Dealing with 12 Point Fasteners for a Hobbyist

[oldschoolcraft]

As a hobbyist I don't have the space or desire to own full sets of 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive sockets in both 6 and 12 point in shallow and deep for 12 total sets sockets and later getting impact when the time comes. I currently own chrome sockets:

1/4 Drive - shallow and deep in 6pt
3/8 Drive - mid in 6pt
1/2 Drive - shallow and deep in 12 point
SO E-Torx Set (mixed drive sizes)

My 1/2 drive set goes down to 10mm. So I think I'm good for any surprise 12 point fasteners I come across down to 10mm using the 1/2 drive tools. I have a ratchet that's 1/2 head in a 3/8 body for places with tight clearance.

I'd like to have reasonable bases covered without going so far as to have 12 full sets of overlapping sockets. And more when I evertually get into impact.

So I'm thinking of getting a limited partial set of either 1/4 or 3/8 in 12-point to cover my bases for below 10mm, without overlap. So that I have at least one 12-point socket for each possible size.

The question is: should I go with 1/4 only or a mix of 1/4 with 3/8? I could go with 3/8 for the sizes below 10mm that they come in: 6mm through 9mm. And then 1/4 for 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm and 5.5mm. Mixing drive size here gives me maximum torque capability for a given fastener.

What length should I go with? Shallow, Mid or Deep? Am I more likely to come across a 12-point fastener (as a hobbyist doing random things) that requires low clearance (shallow socket) or that requires threading it over a long bolt (long socket needed)?

The goal is to add as few additional 12 point sockets to my collection that will help me deal with as many surprise fasteners I may come across doing random jobs. I might be fixing a toaster or a small $500 flying drone or a garage door motor or something on the car that isn't too complex.

I feel like my tool set is a bit inadequate due to only having 12pt down to 10mm and maybe adding 8 more sockets will help avoid a work stoppage in the future. I could just buy a full set of 12 point gearwrench sockets in every drive size for cheap but I don't have space for that.

I do have a full set of Proto combination wrenches with 12 point box ends from about 6mm to 25mm so between that and at least one socket in 12 point for each size, maybe I'll be okay as a hobbyist?

 

[gatlibs]

How many 12 point fasteners have you actually encountered?

 

[Wood_Guy]

My 1/2 drive set goes down to 10mm. So I think I'm good for any surprise 12 point fasteners I come across down to 10mm using the 1/2 drive tools. I have a ratchet that's 1/2 head in a 3/8 body for places with tight clearance.

The last 12 point fastener I ran into was a single bolt holding a radiator bracket for oil lines. You couldn't use anything other than a 3/8" socket/ratchet for clearance (or smaller).

You're not going to run into 12 point fasteners enough to be a problem. When you do, just use a wrench.

 

[PugetDude]

How many 12 point fasteners have you actually encountered?

Probably less than 4-point fasteners.

 

[isb cornbinder]

I was a mechanic for a large company. I have all of the possible combinations of sockets in the three popular drive sizes. The company vehicles were mostly a single brand and the range of sockets needs was almost never changing. I have more sockets that never got used than sockets that I used.
Now that I am retired and my interests are in old vehicles resto-mod and repairs, I am using more of the sockets.
I have all of the metric sockets in all of the combinations and drive sizes
I have no regrets and I would do it all again. There is something exciting, for me, when I open my socket drawer and hundreds of sockets are standing like chrome solders ready and waiting for the next order to march into battle.
BTW: I have a full set of 8 point sockets for those occasions when I have to deal with vintage square fasteners. The majority of the sockets are SK backed up with SnapOn and Mac. I like the HAZET sockets for their very thin walls and the best metric fit.
If a person is looking for high quality and needs to save a few bucks, I would advise buying the SUNEX impact sockets. These sockets have never failed me. They look like MAC impact.

 

[Tallpilot]

I started with a 7-22mm 3/8” set of shallow 12pt just in case. Now I have SAE, 1/2” drive, deep, etc. Like my Canadian acquaintance above I like being ready for anything. Sockets are pretty cheap. If you want to go super high end for the ones you use the most go for it.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Just get a set of cheap import 3/8" drive 12pts. You can handle 99% of all 12pts with 3/8" drive. You aren't talking a big investment. I'd rather have 12pt sets than 6pt sets......hard to handle 12pts with 6pt sockets.

