6pt vs 12 pt sockets

rjtack · Sep 18, 2015

I've always thought 6 pt sockets were better than 12pts. Having more material seems to make them stronger and less likely to slip. Now I see guys getting rid of their 6 pts replacing with 12s.
What do you guys think about all this?

theoldwizard1 · Sep 18, 2015

Wait ... Let me get my popcorn !

6 point. Less chance to round off nuts or bolt heads.

Coach James · Sep 18, 2015

I could never decide so I compromised and went with 9 point.

Coach

scissorman · Sep 18, 2015

Well, a 6 point socket wont work on a 12 pointed bolted. Me personally though, I use 12 point for everything unless I know the fastener is really tight then i'll grab a 6 point to prevent rounding the corners and creating a bigger mess. The same logic for 6 or 12 point wrenches also.

AceofSpad3s · Sep 18, 2015

I think 1/4 drive 6 point is essential because of the small heads with little material. I use 6p 3/8 the most but 12 should be fine since the bolt heads have more material. 1/2 is perfectly fine using 12p since the heads have a lot of material, 99% of the 1/2 drive stuff I have, new and old is 12p. In conclusion, 1/4 no, 3/8 so so, 1/2 perfectly ok.

Shiftless · Sep 18, 2015

Anybody dumping sets of 6 point sockets (Snap on, Mac, Proto, USA Craftsman, etc.) can dispose of them easily by boxing them up and shipping to me. I will pay postage.

remedialmofo · Sep 18, 2015

12 point bolts and fastners get 12 point sockets. Stick with 6 point if you don't care too much about the increased distance to get it indexed and seated and you don't truly need a 12 point socket. As mentioned the likelihood of rounding bolts and fasteners becomes very unlikely assuming you're using the correct size

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SM-N900A using Tapatalk

LB-1911 · Sep 18, 2015

The topic has come up once or twice.....

04-29-2005
6pt & 12pt Sockets

More @
https://www.google.com/?gws_rd=ssl#q=6pt+vs+12pt+sockets+site:www.garagejournal.com&start=0

shoggoth80 · Sep 18, 2015

Both. 6 point sockets for 6 point fasteners. 12 point sockets for 12 point fasteners. Unless you can only afford one, and you don't know what you are up against... then buy 12 points. Each has their merits.

12 points can index to the fastener a little faster, but if you are using a ratchet, this is a non-issue. 12 point combo wrenches make sense if you are working in an area of limited swing.

rjtack · Sep 18, 2015

LB-1911 said:
The topic has come up once or twice.....

04-29-2005
6pt & 12pt Sockets

So, If a topic has ever been talked about it can't be brought up again? I know how to search, I just wanted a current viewpoint on this. Man, I can't catch a break on here, what with being tagged as banned and all. Wow.

1950mercury · Sep 18, 2015

3rd time is the charm.....

Hey op im not trying to be a **** but use the search function. You started 3 posts and they are all topics that have been brought up countless times ..

popparoach · Sep 18, 2015

Coach James said:
I could never decide so I compromised and went with 9 point.

Coach

That is the best way to go.

Shiftless · Sep 18, 2015

popparoach said:
That is the best way to go.

9 point sounds about right, very funny, but nobody mentioned the 8 point sockets for the wide variety of equipment using square nuts.

Askme42 · Sep 18, 2015

The same guy that started the craftsman ***** thread?

Yeah I smell a troll.

PJNJ · Sep 18, 2015

Rjtack,

In 1/4 drive chrome, I have 6 pt. only.
In 3/8 drive chrome, I have 6 and 12 pt.
In 1/2 drive chrome, they are almost all 12 pt.

I rarely, if ever, use 12 pt. in 3/8 and only used 12 pt. 1/2 sockets a few times. As said before, in 3/8's, use 12 pt. on 12 pt. fasteners. Once I get to the point of using 1/2 drive, I now usually reach for the impact gun and sockets. Now that I picked up an Astro Pneumatic Nano, I'm also starting to use 3/8 impact sockets with an adapter.

And don't let them get to you. Lots of questions have been asked over and over again. What they keep forgetting is that members come and go. What's "old news" for many is new to many others. Keep posting.

:beer:

WWShop · Sep 18, 2015

Coach James said:
I could never decide so I compromised and went with 9 point.

Every single time I go to the hardware store these are sold out. Can't quite figure out why. Weird.

M4A1Carbine · Sep 18, 2015

rjtack said:
I've always thought 6 pt sockets were better than 12pts. Having more material seems to make them stronger and less likely to slip. Now I see guys getting rid of their 6 pts replacing with 12s.
What do you guys think about all this?

