What is the deal with 12 point vs. 6 point sockets and wrenches

biscuit141 · Apr 27, 2010

I was at Sears yesterday looking at their deep well sockets and combination wrenches on sale. I was looking at my tools this morning and realized they are all twelve point, both my socket set and combination wrenches.

I have been looking to get a set of deep well sockets for a while now, but not sure what to get 6pt or 12? I also saw Sears sells a socket starter set, they come in 12 or 6 point and also 3/8 or 1/2 inch drive. All my sockets are currently 1/4 or 3/8 drive. Should I use this opportunity to buy a 1/2 drive set for larger applications? The set comes with deep wells, but also normal sockets, which I already have in 3/8 12 point. I never paid much attention to this before, but now I am curious as I see most bolts and nits are usually 6 sided, and I assume 6 point would give better leverage on larger nuts and bolts. As always, any advice appreciated.

This is very similar to the set I have, which Is my only socket set. I guess I am looking for the next logical upgrade, without duplicating too many tools.
http://www.craftsman.com/shc/s/p_10155_12602_00935053000P?vName=Tools+%26+Equipment&cName=Hand+Tools&sName=Tools+Sets

mp23 · Apr 27, 2010

They will ususally work fine, I have never had a 12 point not take off a fastener but lately i have came across a lot of 12 points where a 6 point would not work. If it's a good deal I say get it.

chadster1 · Apr 27, 2010

Here we go again....

lipadj46 · Apr 27, 2010

In general you use a 6 point socket on a 6 point bolt and a 12 point socket on a 12 point bolt. 12 point will fit on 6 points but not all 6 points will fit on the same sized 12 point. Most fasteners these days are 6 point but for example I have many 12 point bolts on my truck. Generally with impacts you want to use the proper socket as not to round off the bolt.

With wrenches you generally want 12 points as it is easier to get it on the bolt head in cramped spaces.

biscuit141 · Apr 27, 2010

chadster1 said:
Here we go again....

I've read some threads and not trying to start anything, just looking to expand my tool collection and wasn't sure which was the best way to go.

So it appears that 12 is a better route for wrenches and sockets as it provides more versatility with on tool. When I get an impact set I should be sure to get a 6 pt as to not round off the bolt/nut.

arkangel06 · Apr 27, 2010

Why god WHY!!!!!!

forceyoda · Apr 27, 2010

Try the search function, there are at least a few covering the very same topic. Buy what you want, a quality 12pt should be fine.

chadster1 · Apr 27, 2010

biscuit141 said:
I've read some threads and not trying to start anything, just looking to expand my tool collection and wasn't sure which was the best way to go.

So it appears that 12 is a better route for wrenches and sockets as it provides more versatility with on tool. When I get an impact set I should be sure to get a 6 pt as to not round off the bolt/nut.

This topic comes up about once a month. Similar repetitive topics come up in different forums.

.40 cal is better then 9mm
Valentine One is the best radar detector
Zaino is the best car polish
Dodge is better than Ford or GM.

I am sure that others can add to the list.

speed bump · Apr 27, 2010

9 point tools are the only way to go. If you buy 12 point tools they will round off any fastener you look at while holding them, and 6 points wont fit on any fastener you look at while holding them. Also while we are at it make sure you don't buy that Craftsman **** it will round off all your bolts while you sleep, beat you knuckles till they bleed, and steal your women. Make sure you only buy good tools from a premium Snap-on or European tool snob dealer.

If you want to be serious i'm pretty sure I have replied to this same thread 5 times and it should be pretty easy to search up those old threads.

biscuit141 · Apr 27, 2010

Alright everyone, thanks for kicking my ***.

chadster1 · Apr 27, 2010

biscuit141 said:
Alright everyone, thanks for kicking my ***.

