You are using an out of date browser. It may not display this or other websites correctly.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
You should upgrade or use an alternative browser.
6 & 12 point sockets
- Thread starter jade97
- Start date
6 point engages more of the fastener (12 pt only engages the "tips"), so it's stronger and has less likelihood of rounding things off.
12 point allows more positions to get the socket onto the fastener - there are also 12 point headed fasteners where you need a 12 pt.
12 point allows more positions to get the socket onto the fastener - there are also 12 point headed fasteners where you need a 12 pt.
Wiz02
Well-known member
For me, using a 12pt socket on a rusted fastener has resulted in rounding off the fastener and busted knuckles.
Madjik Man
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 3, 2015
- Messages
- 1,534
Don’t know if I actually used any of my 12 point sockets.
Never ran across a 12pt fastener and never found myself unable to get a 6pt socket on a fastener.
Just a home gamer though.
Never ran across a 12pt fastener and never found myself unable to get a 6pt socket on a fastener.
Just a home gamer though.
toyotadriver
Well-known member
- Joined
- Dec 30, 2010
- Messages
- 1,586
I use 6 point sockets whenever possible. Occasionally I have to deal with 12 point bolts so while you can use 12 point sockets with 6 point bolts, you can't use 6 point sockets with a 12 point bolt. 12 point sockets can sometimes be easier to tighten or loosen a bolt or nut in a tight spot.
My 6 point sockets get used WAY more than my 12 point sockets.
Nothing in this post should be misunderstood, interpreted, misinterpreted, or construed to be of a political nature.
My 6 point sockets get used WAY more than my 12 point sockets.
Nothing in this post should be misunderstood, interpreted, misinterpreted, or construed to be of a political nature.
12pt sockets are essential for 12pt bolt heads. You will need some for some cars etc. They work fine on clean uncorroded hardware.
In the past, 12 pts were included in basic sets, I believe, to facilitate the use of breaker bars. Breakers were essential because ratchets were rubbish. Today’s ratchets are as strong as breakers so the use of 12pt sockets to enhance accessibility is now obsolete.
In the past, 12 pts were included in basic sets, I believe, to facilitate the use of breaker bars. Breakers were essential because ratchets were rubbish. Today’s ratchets are as strong as breakers so the use of 12pt sockets to enhance accessibility is now obsolete.
mreisner
Well-known member
On larger Nuts and Bolts, especially half inch Drive stuff in tight quarters 12 points will get you in a lot more places easier and with the flank Drive type sockets they grip very well also
nadogail
Well-known member
They both have their place, I have very seldom found places where 12 point sockets were not usable.
Shootinok
Well-known member
12 point work on square fasteners. Not common, but they’re out there.
I will typically reach for 6 point 1st, and 100% on torque wrench.
I will typically reach for 6 point 1st, and 100% on torque wrench.
alwaysFlOoReD
Well-known member
My theory is the ratchets were 40 tooth or less, so the 12 point socket helped in tight situations. I grew up with Sears 12 point, 6 point were rare for me. Had a snipe on my 1/2" numerous times. The ratchet survived, some sockets didn't.12pt sockets are essential for 12pt bolt heads. You will need some for some cars etc. They work fine on clean uncorroded hardware.
In the past, 12 pts were included in basic sets, I believe, to facilitate the use of breaker bars. Breakers were essential because ratchets were rubbish. Today’s ratchets are as strong as breakers so the use of 12pt sockets to enhance accessibility is now obsolete.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
A 12 point 9/32” saved my **** once driving a metric tap during a field repair.
They come in handy for connecting two torque wrenches to check for accuracy.
Some beam clamps, C-clamps, knockout punches, pullers, etc have square heads and a 12 point will drive them.
Many automotive applications, i.e. head bolts, driveshafts, spark plugs, axle nuts, etc.
Just remember most guys that preach 6 point only likely have a drawer full of 12 point wrenches.
They come in handy for connecting two torque wrenches to check for accuracy.
Some beam clamps, C-clamps, knockout punches, pullers, etc have square heads and a 12 point will drive them.
Many automotive applications, i.e. head bolts, driveshafts, spark plugs, axle nuts, etc.
Just remember most guys that preach 6 point only likely have a drawer full of 12 point wrenches.