6 or 12

BigTJ · Apr 1, 2012

If you was replacing a current set or buying first time, would you get 6pt sockets or 12pt sockets? Maybe 6pt in deepwell and 12 in shallow?

mambo · Apr 1, 2012

6pt for sure

oldtools · Apr 1, 2012

6 pt.

G1GRANDEUR · Apr 1, 2012

str8axle55 · Apr 1, 2012

6 pt.

BigTJ · Apr 1, 2012

Ive replaced some of my Cman sockets with Snappy 6pts already, so Ill keep the trend going. Thx for the input.

Matt018 · Apr 1, 2012

I would buy all 6 point, and just a set of shallow 12pt chromes for specialty work, like sometimes suspensions have 12pt fasteners that you would need to remove to change say a wheel bearing on a car or U joint on a 4x4 also some head bolts are too.

plinker · Apr 1, 2012

I would buy all 6 point, and just a set of shallow 12pt chromes for specialty work, like sometimes suspensions have 12pt fasteners that you would need to remove to change say a wheel bearing on a car or U joint on a 4x4 also some head bolts are too.

+1
I really have not needed a deep 12pt socket even though I have them in 1/2 drive. Shallow's get used often enough to warrant having them.

battlegraduate09 · Apr 1, 2012

depending on the work your doing, i would get a good set of 12 point impact sockets.

driveline strap bolts are usually 12 point, older diesel motor head bolts are 12 point.

cotjocky · Apr 1, 2012

Harley Davidson bikes have a few 12 point bolts on them as well as some other applications. Really depends on what you are working on mostly.

I say buy both, but make 6 point the priority and then go back and get 12 point sets.

If you are turning bolts every day, and can only afford to buy a couple sets at a time, go with impact over chrome for the first few sets. That way you don't scar up your chrome sockets using them on an impact before you can afford to buy the impacts.

shurik06_83 · Apr 1, 2012

if u do alot of engine work on imports then u might need a 8 mm-19mm set of 12 pt sockets other then that 12 will strip slide and sockets will crack when u really give it to them

the reason u get wrenches in 12 pt is 12 pt offers 2 times the placement options so if ur in a tight spot a 6pt wrench might have only 2 or no spot where it will sit but a 12 pt will offer more spots where it will fall on the fastener

Danglerb · Apr 1, 2012

I'm starting to like the spline stuff ...

cotjocky · Apr 2, 2012

Danglerb said:
I'm starting to like the spline stuff ...

I have not tried the spline sockets as I figured it was a "get by" set for people who hate spending money on tools. A tool that covers 6 different fasteners, but doesn't really fit any.

I assume if the fastener was really torqued down, a spline socket/wrench would slip/strip and end up damaging the fastener.

DrkMtnDew · Apr 2, 2012

6pt. with 12pt specialty sockets (12mm Ford drive line).

battlegraduate09 · Apr 2, 2012

cotjocky said:
I have not tried the spline sockets as I figured it was a "get by" set for people who hate spending money on tools. A tool that covers 6 different fasteners, but doesn't really fit any.

I assume if the fastener was really torqued down, a spline socket/wrench would slip/strip and end up damaging the fastener.

I used one of them on an exhaust manifold on a maxxforce international motor. They were inverted torx bolts and the socket worked great. I sat in the cab and put a breaker bar on it and it never slipped.

DrkMtnDew · Apr 2, 2012

i've got a set of MAC spline sockets that I've only used once. so all I can say is that they worked once.

mattygee · Apr 2, 2012

Depends what you're working on... In aviation world 6 point is pretty much useless.

Ishy · Apr 2, 2012

6pt deepwell. My favorite tool, actually.

Mugen AP1 · Apr 2, 2012

I work in hydraulics and use my 12 ponints at least weekly, if not more often. So i usually buy 12 point. That way you have all bases covered. A 12 socket will fit a 6 nut/bolt, but not the other way around. :thumbup:

mofo62 · Apr 3, 2012

.

6 .more security. :rocker:

Skin · Apr 4, 2012

cotjocky said:
I have not tried the spline sockets as I figured it was a "get by" set for people who hate spending money on tools. A tool that covers 6 different fasteners, but doesn't really fit any.

I assume if the fastener was really torqued down, a spline socket/wrench would slip/strip and end up damaging the fastener.

Its actually the opposite, a properly designed spline will grab more, not less. If you live in an area where you've had to hammer the wrong size socket onto something more than a few times because its so rusted its become 2 sizes smaller or so rounded a 6pt just spins, you should give spline drive an honest chance.

Syndicate · Apr 4, 2012

Almost always going to be 6 pt for me.

Hank McMauser · Apr 4, 2012

Where I live rusty fasteners aren't so much an issue, and with the advancements in the new designs that keep the pressure off the corners of nuts/bolts, I think 12 points would do for what I use them for.

otis66 · Apr 4, 2012

If you get Snap On sockets I would get 12 point.

6 or 12

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