12 Point socket set for Engine disassembly

[Loscaldazar]

I need a shallow 12 Point socket set for engine disassembly (metric) since 12 point fasteners are appearing everywhere. All my chrome and impact sockets are 6 point and have one 14MM 12 point for subaru engines, but need to get a set since other cars use different sizes on their engines. I would like to stick to a USA made set (or if I can get some Japanese or German made for a decent price).

I'd like impact sockets (for the obvious speed factor when taking apart an engine), but I don't want really thick walls (Honda 8 bolt flywheels have the bolts really close together, might not be able to get a 1/2 drive thick walled impact socket in there).

So I was thinking about getting a 3/8 drive 12 point impact socket set, but only Snap On ($$$) and Armstrong (out of stock of some sizes until the middle of 2017....). Plus I'm a little worried, especially for the flywheels, that a 3/8 impact might not be powerful enough. Those bolts can get really stuck sometimes.

Also contemplating just getting a 1/2 drive Chrome (or industrial finish) 12 point non impact socket set, and for the few times I'll use them, not worry about using chrome on an impact (and **** it up if I do end up breaking one).

Curious to hear some thoughts on what would be a good idea

 

[WhiffySpark]

Anything you just said would work. You could do a 3/8 to 1/2 adaptor and use the 3/8 impact sockets. Or just use chrome when needed

 

[General Geoff]

Koken 4251M.

Goes from 10-32mm, skipping only 31. Comes in a sweet metal case, too. Superb fit & finish.

 

[Two Door]

If you can compromise on the country of origin you might want to consider the Grey Pneumatic Duo Socket line (impact rated thin wall), which is available in 12 point.

 

[four.cycle]

seller originally listed this set three weeks ago for $128.00 + shipping. a week later (after only one sale) he changed the price to $144.00 + shipping OBO.
brand new NOS. still has four sets:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Duro-Indest...:g:G6IAAOSwENxXmUDR&item=232036288837&vxp=mtr

this 1/2" drive tray of sockets ain't bad for the money, and you're not going to find a "thinner wall" socket than the smaller sizes in this one. 10mm - 22mm. $50 + shipping OBO.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-13-...:g:0NwAAOSwaB5Xri7E&item=131906913796&vxp=mtr

here's a 3/8" drive set of sockets, but they're 6-points. $60 incl. shipping new NOS:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/NEW-INDESTR...838724?hash=item1c6a613104:g:AlkAAOSw~bFWQWkB

not really a good idea to put a chrome socket on an impact gun - you'll put your eye out!

I just picked up a full set of Thorsen 3/8" drive metric sockets (plus a mess of extra sockets) (ratchet, extension, and box included) for about $36 (incl. shipping).

used tool sales on Ebay right now are flat. buyer's market right now.
lot of other options besides those I mentioned above - used, slightly used, new... just have to look. use the 'advanced' search feature and weed out what you do NOT want to see with the 'exclude' option.

 

[gdocktor3]

I'd go with a chrome set off eBay. Lots of cheap used and NOS Proto, Cman USA, etc. While they'll probably work just fine, if they did break it wouldn't be a big deal because they're so cheap. Or you can try to warranty them if you're one of those guys.

 

[Know Wosad]

I need a shallow 12 Point socket set for engine disassembly (metric) since 12 point fasteners are appearing everywhere. All my chrome and impact sockets are 6 point and have one 14MM 12 point for subaru engines, but need to get a set since other cars use different sizes on their engines. I would like to stick to a USA made set (or if I can get some Japanese or German made for a decent price).

I'd like impact sockets (for the obvious speed factor when taking apart an engine), but I don't want really thick walls (Honda 8 bolt flywheels have the bolts really close together, might not be able to get a 1/2 drive thick walled impact socket in there).

So I was thinking about getting a 3/8 drive 12 point impact socket set, but only Snap On ($$$) and Armstrong (out of stock of some sizes until the middle of 2017....). Plus I'm a little worried, especially for the flywheels, that a 3/8 impact might not be powerful enough. Those bolts can get really stuck sometimes.