It is just part of the Garage Journal hazing ritual. Welcome to the forum. :thumbup:

ryan_289 · Apr 27, 2010

I have mostly 6 point. The first set of 1/2 metric sockets I bought were used and 12 point. I cringed at the thought of them being 12 point at the time. Well 2 years later and no bolts not busted loose, I havent found a reason to replace them

That being said. I still will buy 6 point if im buying new. I cant give you a good explanation, but thats what I do.

Bart Simpson · Apr 27, 2010

Don't think that members don't want to help you.....it is just that this subject has been beaten to death.
Just do a search ,this has been extensively covered many times.

Mickey O · Apr 27, 2010

I would alternate between sockets, get 3/8" in 12 point, then 7/16" in 6 point, 1/2" in 12 point, 9/16" in 6 point and so on, that way you'll have your bases covered.

RbrtAWhyt · Apr 27, 2010

Get complete sets of both 6 and 12. But only use 6 in most cases...

sammerdog · Apr 27, 2010

Okay everybody - so this topic has been "beaten to death".

I have never been able to figure out why sockets are sold as both 6 and 12 point in the same drive and depth series either.

If anyone can explain the difference in simple terms, that would be an appreciated opportunity to teach some of us non-pros.

I saw the OP's title and dove into this topic thinking I would finally learn the answer to what should be a common question. But no. I just see a bunch of guys jump on someone with a legitimate inquiry and essentially tell him to go pound sand.

Jerks.

Rant over.

Full disclosure: I have tried the search function. If you enter "6 point vs 12 point", the search will delete the words 6, 12, and vs. If you enter "six point versus 12 point", no results are found.

More full disclosure: Ryan - you can go ahead and ban me for calling some guys "jerks" who are ripping apart a newer guy who asks a fundamental question. I think I speak for a lot of guys who have questions on how things work and why, but are afraid to ask because of the anticipated onslaught of belittling which ensues. It's your board - do whatever you think is right.

Mickey O · Apr 27, 2010

Official Answer

By all 6 point sockets and 12 points when/if you ever need specific ones.

Couldn't we just have that be a banner on the tool section.

chadster1 · Apr 27, 2010

Official answer from Snap-on.

You need to have all drive sizes in all lengths in 6 point and 12 point.

garfunkle24 · Apr 27, 2010

sammerdog said:
Okay everybody - so this topic has been "beaten to death".

I have never been able to figure out why sockets are sold as both 6 and 12 point in the same drive and depth series either.

If anyone can explain the difference in simple terms, that would be an appreciated opportunity to teach some of us non-pros.

I saw the OP's title and dove into this topic thinking I would finally learn the answer to what should be a common question. But no. I just see a bunch of guys jump on someone with a legitimate inquiry and essentially tell him to go pound sand.

Jerks.

6 points are better for high torque applications and for slightly rounded fasteners etc. They will also hold up better to being used on an air ratchet.

12 points are handy as they give you more options when working in a tight spot. When using a breaker bar (or low tooth count ratchet) you have a better chance of getting the tool where you can get a swing on it. Of course, there are 12pt fasteners too.

Brandon_K · Apr 27, 2010

chadster1 said:
This topic comes up about once a month. Similar repetitive topics come up in different forums.

9mm is better then .40 cal
Valentine One is the best radar detector
Zaino is the best car polish
Dodge is better than Ford or GM.

Yeah, but all of the above are just flat out fallacies! 6pt vs 12pt is just an opinion. :bounce:

CamarosRus · Apr 27, 2010

Chadster, I would anticipate SNAP ON's official answer to buy anything/everything we have available and max out all of the credit options that we make available to you.

chadster1 · Apr 27, 2010

CamarosRus said:
Chadster, I would anticipate SNAP ON's official answer to buy anything/everything we have available and max out all of the credit options that we make available to you.

Would you expect any tool companies official answer to be any different?