 

[Zewnten]

The smallest 12pt bolts I've hd to remove were on the drive line for a loader, had to use a 3/8 extra long wrench and a deadblow to break the blue locktite on them, my long 3/8 breaker and a 3/8 wobble socket might have worked. Next time I had to remove 12pt bolts they were 1/2" head and they were torqued to over a 100ft/lbs with blue locktite. So I'd probably pass on 1/4 dr.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

How many 12 point fasteners have you actually encountered?

Very few. And I remember them being small, like maybe 1/4" or less, and I think I just took them off with vise grips because it wasn't a valuable thing and that's all I had that could do it. I think at least one was a small pump motor.

I'm constantly taking random stuff apart sometimes with a practical purpose, sometimes just for fun and maybe find scrap parts inside.

 

[dnschmidt]

Head over to Harbor Freight. Their sockets aren't bad and you can get a set of 12pt 3/8" drive for $10 a set. Don't forget you're 20% off coupon!!!

 

[Alpine4x4]

Harborfreight. Cheap 12pt sockets. I have their 1/2" set and its filled my needs so far. The caliper bolts on my 98 Ram are 12pt. Theres also uses for 12pt in some older Ford pickup engines.

 

[VinceG]

Well just buy 12 pt sockets and not 6 point. Unless something is very rusty you shouldn't have a issue rounding off fasteners.

 

[az45]

Head over to Harbor Freight. Their sockets aren't bad and you can get a set of 12pt 3/8" drive for $10 a set. Don't forget you're 20% off coupon!!!

I use HF impact sockets in all drives for 12 pt, I come across them on racecar suspension. For the amount I use them, I don't need to through too much money at them.

If you're an aircraft mechanic, you'd look a them different.

 

[Spacey_G]

oldschoolcraft - I've noticed that you've started dozens of threads along this same vein--attempting to determine an optimal set of tools through analysis.

While some amount of discussion can steer you in the right direction, there is no substitute for trying things out and learning from experience.

Rather than trying to crowdsource an answer to the question "which 12pt sockets do I need?" just start working on things and when you come across a need for a 12pt socket, go buy one to get the job done. If you find yourself doing that a lot, it might make sense to buy a full set of good quality ones.

This goes for other types of tools, methods of organization, etc. Just try some things out and see what works for you. Your tools don't have to be perfectly optimized and organized from the start, and if something works for you, it doesn't matter if it works for anyone else.

 

[cajunrebel`]

I use HF impact sockets in all drives for 12 pt, I come across them on racecar suspension. For the amount I use them, I don't need to through too much money at them.



If you're an aircraft mechanic, you'd look a them different.

This is my problem. As an aircraft mechanic I use 1wpt mainly on turbine engine hardware. Mainly small stuff like 1/4" nuts and bolts. I end up needing doubles of those sockets or use a wrench as a backup. It is a trial and error deal with having the right thing.
My main socket set is a 1/4" drive 6pt set and it does about 90% of the work when I need a socket. The rest of the time I usually am using a long handled 3/8" drive ratchet for aviation spark plugs or a wrench.
I also grabbed a Milwaukee 1/4" drive M12 ratchet to spin off or on, hard to get to hardware. I never torque with the ratchet or break loose. I just use it to make the job faster.
You will find what YOU need for a set as you go. I have a few oddball sizes that I've bought on the spot when needed, but not many. Most 12 point stuff isn't super tight. If its smaller than 10mm, the 1/4" drive should handle it. If not then grab a 3/8" to 1/4" drive adapter. I also have never been in a situation where I HAD to use a deep well 12pt socket. I could always use a wrench or a shallow socket. If you come across the situation that you HAVE to use one, then buy an individual.

Sent from my SM-T510 using Tapatalk

 

[PugetDude]

oldschoolcraft - I've noticed that you've started dozens of threads along this same vein--attempting to determine an optimal set of tools through analysis.