Also contemplating just getting a 1/2 drive Chrome (or industrial finish) 12 point non impact socket set, and for the few times I'll use them, not worry about using chrome on an impact (and **** it up if I do end up breaking one).

Curious to hear some thoughts on what would be a good idea

Get yourself a set of Tekton short impacts in 12 point for the job. You can hide them after the Subaru leaves.Nobody will know the COO.Put on a 3 foot breaker and a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter. They won't break.Trust me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GETYO5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[1950mercury]

Get yourself a set of Tekton short impacts in 12 point for the job. You can hide them after the Subaru leaves.Nobody will know the COO.Put on a 3 foot breaker and a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter. They won't break.Trust me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GETYO5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

But the adapter is sure too

 

[dnschmidt]

Tekton is the answer here. They make 12pt impact sockets and they are relatively thin walled. Can't beat them for the money and their customer support is approaching legendary status.

 

[BK13]

I'd probably take a look at KoKen... I don't have the catalog memorized (yet) but I'm sure they offer thin wall impact sockets in both 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I dunno about 12 point though.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Anything you just said would work. You could do a 3/8 to 1/2 adaptor and use the 3/8 impact sockets. Or just use chrome when needed

Ahh duh. I have adapters for a reason! Thinking 3/8 impact would be the way to go then.

If you can compromise on the country of origin you might want to consider the Grey Pneumatic Duo Socket line (impact rated thin wall), which is available in 12 point.

They were my first thought actually, but at $150+, I'd rather just get a few sizes I needed from Snap On or another company. If they sold smaller kits, I'd be on them right away!

Get yourself a set of Tekton short impacts in 12 point for the job. You can hide them after the Subaru leaves.Nobody will know the COO.Put on a 3 foot breaker and a 1/2 to 3/8 adapter. They won't break.Trust me.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01GETYO5M/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Also looked at Tekton, might just buy them and see how thin the walls are on them. Can't find the specs online, but at that price... almost doesn't matter. Can always buy something else if I don't like them

I'd probably take a look at KoKen... I don't have the catalog memorized (yet) but I'm sure they offer thin wall impact sockets in both 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I dunno about 12 point though.

Headed over there to check it out now . I'd love some Koken!

 

[BK13]

The KoKen USA site is lacking a ton of what the Japanese site has...


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http://www.koken-tool.co.jp

 

[djcslice]

I have done a lot of work on engine disassembly on Toyota/Honda/Subaru with 12pt 3/8" drive chrome craftsman usa/china sockets. I have had 0 problem with broken adapters/sockets/ratchets. I normally use a 1/4" impact (or 3/8" ratchet if space is tight) on disassembly.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Found the Koken 12 Point thin wall impacts in 1/2 and 3/8 drive. They have the same wall thickness as my SK chrome sockets, so that definitely seems like a good bet. The 1/2 Koken thinwall sockets have the same wall thickness as the Snap On 3/8 drive impacts!

Probably will just order the sizes I know I will need and use them!

 

[T45]

If you don't go with Koken, I would recommens looking seriously at Apex USA. They have some thinwall impacts you can get in short or semi-deep (38mm). The fitments are excellent and obvi high quality. You can occasionally find NOS deals on e-bay, and pick up any custom or hard to find pieces from APEX directly. Normally I probably wouldn' suggest this but for your intended purpose, engine work--and 12 pt--the tight tolerances, the customization of sizes and wall thickness, lengths etc. is where apex shines. The cost is mitigated by getting ONLY exactly what you need, first shot out of the gate, setup for the job but not paying for any filler sizes or multiple sets. Good luck either way.

 

[M6erfan]

+1 for Ko-Ken. Very high quality at reasonable price

 

[vintage nut]

Can't say I've ever seen a 12 point bolt before.... Probably because I have never done serious engine work on an import.

That said I've used chrome sockets in impacts loads, and never had an issue. I know it's not recommend, but I find it hard to believe you'll really get hurt wearing safety glasses and keeping out of the line of fire directly around the socket.
Now I wouldn't do it with my snap on or proto stuff, but I've done it a fair bit with store labeled Chinese ones. Still haven't broken anything. I have however cracked sockets in half with a ratchet before. The things you'll do to company tools when something needs to get done....
May have involved a Chinese craftsman 3/8 ratchet (which surprisingly held up) with a 4 foot pipe on the handle. The craftsman 14mm socket didn't fare as well.....

