12pt vs 6 point sockets

I have been wondering what the applications are that create a need for or make using one over the other the "right choice". I searched on google for this and did a cursory search on this forum as well and I didn't really find anything so now I'm posting this.

So which socket is better for every day use (automotive) ? I have run into bolts that have a 12 point head on them and of course you can't use a 6 point socket on those bolts. I have run into some threads lately on the other forum I'm a regular on and people are saying that a 12 point socket makes it easier to round a bolt head (I have never once had this be an issue). I was hoping to get some solid info on which is "better" for different applications.

Also, I've heard is said that a flank drive eliminates the need for 12 point hardware all together. I don't really buy that but I'd like to hear some comments on that as well.

I'm here to learn guys, enlighten me please

The socket set i use the most hand tool wise are 12pt. semi's on a daily, it contacts the fasteners in a shorter degree, and i tend to use a speed handle, tho the occasional 12pt would slip on a stubborn one, i would get a 6pt. As far as using impacts which i have a 12pt set, i would only use them if it called for one. I have noticed that they wear much faster than the traditional 6pt.

I think that if you have concerns that a nut or bolt may round off you best grab your 6pt stuff. I have both 6 & 12 pt in all drive sizes. In 1/2 I tend to grab sockets from my 12pt tray first, but they are the sockets I have had the longest so I guess it is just habit. In 3/8 I go either way depending on which tray my hand lands on first. In 1/4 I usually use the 6pt that are in the box with most of my 1/4 drive tools although I do have 12pt 1/4 sockets as well so there you have it, the only time I really worry about 6 or 12 point is when I suspect I might run into a rounding issue.

There have been a couple of threads about this:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=9622&highlight=6pt+12pt
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=8125&highlight=6pt+12pt

First let me say thanx for the response and sorry to anyone that gets annoyed because this question comes up so often. Maybe it should be put into the FAQ sticky or maybe it is there and I missed it when I looked through.

Another question, this time about torquing. If you are torquing would a 6pt give you a more acurate torque reading then a 12pt socket when torquing a 6pt bolt head ? And while we are at it, would a 12 point bolt have a more acurate torque reading then a 6pt ?

Rusty67 said:

First let me say thanx for the response and sorry to anyone that gets annoyed because this question comes up so often. Maybe it should be put into the FAQ sticky or maybe it is there and I missed it when I looked through.

Another question, this time about torquing. If you are torquing would a 6pt give you a more acurate torque reading then a 12pt socket when torquing a 6pt bolt head ? And while we are at it, would a 12 point bolt have a more acurate torque reading then a 6pt ?

Click to expand...

As long as the socket is grabbing the fastener correctly, it will make no difference what so ever.