While some amount of discussion can steer you in the right direction, there is no substitute for trying things out and learning from experience.

Rather than trying to crowdsource an answer to the question "which 12pt sockets do I need?" just start working on things and when you come across a need for a 12pt socket, go buy one to get the job done. If you find yourself doing that a lot, it might make sense to buy a full set of good quality ones.

This goes for other types of tools, methods of organization, etc. Just try some things out and see what works for you. Your tools don't have to be perfectly optimized and organized from the start, and if something works for you, it doesn't matter if it works for anyone else.

Great advice!
Paralysis by analysis...exacerbated by the internet.

 

[NC Rick]

I was a mechanic for a large company. I have all of the possible combinations of sockets in the three popular drive sizes. The company vehicles were mostly a single brand and the range of sockets needs was almost never changing. I have more sockets that never got used than sockets that I used.
Now that I am retired and my interests are in old vehicles resto-mod and repairs, I am using more of the sockets.
I have all of the metric sockets in all of the combinations and drive sizes
I have no regrets and I would do it all again. There is something exciting, for me, when I open my socket drawer and hundreds of sockets are standing like chrome solders ready and waiting for the next order to march into battle.
BTW: I have a full set of 8 point sockets for those occasions when I have to deal with vintage square fasteners. The majority of the sockets are SK backed up with SnapOn and Mac. I like the HAZET sockets for their very thin walls and the best metric fit.
If a person is looking for high quality and needs to save a few bucks, I would advise buying the SUNEX impact sockets. These sockets have never failed me. They look like MAC impact.

Man, I wish we had a like button on this forum. “Like chrome soldiers”

Really good post! Thanks.

 

[f121]

Just get a set of cheap import 3/8" drive 12pts. You can handle 99% of all 12pts with 3/8" drive. You aren't talking a big investment.

This. $20 rail of sockets.

Only issue is your might round the points off in the most commonly used socket...over 20 years or so.

 

[BrandoJames]

Just looking at what you currently have, you're much better off investing in a set of 1/2" 6 point impact sockets. You'll eventually need an impact wrench if you don't already have one. And you can always use those impact sockets on a 1/2" hand ratchet.

I typically stay away from 12 point sockets--you're much more likely to strip a fastener with a 12 point. I have combination wrenches with 12 point box ends if I ever encounter a 12 point fastener.

 

[Banshee365]

The only 12pt fasteners that I run across are Ford driveshaft flange bolts, 6-liter head stud nuts and VW axle bolts.

 

[Mr_B]

Look ing at what you got I would suggest a standard length 12pt 3/8 set and also consider 6 point in 1/2 as that be bigger use than worrying about 12pt which likely never much use .
Socket sets on rails or trays potentially so cheap it no big deal and no big money add 3 or 4 rail sets to what you got .
Don't buy cheapest junk (more so with 12pt) and keep eye out for a sale deal as coming up to good time of year sort your requirements making most of a sale opportunity .

 

[Nineeightyone]

VW flywheel bolts and axle nuts are the only places I've seen 12 point fasteners... For both I think 3/8" in 12-point was fine, though I also have a run of combination wrenches (Tekton) in 8mm-22mm that comes in handy from time to time. If you really wanted to cover all your bases, Mobile Distributor Supply has a deal on the OEMTools reversible ratcheting wrenches where you also get the pass-through sockets for them, for right around $90. It's a pretty good deal in the instance where you may need something 12-point AND ratcheting, in a lowish profile.

I went for a pretty decent amount of time on only a 3/8" ratchet and socket set and some basic screwdrivers, I wouldn't worry too much about it (though I wouldn't ever argue with a reason to get some more tools!)

 

[mike93lx]

oldschoolcraft - I've noticed that you've started dozens of threads along this same vein--attempting to determine an optimal set of tools through analysis.

While some amount of discussion can steer you in the right direction, there is no substitute for trying things out and learning from experience.

Rather than trying to crowdsource an answer to the question "which 12pt sockets do I need?" just start working on things and when you come across a need for a 12pt socket, go buy one to get the job done. If you find yourself doing that a lot, it might make sense to buy a full set of good quality ones.