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[Bigblue&Goldie]

I don't have metric 12pts, but my Proto SAE 12pts are awesome. I love 12pts; if I was rich every bolt on my race car would be 12pt.

 

[md21722]

Lots of good options here, I have a scrap set of Craftsman 12 point chrome I do horrible things to. I have removed Honda flywheels with them on a IR 231 with an adapter. If you have the option for 12 point impact I'd go with that. Haven't broken any Craftsman chrome on an impact but I don't use them everyday. It's funny, 15 years ago the cheaper sets were hard to come by in 6 point, today they are easier to find than 12 point.

 

[ladrones]

So many 12 point bolts.



I have a combo set of 1/2 and 3/4 inch drive impact 12 point with the cat brand on it.

I'm interested in adding a thin wall Crome set.


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[ptschram]

That said I've used chrome sockets in impacts loads, and never had an issue. I know it's not recommend, but I find it hard to believe you'll really get hurt wearing safety glasses and keeping out of the line of fire directly around the socket.

It's not just unsafe, chrome sockets prematurely wear your impact as they're harder than impact sockets

 

[Citation]

I have done a lot of work on engine disassembly on Toyota/Honda/Subaru with 12pt 3/8" drive chrome craftsman usa/china sockets. I have had 0 problem with broken adapters/sockets/ratchets. I normally use a 1/4" impact (or 3/8" ratchet if space is tight) on disassembly.

Agreed. If this is rare work why bother with the more expensive stuff?

 

[shockwave]

Look into chrome sets 3/8 for versatility head bolts stretch and are very tight to loose and always by hand for me no power tool

 

[Alchymist]

Can't say I've ever seen a 12 point bolt before.... Probably because I have never done serious engine work on an import.

The J57 jet engine on a B52 has plenty of them. ( Just an PSA).

 

[dnschmidt]

Harbor Freight's normal length sockets are all 12 point. They work. What else is to be said. $10 with a coupon and you're out of there.

 

[Olafur]

Tekton is the answer here. They make 12pt impact sockets and they are relatively thin walled. Can't beat them for the money and their customer support is approaching legendary status.

I have very nice 3/8 drive chrome set from Toptul.

 

[94EG8]

If you're doing Honda flywheels go buy one good 1/2" drive 17mm 12 point socket on it's own and turn the end down on a lathe until you get rid of the chamfer. The heads on those bolts are super thin and this makes them a lot easier to get out without damage.

 

[Wamsutta]

I can't find 12-point thin wall impact on the internet anywhere. Plenty of 6-point though. I think Snap-on has a 36mm and that's it.

 

[dnschmidt]

Tekton, as previously mentioned, has thin walled 12pt impact sockets. These are up on Amazon.

 

[Wamsutta]

Tekton has something Snap-on doesn't have? That ain't right.

 

[T45]

I can't find 12-point thin wall impact on the internet anywhere. Plenty of 6-point though. I think Snap-on has a 36mm and that's it.

Here's a couple just for discussion, they are out there for special applications.

http://apexbits.com/17mm43-d-apex-3-8-square-drive-socket-metric-thin-wall-standard-length.aspx

Diameter Nose End: 23.8mm

Snap on 3/8 drive regular is thinwall (just by default)

https://store.snapon.com/Shallow-mm-Socket-Metric-Impact-Shallow-17-mm-12-Point-P632005.aspx

Socket End Dia., mm 24.3

Semi deep

https://store.snapon.com/Shallow-mm-Socket-Metric-Impact-Shallow-17-mm-12-Point-P632538.aspx

Dimension A, Socket End Dia., mm 25.4

This monster is a thin wall 12 pt head in 3/4 drive

https://store.snapon.com/Impact-Sockets-Socket-Impact-Head-Bolt-17mm-12-pt-3-4-drive-P648235.aspx

Dimension A, Socket End Diameter, inches (mm) 31/32 (24.9)

Just how thin you need it is up to you.