Merkava_4 · Apr 27, 2010

Just don't buy any Craftsman chrome sockets; they got that wacky detent setup that's stupid as hell.

biscuit141 · Apr 27, 2010

Merkava_4 said:
Just don't buy any Craftsman chrome sockets; they got that wacky detent setup that's stupid as hell.

Are there different types of Craftsman sockets? Craftsman is what I intend to buy.

hammergodthor · Apr 27, 2010

speed bump said:
9 point tools are the only way to go. If you buy 12 point tools they will round off any fastener you look at while holding them, and 6 points wont fit on any fastener you look at while holding them. Also while we are at it make sure you don't buy that Craftsman **** it will round off all your bolts while you sleep, beat you knuckles till they bleed, and steal your women. Make sure you only buy good tools from a premium Snap-on or European tool snob dealer.

This is the best response ever! I hereby cast a vote to nominate you the official "dead horse topic" answerer. :beer:

Merkava_4 · Apr 27, 2010

biscuit141 said:
Are there different types of Craftsman sockets? Craftsman is what I intend to buy.

All their chrome sockets have the terrible detent setup; their impact sockets however, are fine. If you don't know what a traditional chrome socket detent is supposed to look like, I've got a picture on file and I can post it.

Elroy · Apr 27, 2010

Merkava_4 said:
Just don't buy any Craftsman chrome sockets; they got that wacky detent setup that's stupid as hell.

biscuit141 said:
Are there different types of Craftsman sockets? Craftsman is what I intend to buy.

Yes, the current production Craftsman incorporate the "**** ***" feature as outlined in detail at this old thread:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=21527

Their older stuff is much better and if you can find Craftsman sockets from the 60"s that are hot forged you're really looking at some good stuff. As Merk pointed out, when it comes to their chrome sockets, there are much better choices than the current Craftsman.

As a side note, the Craftsman 3/4" drive stuff is still made very well. Everything smaller ***** in their chrome hand line (socket wise)

Merkava_4 · Apr 27, 2010

This is what a traditional detent is supposed to look like:

hetkind · Apr 27, 2010

Oh, the 12 point socket will fit 4 point (square) nuts and fill plugs, while six won't and we won't even get into 8 point sockets...

If you don't have fasteners you can't remove, you don't need new sockets.

Howard

bonneyman · Apr 27, 2010

Get Sears Spline wrenches. They will do 6 pt, 12 pt, square, TORX, and 50% rounded off fasteners.
Black finish, Made in China.

Wright and S-K also make spline wrenches - and sockets too. If I were starting over again, I'd go all spline.

arkangel06 · Apr 27, 2010

chadster1 said:
This topic comes up about once a month. Similar repetitive topics come up in different forums.

.40 cal is better then 9mm
Valentine One is the best radar detector
Zaino is the best car polish
Dodge is better than Ford or GM.

I am sure that others can add to the list.

just for the record 9mm is better. :beer:

Scout Driver · Apr 27, 2010

Working on older/rusty vehicles, equipment etc., I have found that a 6 point socket is less likely to round-off a fastener that is putting up a fight. 12 point sockets get used only when they are absolutely required for the application. That being said, both 6 and 12 are needed, but 6 point is what I reach for 90% of the time.

Scott

Fedwrench · Apr 27, 2010

Buy all of the racks of Craftsman six point sockets in 1/4, 3/8, an 1/2 SAE and Metric when they're on sale preferably 30-50% off. Be patient and wait for a sale. There's no need for 12 point sockets unless, you're working on 12 point fasteners. I would only recommend six point wrenches in 8 and 10mm and perhaps 3/8 and 7/16 as they can come in handy on brake bleeding *******.
Craftsman sockets aren't perfect but, on sale they're a bargain, they have a great warranty, they're US made, and you can't go wrong with them even they do use that stupid double staked retention **** on the female square drive end. :thumbup:

Mickey O · Apr 27, 2010

I heard Snap-On is coming out with 24 point sockets.

What is the deal with 12 point vs. 6 point sockets and wrenches

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