches are better 12pt or 6pt?

That is a loaded question if there ever was one.

Here's another loaded question: Which is better: Snap-On or Craftsman, and why?

[Chris Adams]

Staying on topic, I have six and twelve point in virtually every size. Only in quarter inch stuff do I seem to like the 12 point and reach for those first.

On 12 point bolt heads I have to use the 12 point but only seem to see those once in a blue moon.


12 point goes on a bolt quicker, and if you are using a torque wrench or breaker bar could be easier to use. Even a very coarse ratchet the 12 point is easier to index (less trying to find the right angle to fit on the bolt).

6 point is probably stronger in the few places that you are gonna break a socket or round the bolt.
6 point is also handy with alloy bolts or nuts as 12 point can easily round a brass nut. Done it.


If I could only have one set I would pick the 6 point. Then buy individual 12 point for those rare 12 point heads or for soft stuff.

[HandyManny]

I agree with everything you say except that not all box wrenches are 12 point. Every manufacturer I know of offers a line of 6 point box wrenches.

Yeah I know that. What I meant was that I only buy all 12 pt in box or combo wrenches. I see 6 pt but just never bothered.

[wantedabiggergarage]

Have you ever seen any so 1/2dr 6pts from the 1930s

My point in looking at USED 12 points (inherited most of mine)! Since they are so common, I would buy six point new, then you have both when you need them!

Yeah I know that. What I meant was that I only buy all 12 pt in box or combo wrenches. I see 6 pt but just never bothered.

My six point wrenches, came in my portable Craftsman set. I found them beneficial ONCE. With a set (if they come with it), is my view of when to obtain them (or free gift, etc).

[-B-]

6 on 6
12 on 12
that is that way it is to be

[isr2kba]

6 on 6
12 on 12
that is that way it is to be

Agreed although I personally favor 12 pointers when using universal sockets and tend to find six point box wrenches of limited value in swinging into any sort of confined space.

[chad s]

This comes up every few months. You can do a search on this board and find lots of info and opinions.

FWIW, There are very few 12 point sockets in my tool box.

[Adam McLaughlin]

AGREED. Six point is the way to go. Use 6 point on a 6 point bolt, and a 12 point socket on a 12 point bolt.

Otherwise, you get a 12 point socket on a 6 point head and when you go to really put some torque on something, the socket slides off, you slip and smash your finger on something hard and get a blood blister under your nail, requiring you to drill the nail to let the pressure off, meanwhile screaming like a 6 year old girl....

( Don't ask! )

I think I can count on one hand the number of 12 point sockets that I have. 3/8" deep by 3/8" drive for the TH-400s center support bolt is just one of the few, and the only one that I can think of right now.

Adam

[HandyManny]

Otherwise, you get a 12 point socket on a 6 point head and when you go to really put some torque on something, the socket slides off, you slip and smash your finger on something hard and get a blood blister under your nail, requiring you to drill the nail to let the pressure off, meanwhile screaming like a 6 year old girl....

( Don't ask! )


Adam

Trust me, I've been there a few times:lol_hitti

[Mike83]

Yeah I know that. What I meant was that I only buy all 12 pt in box or combo wrenches. I see 6 pt but just never bothered.

Ahh, then I agree with that point as well. No 6 pt wrenches here either (except maybe my 5mm and 6mm).

[speed bump]

As a general rule for me any socket size above 7/16-1/2" it doesn't usually matter below that I try to use 6 point.

For wrenches I can't see owning 6-points other than a few specific ones for specific things (I think I own one in 11/32, 9/16 and 15mm is all).

[zuspiel]

I basically started out with the big CMan all 6pt set (sockets+wrenches) since it was (and is) a great deal even when not on sale. I combined it with Husky 12pt wrenches (now long gone to a friend). The 6pt wrenches do come in handy when working on old cars. Sometimes the stuff is too rounded off and stuck to get it off with a 12pt wrench. Then the CMans come in handy. Just with they were longer.

For sockets, all 6pt except for 12pt fasteners.

[Adam McLaughlin]

Something that I have never been able to put my finger on is why so many old tools were 12 point - was this easier to make than 6 point? I know that some people have suggested that 12 point fits square things ( Think of the band adjustment screws on the sides of transmissions ) but GOSH those are few and far between....

Just this morning I traded in several 3/8" drive, shallow swivel sockets that were in 12 point for 6 point editions at my Snap On Dealer. She didn't have a problem with this.

Adam

[RRmech]

Square nuts and bolts weren't few and far between before WWII.


Steve

[Danglerb]

I tend to go with 6 pt, but I like a full set of 12 pt in reg and extended sockets for 3/8" drive to cover all the times I "need" a 12 pt.

During my wild for 6 pt early days on this forum I bought a full set of 6 pt combo wrenches, and I NEVER use them unless I run out of 12 pt in some size and need another wrench.

[RbrtAWhyt]

I agree with everything you say except that not all box wrenches are 12 point. Every manufacturer I know of offers a line of 6 point box wrenches.

Does GearWrench?