Most of my sockets are 6 pt. I only use for 12 pt sockets for hard to reach nuts so I don't have to adjust the socket as much to get it on.

I don't recall ever encountering a 12 pt bolt, but I mainly just work on my own cars at home so there is a lot I haven't seen.

BDT/NWMN · Sep 18, 2015

rjtack said:
I've always thought 6 pt sockets were better than 12pts. Having more material seems to make them stronger and less likely to slip. Now I see guys getting rid of their 6 pts replacing with 12s.
What do you guys think about all this?

Some people do appear to do unusual things :headscrat

Tool choice and needs will vary with different jobs and occupations..

I need 12 point for 12 point fasteners, and often use them on hex head bolts and nuts.. The twelve point sockets and end wrenches are all some people need...

Other people have to deal with stubborn, worn, rounded, or rusty fasteners; the 12 point sockets and end wrenches are not the best choice.. Your observation is correct; the six point would be the better choice under these conditions.

For me; I need both,,,, and that may seem goofy to some people also..

Siteman25 · Sep 18, 2015

I use 6 point unless 12 is needed, either due to:

1) something other than hex nuts
2) I need the extra index the 12 point gives (rare, especially with 5 degree or better ratchets)

heytrid · Sep 18, 2015

I own full sets (1/4,3/8,1/2) of both in Metric and Standard, 99% of the time it is 6 point for me. 12pt goes on 12pt fasteners.

nine4gmc · Sep 18, 2015

I have Craftsman 6 and 12 point in everything EXCEPT 1/4" drive METRIC. I can ONLY find 6pt in that size. If anyone knows wtf is up with 1/4" drive 12pt metric, please post up.

theoldwizard1 · Sep 18, 2015

scissorman said:
Well, a 6 point socket wont work on a 12 pointed bolted.

In almost 50 years on shade tree wrench twisting, I have NEVER come across a 12 point nut or bolt head.

If I come across one, I will buy the appropriate tool if my combination wrench (12 point) won't work.

MattVette89 · Sep 18, 2015

Coach James said:
I could never decide so I compromised and went with 9 point.

Coach

WWShop said:
Every single time I go to the hardware store these are sold out. Can't quite figure out why. Weird.

I can only find right handed 9 point. If anyone has some left handed, let me know.

Askme42 · Sep 18, 2015

theoldwizard1 said:
In almost 50 years on shade tree wrench twisting, I have NEVER come across a 12 point nut or bolt head.

If I come across one, I will buy the appropriate tool if my combination wrench (12 point) won't work.

Drive shaft on my 97 ranger. Couldn't believe it. I have 20x as many tools as my dad and he had the 12 pt socket I needed.

MattVette89 · Sep 18, 2015

theoldwizard1 said:
In almost 50 years on shade tree wrench twisting, I have NEVER come across a 12 point nut or bolt head.

If I come across one, I will buy the appropriate tool if my combination wrench (12 point) won't work.

My aftermarket intake uses 12 pt bolts. I know ARP has some as do other manufacturers.

nine4gmc · Sep 18, 2015

Wow, no sense of humor I see... Well, welcome to the site anyway, it takes all kinds...

BK13 · Sep 18, 2015

rjtack said:
LB-1911 said:

The topic has come up once or twice.....

04-29-2005

6pt & 12pt Sockets

So, If a topic has ever been talked about it can't be brought up again? I know how to search, I just wanted a current viewpoint on this. Man, I can't catch a break on here, what with being tagged as banned and all. Wow.

Click to expand...

Yeah, man, can't catch a break. If you start a new thread, you catch hell. If you dig up an old thread, you catch hell.

As to your question, I see no good reason to only have one or the other. Just use six point on six point fasteners, twelve on twelve. (I will admit to not having any twelve point impact sockets... If I ever need 'em, I'll buy individuals....

Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

PJNJ · Sep 18, 2015

nine4gmc said:
Wow, no sense of humor I see... Well, welcome to the site anyway, it takes all kinds...

Nah, he probably has a sense of humor but has been getting flack here and in his first thread -

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=303701

:beer:

Hammer1963 · Sep 18, 2015

I use and own both. Certain jobs just require certain tools and that's why they make both.

As far people screwing with you, kill them with kindness ........

PelicanPines · Sep 18, 2015

I have 6, 8, 12 point... If its a 6 point nut I don't bother trying the 8 or 12 ... ok a slight amount of sarcasm there... but you get my point... get it... point!

edit: not messing with you... just saying... I have them all and use them all based on what I'm doing. I wouldn't get rid of anything. Heck... I have a whole set of triple squares that got used 3 times in one day and never since.

