12 point sockets and short combo wrenches?

[moronmountain]

How much do you find your self needing to use 12 point sockets over 6 point sockets, and short combo wrenches over standard or long wrenches? Are these items worth investing in, or are they something one would only get when you have "everything else already?"

 

[sk farmer]

i see short wrenches as pretty useful. 12 pt is hit and miss. i think short, standard and long wrenches in the basic sizes as a necessity and not as a when i have everthing else. you will "never" have everything.

 

[Michael]

I don't use either one very often. But the short wrenches get used a lot more than 12 point sockets. I only use 12 point sockets on 12 point bolts/nuts and I don't see them very often. If I had to choose what to add to my box first it would be the short combination wrenches because most are 12 point and can be used on 12 point fasteners. Unless it's in a place you can't get a wrench into, but that is rare.

 

[moronmountain]

i see short wrenches as pretty useful. 12 pt is hit and miss. i think short, standard and long wrenches in the basic sizes as a necessity and not as a when i have everthing else. you will "never" have everything.

Yeah I understand no one will have everything. I was just trying to put it into perspective as how important they are. I can only think of one time I NEEDED a 12 point socket, and it's because I used it on a torx fastener that was about the same size. I will simply be purchasing torx sockets now, but I was interested in other people's mileage with them. I appreciate your comments on the wrenches. I'm currently 1/2 done getting my standard and long wrenches, but wanted opinions on the short ones before I bought them. Thanks for your opinion.

 

[moronmountain]

I don't use either one very often. But the short wrenches get used a lot more than 12 point sockets. I only use 12 point sockets on 12 point bolts/nuts and I don't see them very often. If I had to choose what to add to my box first it would be the short combination wrenches because most are 12 point and can be used on 12 point fasteners. Unless it's in a place you can't get a wrench into, but that is rare.

So I was thinking about buying "cheaper" 12 point sockets just "in case" at some point as I only have a handful of them. Is that worthwhile, or would it make more sense just to add them 1 at a time when I really needed one?

 

[Teken]

Are these tools brand specific? If they are only CM then wait for a sale and pick up a whole set. Can't go wrong there thats for sure!

As for buying what you need, I have always been a fan of that mind set. But, now lately its been more of a: Better to have and not need . . . Than, to need and not have . . .

Balancing your budget is obviously at the for front of your decision making . . .

 

[moronmountain]

Are these tools brand specific? If they are only CM then wait for a sale and pick up a whole set. Can't go wrong there thats for sure!

As for buying what you need, I have always been a fan of that mind set. But, now lately its been more of a: Better to have and not need . . . Than, to need and not have . . .

Balancing your budget is obviously at the for front of your decision making . . .

I'm on a quest of replacing my Cman stuff with Snap-on and Cornwell. It would make me sick to my stomach to think about getting a second set of each socket size in 12 point even if I am able to get good deals on them. That's why I was asking if they are even necessary.

 

[sk farmer]

of course they are necessary. if they weren't, they would not make them.

 

[moronmountain]

of course they are necessary. if they weren't, they would not make them.

You're gonna make me wanna take up drinking again lol!

 

[nato]

I only use my 12pt. 1/2 inchers when my 6pt impact socket walls are too thick....that's really it lol.
As far stubby combo's, only in confined spaces like they're intended for. Like on top of transmission to get at small 8mm & 10mm bolts and even sometimes bellhousing bolts, depending on the space situation. A definite need for them is on older Dogde & GM transfer case 9/16 & 15mm bolts...those things are f*ckers! Down in engine bays where you don't really have enough room for a small ratchet. Deals like those.
My 1/2" shallow 12pts' are Stanley and my metric/standard stubby combo's are an ebay off brand name. I couldn't see psending a lot of money on either since their use is sparce.

 

[Quik208]

Short combo wrenches are one thing I am so glad I bought. Havent used them a ton, but they do come in very hand in tight spaces. If I really need a 12 point I still have my c-man.

 

[rhandwor]

I purchased a set of SK 12 point in 1/4 drive shallow and deep. I purchased some Grey Pneumatic and Genius 12 point in 3/8 and 1/2 drive shallow and deep.
Short wrenches I use occasionally.
I keep a lot of stuff because I order from ebay or off the internet and it takes time to get a tool.

 

[MarcSeattle]

I got some stubby ratcheting wrenches that are handy. In confined spaces the ratcheting is great. They're Blackhawk brand (so I guess that means Mac / Danaher / Taiwan) and they look identical to Gearwrench in every way except the name. I couldn't pass up a deal on 12 of them for $50 on eBay a couple of years ago.

 

[MattT]

I need short combinations fairly often and also prefer them for stuff where high torque, or reach, isn't needed. Also have midget wrenches I've needed a few times.

12 points I doubt I've needed more than a half dozen times.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

I like 6pt better than 12pt......

 

[BWright]

Short combo wrenches are definitely a must. I had to buy a set so I would quit cutting up my regular combos. As far as 12 point sockets go, I just bought full sets of cman in 1/2 and 3/8 inch drives. For as little as I will use them the cmans will work just fine.