12-point sockets and wrenches

[Medic-51]

Here's a question for the pro's...

In what situations, and for what type of fasteners should I be using 12-point sockets and wrenches as opposed to 6-point? I have had 12-point tools for many years (because they came as part of a set) and my experience has been that they are MORE likley to round off a bolt than the 6-point tools. So what the heck do I need these things for?

Obviously they have a purpose... that purpose has just eluded me thus far.

 

[Hiball]

Here's a question for the pro's...

In what situations, and for what type of fasteners should I be using 12-point sockets and wrenches as opposed to 6-point? I have had 12-point tools for many years (because they came as part of a set) and my experience has been that they are MORE likley to round off a bolt than the 6-point tools. So what the heck do I need these things for?

Obviously they have a purpose... that purpose has just eluded me thus far.

Interesting 1st post...

I will say i dont own a set of 6pt wrenches and have never had a problem with rounding fasteners.

 

[DavidB]

Take a look at this thread: http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=74004

Or search for others on this same topic.

Welcome to the board.

 

[Quik208]

All my wrenches are 12 point as well. I have never had a problem. Sockets I always use a 6 point, unless I need a 12 point.

 

[Medic-51]

Well I'm primarily referring to sockets... but I do have some (older craftsman) box end wrenches that have 6-points. About 25 yrs ago I bought a Craftsman Socket with everysize in one kit. Half of the sockets are duplicate sizes, but in 12-point. At first I thought they were for bolts that were prone to stripping... like rusted or soft metal fastners. But I've had better luck with 6-point sockets, and these things are taking up a lot of realestate in an ever shrinking toolbox.

 

[D9H 90V]

every now and then I run across a 12pt nut or bolt especially on older heavy equipment, but in my experiance a quality 12pt wrench or socket wont round off a 6pt nut or bolt unless its already messed up

 

[Sparks4184]

Airplane fixers run into a LOT of 12 point fasteners and the majority of my sockets and box wrenches are 12s. I agree that if you use a 12 pt socket on a 6pt fastener, you may round it off particularly if you don't seat it properly and if that's largely been your experience, go with it and avoid the 12 pt series. Most of the time though, I can finesse a 6 point w/ a 12 pt. socket. Still, you probably oughtta keep the 12's cause you never know when you might need them.
Mark

 

[SLOCOBRAR]

i,ve never broken a 12 pt. socket. they round off the fastener. if it,s tite use a 6 pt. snapon

 

[Medic-51]

Thanks DavidB. After reading that thread, I needed to look up what a 12-point bolt was. They're those goofy bolts that I've seen on U-Joints and some exhaust manifolds! I have to admit, I thought those fastners needed some kind of Special tool to remove, all the while I had the correct tool in the first place! I did manage to get them out and replace them with 6-point bolts afterwards. For the few times I've run into that type of fastner, I think those sockets will be relegated to "the other" tool box in the dark recesses of my garage. Kind of ticks me off that I paid for so many of those damn things.

Thanks to all those who replied to my question. I didn't expect such a quick response! I can see that this forum is an incredible resource and could save me a lot of aggrevation in the future. I usually get the job done, but not always the quickest, easiest or cheapest way. I'm just too stubborn to quit, and whatever I'm working on just gives up from shear exhaustion.

 

[treasureseeker]

I have a set of SO 6 point SAE wrenches and needed them a lot on the old American cars when I first started out. I have never had a 12 point metric wrench slip on a 6 point bolt. I don’t have any 12 point sockets and so far only needed one once. I should get a 12 point metric set.

 

[Rickster]

I use mostly 6 point sockets and wrenches for working on the rusty bolts to avoid rounding the bolt heads. I reach for the 12 points whan it's too difficult (tight) to use a 6 point on the fastener. But I'm mostly working on my old rusty Mustang. I keep a set of 6 pt metric also in the tool cart for when those SAE bolts rust down off their intended size.

 

[Monte]

i prefer 6 point for small head sizes like 5.5mm or 6mm etc.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I will say i dont own a set of 6pt wrenches and have never had a problem with rounding fasteners.

Same here...............

I also own mostly 12 pt sockets. In the very small sizes, 1/4" drive, it is very helpful to have a set of 6 pt to prevent rounding and that is the only ones I've ever had rounding problems with, is sizes below 3/8".

I have a few odd 6 pt sockets acquired to do certain jobs, to drive very thin nuts where there is little contact area to start with, but beyond that, 12 pt works fine.

Charles

 

[cglasgow]

My basic set that I've had for 25 years is 12 point -- never had any problem. As I've expanded it, I've tended to do so with 6 point, but not in every case.

I'd say that if 12 point tools are for use only on 12 point fasteners, then the vast majority of 12 point tools are being misused. Look at most homeowner kits and I'll bet they're mostly 12 point. Most of the ones I've had over the years have been. But how many 12 point fasteners do you run across?

As tests here have shown, good 12 points have the same contact area as 6 points. With cheap stuff of course all bets are off.....

 

[Eldogg]

I use 6 point sockets everyday. I also have a set of 12 points that rarely get used except for engine builds(ARP fastners & etc)

 

[Wakefield]

Six point sockets usually work best on hex(not 12 point stuff?)
When you do use 12 point box/socket on hex Snap on works better than cheap ones? Almost as good as 6 point? 12 point gives you better tight angle access/less swing required to get a new grip

 

[shotgunfatcat]

Lets see here......




















Where is it.......



















ah here we go

 

[mrholeshot]

I use a lot of 12 point stuff. I use a lot of ARP hardware in my engines and they can typically have smaller heads than 6 point. In tight spots 12 points are much better. When it comes to wrenches I only own 2 sets of 6 point wrenches. I very rarely use them. If it is a good socket 12 points work just fine. I have some 40 year old SK 12 points thet are still in great shape.