BDT/NWMN · Sep 18, 2015

radrush said:
Deep 12-point 1/4" drive are here:

http://www.mytoolstore.com/sk/sk03043.html

AFAIK these were never offered with the Craftsman brand.

Psssst pm 9's GF so She can put that set on Her Santa list... Those would make nice Christmas Tree decorations to boot... And we think 9 is smiling now :bounce:

nine4gmc · Sep 18, 2015

BDT/NWMN said:
Psssst pm 9's GF so She can put that set on Her Santa list... Those would make nice Christmas Tree decorations to boot... And we think 9 is smiling now

I've been a bad boy, plus who spends $100 on a set of 1/4" drive sockets? :wtf:

John in OH · Sep 18, 2015

PJNJ said:
Rjtack,

In 1/4 drive chrome, I have 6 pt. only.
In 3/8 drive chrome, I have 6 and 12 pt.
In 1/2 drive chrome, they are almost all 12 pt.

And don't let them get to you. Lots of questions have been asked over and over again. What they keep forgetting is that members come and go. What's "old news" for many is new to many others. Keep posting.

+1 on the above. However, I also have 1/2 drive 6 points in SAE for a lot of ag equipment applications as often these fasteners may have rounded corners. Plus, many of these large fasteners in these applications are rusted or otherwise buggered up.

Also, agree regarding the posting. The search function in the GJ software really ***** and it can sometimes be a real problem getting meaningful search results. I guess a lot of guys here have nothing better to do than keep track of who posts what here when.

Shiftless said:
9 point sounds about right, very funny, but nobody mentioned the 8 point sockets for the wide variety of equipment using square nuts.

Not sure if you are joking or not, but a lot of antique farm equipment uses square-headed fasteners and nuts and the 8 point sockets are really useful.

Wakefield · Sep 18, 2015

There really is a 5 point socket (for water meter covers and such)
12 point socket on 12 point capscrew head or nut is theoretically able to handle more torque without rounding than 6 point on 6 point. Spline drive perhaps even more (until they get rusty)
Snap On's 12 mm. 12 point socket is supposed to be strong IMDM120A

Avoid using 12 point impact sockets on anything but 12 point fasteners?

PelicanPines · Sep 18, 2015

radrush said:
PelicanPines said:

I have 6, 8, 12 point...

Click to expand...

What about your 4-popint and 5-point sockets?

And your 3-point sockets.

Hmmm nope... no 4 point sockets. Those 5 points... I call "keys" and I don't have those either... I have hex keys, torx in both socket and keys, triple square in keys.

Oh yea... spline drive sockets too, got a bunch of them too.

winlinmac · Sep 18, 2015

I use my 12 point wrenches for 12 point fasteners
and six point tools for 6 point fasteners

Most of my work involves 6 point fasteners

12 point is more suitable towards light-duty tasks

Jim C. · Sep 18, 2015

1950mercury said:
3rd time is the charm.....

Hey op im not trying to be a **** but use the search function. You started 3 posts and they are all topics that have been brought up countless times ..

Yeah, I was kinda thinking that myself, but okay, I'll give the guy the benefit of the doubt. I have 6 point and 12 point sockets and use both. Still, I tend to go with 6 point sockets whenever possible because they pose a lesser risk of rounding off the corners of a fastener.

nine4gmc said:
I have Craftsman 6 and 12 point in everything EXCEPT 1/4" drive METRIC. I can ONLY find 6pt in that size. If anyone knows wtf is up with 1/4" drive 12pt metric, please post up.

Hey Nine,

As far as I know, Craftsman never offered a set of 1/4" drive deep or standard depth 12 point metric sockets.

Jim C.

franzdom · Sep 18, 2015

I like this thread, very quaint! :beer:

d.mcfarland · Sep 18, 2015

6 unless you can only find a 12 point in the size you need or it is a 12 point fastener.

End of thread I vote.

619DioFan · Sep 18, 2015

I have 6 and 12 point deep and shallow in all sizes available in the 3/8 and 1/2 inch drive size(s) have 4 point ( pipe plug sockets ) for those types of fasteners. haven't run into a situation where I needed a 8 point socket ( yet ) so don't have any. I think I am pretty well covered with the 6 12 and pipe plug sockets. all my impacts are 6 point. haven't came across a need for 12 point impact sockets ( yet )if someone here uses 12 point impact sockets please enlighten me as to their usefulness so I can decide if they are a worthwhile investment.

6pt vs 12 pt sockets

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