6 point vs. 12 point box end wrenches

[pipsters]

So I started a thread about backing up an impact with 12 point box end wrenches. Most people do it without harm to the wrench but after looking at some worn out 12 point sockets I figured why not pick up a 6 point box end wrench set and use that to back up the nut? Less wiggle room and you basically hold the entire side of the nut so a lot less wear on the nut and wrench, and no chance of rounding it out.

Sears had their 6 point metric wrench sets on sale for $29.99 + 10% off and I bought the additional 19mm for another $10. Total was around $40 after tax.

Here they are showing the difference in contact points, they will go nicely with my other raised panels.

 

[ibedayank]

pipster


honestly i need to have both 6 and 12 point
have some 12 point nuts and bolts I have to remove from time to time

 

[pipsters]

I haven't encountered a situation yet where I needed a wrench except to back up a nut, I see what you are saying but I think I will use these 6 point wrenches much more than my 12's now. Definitely really happy, considering Northern Tool sells the RP Danaher equivalent 10 pc set for $22, if they included the 13 pieces like I got it would be around $28, so another $7 for US made vs. Chinese = no brainer!

 

[dankicksass]

Craftsman raised panel wrenches are underrated.

 

[TWX]

I am building a full set of six point and twelve point of everything. Most of it's Craftsman. I have 1/4" through 1 1/8" combination wrenches, and metric in similar sizes. My 1/4" drive is pretty much all six point, but my 3/8 and 1/2 are both.

I try to use the six point stuff whenever I can, and I resort to the twelve when the six stuff isn't working so well.

 

[Pro-Painter]

Ive been thinking about picking up the long pattern 6-point Gearwrenches (81923) for just that reason. They are a super good deal at only $72 for a 28pc set (14 SAE/14 metric).

They look short in the picture, but according to Gearwrench they are the same length as their 12pts.

 

[pipsters]

Ive been thinking about picking up the long pattern 6-point Gearwrenches (81923) for just that reason. They are a super good deal at only $72 for a 28pc set (14 SAE/14 metric).

They look short in the picture, but according to Gearwrench they are the same length as their 12pts.

Not sure if you are interested in Craftsman but Sears offers a 28 pc 6 point wrench set as well.

It was just on sale and can be had for $80.99 +/- with the "sears2011" $5 coupon, free shipping ordered in the store. However it looks like it just went off sale today, so if you are interested you might have to wait a week or two for it to go back on.

Nothing against Gearwrench, they produce a very quality product.

 

[ibedayank]

gearwrench is a danaher/apex tool group...same manufacture as craftsman

 

[dieselmike]

You just gave people jobs: forging people, administrative staff, transport workers, retail salesmen.... and all those people used the money from work to buy food from us farmers etc etc.
Gear wrench? c'mon get with it...... and people wonder about the economy.
just a message from your brother to the north =)

 

[Altec]

I get by fine with a good 12pt set. In wrench applications, a good 12pt set is a do-all. Have a fit sensitive fastener? If your high quality 12pt won't do it, grab a socket... As for high torque on a 12pt, you shouldn't be applying that much torque on a wrench anyway.

 

[pipsters]

I get by fine with a good 12pt set. In wrench applications, a good 12pt set is a do-all. Have a fit sensitive fastener? If your high quality 12pt won't do it, grab a socket... As for high torque on a 12pt, you shouldn't be applying that much torque on a wrench anyway.

This isn't about any of the points you mentioned, but about using a wrench on the back of an impact. I found I now prefer these 6 point wrenches as it holds the bolt better than a 12 point. Sometimes using a socket isn't an option, like on my struts.

 

[camarotoolman]

6 points sell much better than 12s. 6s seem to be all people want anymore.

 

[Simplespeed]

I dont like six points because there half as many angles you can put the wrench on the nut. If you have a tight spot and cant fit the wrench on because of other stuff in the way, a 12 point would offer 2 more angles. But i use ratcheting swivels anyway lol.

What do you mean by backing up an impact?

 

[scott4]

This isn't about any of the points you mentioned, but about using a wrench on the back of an impact. I found I now prefer these 6 point wrenches as it holds the bolt better than a 12 point. Sometimes using a socket isn't an option, like on my struts.

I like them on softer metal as well.

 

[smoky]

I dont like six points because there half as many angles you can put the wrench on the nut. If you have a tight spot and cant fit the wrench on because of other stuff in the way, a 12 point would offer 2 more angles. But i use ratcheting swivels anyway lol.

What do you mean by backing up an impact?

I agree, there are times when I'm working in a tight area and every little bit counts.

 

[adcrawfo]

What do you mean by backing up an impact?

Impact on the bolt, wrench on the nut.

 

[pdxgearhead]

I've never had a problem using a 12pt box end wrench to back up an impact. I don't wrench professionally.

 

[osborn.ozzy]

hell, ive used a long 1/2 ratchet with a deep socket to back up a nut. I didnt even keep my hand on the ratchet, the wheight let hold it down enough.

 

[greasemonkey44]

works better if you impact the nut and hold to bolt, but its a lil harder to line up
anyway, in my experiences the wrench holding the nut is only keeping the rotation out of the equation while you get the nut/bolt tight enough for the impact to draw it down with threads and friction of the bolt head and nut head(hehe nut head), so you dont do any noticeable damage
back to the point those are sweet looking wrenchs, but ill keep using my 12 pts due to access

 

[theoldwizard1]

I bought a set of Craftsman 6 point combination wrenches to back up my set of 12 point. Really nice having 2 sets !

I need the 6 point metric now !

 

[Kev442]

Last time this came up I immediately bought some Williams 6 point combos on epay. Niiiice!
Why I didn't do this 20 years ago living in the land of rust I'll never know.

 

[tbobbo]

I would love to have both. I have to stay with the 12 point due to I need so many other tools! That said I have a few 6 point wrenches for special use only. I would like a set. After I bought snap on flank drive plus in metric, I have not found a bolt they couldn't move. I did bend my gearwrench 18mm by hand. (non ratchet combo wrench) I have had many rounded nuts (and busted knuckles) on craftsman raised panel wrenches. I still want a set for at home, they are great for all but the real tough stuff.. When the going gets real tough, out come the flex head gearwrench flare nut wrenches! Those things GRIP!!!!!
Six points combo wrenches are great, but with all the other wrenches you need, its hard to justify. I do use my 12 points for backing an impact, any decent quailty wrench has done fine for that.

 

[J.Lind]

I picked up a set of metric 6pt Craftsmans when I replaced some missing sockets a month ago (picked up some other goodies, like their T-handle torx set) I'm quite happy with them. I may have to get an SAE set simply because I know in my heart of hearts the raised-panels will go away some day, even though I really only ever have needs for metric.

 

[countryroad82]

I have a set of 6 pt RP Craftsmans in standard/ metric that I have had for awhile. Love 'em for bumper bolts on 20+ year old junk that I work on due to the fact I have had more than one occasion the nuts are so rusted a 12pt wrench just rounds them off.

 

[GalaxieFan]

Ive been thinking about picking up the long pattern 6-point Gearwrenches (81923) for just that reason. They are a super good deal at only $72 for a 28pc set (14 SAE/14 metric).

They look short in the picture, but according to Gearwrench they are the same length as their 12pts.

Yes I know this is an old thread, but having just bought this set based on this post, I felt this was relevant for anyone else who comes across this thread. These Gearwrench 6 pts. are NOT the same length as the 12 pts. Not even close. Buyer beware.

 

[Jerelld13]

Why not use the open end? Lol

 

[franzdom]

2>6>12 nice