This goes for other types of tools, methods of organization, etc. Just try some things out and see what works for you. Your tools don't have to be perfectly optimized and organized from the start, and if something works for you, it doesn't matter if it works for anyone else.

He also likes to start these posts and never returns to them.

 

[cherrybomb]

oldschoolcraft - I've noticed that you've started dozens of threads along this same vein--attempting to determine an optimal set of tools through analysis.

While some amount of discussion can steer you in the right direction, there is no substitute for trying things out and learning from experience.

Rather than trying to crowdsource an answer to the question "which 12pt sockets do I need?" just start working on things and when you come across a need for a 12pt socket, go buy one to get the job done. If you find yourself doing that a lot, it might make sense to buy a full set of good quality ones.

This goes for other types of tools, methods of organization, etc. Just try some things out and see what works for you. Your tools don't have to be perfectly optimized and organized from the start, and if something works for you, it doesn't matter if it works for anyone else.

I totally agree, learn from your situation. What works for me ,might not for you.When you have acquired enough experience,sitiuations become some what more manageable and achievable.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

oldschoolcraft - I've noticed that you've started dozens of threads along this same vein--attempting to determine an optimal set of tools through analysis.

While some amount of discussion can steer you in the right direction, there is no substitute for trying things out and learning from experience.

Rather than trying to crowdsource an answer to the question "which 12pt sockets do I need?" just start working on things and when you come across a need for a 12pt socket, go buy one to get the job done. If you find yourself doing that a lot, it might make sense to buy a full set of good quality ones.

This goes for other types of tools, methods of organization, etc. Just try some things out and see what works for you. Your tools don't have to be perfectly optimized and organized from the start, and if something works for you, it doesn't matter if it works for anyone else.

This. As a chronically broke young man, I was forced to acquire tools on an "as needed" basis rather than according to any plan. If I needed a socket for a job, I bought that one socket and nothing more. As time passed and my experience grew, so did my tool kit. My sockets were, and always remained, a mismatched collection of USA Craftsman, Thorsen and S-K. Was it pretty to look at? Nope. But everything I had in my toolbox was there for a reason. There wasn't anything that hadn't been used. Let your experience and needs be your guide. No plan will ever cover all the possibilities and will likely lead to alot of unused fluff taking up cash and space.

 

[seber]

I built my tool inventory as needed after the initial set. It worked well for my entire life. I do have a few tools that have only been used once but that's way better than having dozens of tools that have never been used at all and have no likelyhood of ever being used.

 

[m6z]

I've got a pretty complete set of 3/8 drive short 12 pt sockets. The few times I've run into 12pt they were bolt heads, so I don't feel like I need a set of deeps. I could probably use a wrench if I did stumble upon a 12pt nut on a stud.

For the most part it's unnecessary to buy tools, just to buy tools.

I bought a set very similar to this one more than a decade ago and the only thing I needed to add was a set of torx and security torx and some larger deep metric sockets for some suspension work.

https://www.sears.com/kd-tools-tele...ears&prdNo=3&blockNo=3&blockType=G3#Imagezoom

 

[tdkkart]

So wait, this guy is concerned about having TOO MANY tools? He obviously needs help for his problem.

 

[theoldwizard1]

How many 12 point fasteners have you actually encountered?

In over 45 years of DIY wrench turning, I have NEVER come across a 12 point fastener. If I do, I will buy that one !


Segue - I have "retired" all of my 1/2" drive sockets, ratchets, breaker bars and extensions to the back of a bottom drawer along with all of my 1/2" impact sockets. About the only ones I use these days are the "flip" lug nut sockets !

 

[4xdog]

My tool collection started as a starving college student 40 years ago. I took an approach that still works very well in how what’s now my basement toolbox is organized.

12 point standard 3/8” drive sockets + 6 point deep 3/8” sockets, all on one long Craftsman socket rail with vinyl handle. One rail for inch-based and another rail for metric. Two additional rails for 1/4” drive standard + deep, in inch + metric.

Sure, over the years I’ve added or inherited bits and pieces of universal joints, Torx, 8-point, Whitworth, and so on. But those two rails of 3/8” drive sockets are still used almost daily.