6 pt or 12pt?

[bayoutoolguy]

im a mechanics helper, and the engines we work on are mostly SAE bolts, nuts, etc, so i bought the proto set pictured below at my local hardware store. i know this has been asked many of times, but should i go with 6 or 12 pt? the set i bought is 6 pt, never opened it, so i can return it if need be. we work on a lot of detroit diesels, 99% of the bolts are 6 pt, except for the starter bolts and every once in a while the valve cover bolts on 71 series. so shld i go with 6 or 12? also wld it be cheaper to buy sets like this online? i paid 195 for it and i see harry epstein has it for muh cheaper.



http://store.harryepstein.com/cp/Proto/J52134.html

 

[Dave.R]

Most guys will tell you a 6pt bites better on a 6pt bolt or nut, and I agree. The convenience of 12pts might not be worth the occasional rounded bolt.

 

[Justin1776]

6 pt for sure. For the 1% just buy the few sockets you know you need for now, you can always add more later. If you are just a helper, I imagine you could borrow the occasional 25/32 12 point semi-deep impact 9/32 drive when the time comes. Online is almost always cheaper. I have been buying some Williams stuff from Toolsdelivered.com great prices and great service

 

[bayoutoolguy]

alright thanks guys, looks like i wont be returning my 6 pt set. ill check out tools delivered. whats the best online place for proto?

 

[brtsvg]

Most guys will tell you a 6pt bites better on a 6pt bolt or nut, and I agree. The convenience of 12pts might not be worth the occasional rounded bolt.

+1 strongly agree in favor of 6 pt sockets

I never could figure out why all the 3/4" drive sockets are all 12 pt, you would think these 3/4" drives would all be used for high torque applications where a 6 pt would be favored over a 12 pt socket.

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

Yeah, I loath 12pts, and only use them when its required, which is next to never on the stuff I work on.

 

[Humble Mechanic]

+1 strongly agree in favor of 6 pt sockets

I never could figure out why all the 3/4" drive sockets are all 12 pt, you would think these 3/4" drives would all be used for high torque applications where a 6 pt would be favored over a 12 pt socket.

Right tool for the right job! Or, just get both

 

[Tony N.]

I would get 6pt first then collect 12pt later. 12pt is useful for using on breaker bars in tight spaces. I've used 12pt during suspension overhaul and they are quite nice for big durable fasteners.

 

[Ratchet.]

6 point all the way, i have very few 12point sockets, and the ones i have are big sizes (24mm and up) they can be useful, but these days with fine tooth ratchets the advantages of them are few, can be handy to have some old/cheap ones to use on rusted fasteners tho, as they can be hammered on... tool abuse i know

unless you regularly work on VAG group stuff i wouldn't bother with them (vw and some other European manufacturers often use 12point bolts

 

[e30bradley]

go with 12pt first because it can be used on 12pt and 6point.. when you make some more money buy a 6pt set and then starting using the 6pt on all 6pt bolts and 12pt on 12pt bolts. buy the best quality you can or can't afford.

 

[jetmech09]

I agree with e30bradley.
The only sockets I have are 12pt, and I have never had a problem rounding bolts off... Just get high quality sockets with a tight fit.

 

[astrodoggie3000]

My PROTO 3/8 set is all 12 point and i've never rounded a bolt yet. That being said... i don't work on alot of badly corroded fasteners.

 

[el tanque prohibido]

whats the best online place for proto?

It's easiest just to punch the part number of the set into Google and see what pops up. If you get Amazon or ToolTopia, then you know you'll be getting an excellent deal.

 

[Tony N.]

go with 12pt first because it can be used on 12pt and 6point.. when you make some more money buy a 6pt set and then starting using the 6pt on all 6pt bolts and 12pt on 12pt bolts. buy the best quality you can or can't afford.

The only problem with this is that if you use 12pt on smaller fasteners that are prone to round off then you would wish you had a 6pt.

 

[copterdoctor]

I use 12pt 99.9% of the time, and have never had issues rounding stuff off.. then again, I don't torque the living Sh*t outta stuff either..
torque wrenches are used a LOT in my industry..

 

[Busted_Knuckles]

After this thread, I think Im going to go round up the dozen extra sets of 12pts I own and sell them, I had no idea anyone actually used them or wanted them (except for 12pt fasteners). I always thought it was a marketing faux pas that allowed the over marketing and sales of them. Probably my least favorite hand tool. Its about the only tool that can make you more work, and provide you with "busted knuckles".

 

[Jawn]

I won't touch 12 point in 1/4" drive (smaller than about 3/8" fastener head). Otherwise I'm on the fence... but all I've been getting lately is 6pt (partly because the old cheap stuff I had before is mostly 12pt). As a DIY, I've never had a problem with 12pt on larger fasteners.

 

[ChrisF250]

I'd return it and get the 47 piece sk set from Tooltopia for 140 shipped, all 6pts.

 

[cgv69]

6pt only for me. I have never needed or wanted a 12pt socket.

 

[JoeyMitch]

My first socket set was a Husky 12pt set that my grandfather bought me. I liked it because you could use it on 6pt and 12pt. It would also be easier for me to get in tight spaces where there is little wiggle room.

 

[chris142]

Keep the 6 point and buy the few 12 point ones you need. You mentioned the Detroit 71 series. I have not seen one of those or a 92 around here in years except for at the Antique truck show.

 

[bayoutoolguy]

yeah we rebuild/repair alot of 71, 92, and 149 series on tugboats. i live abt 20 miles from Port Fourchon, Louisiana, big player in the oil field industry so theres boats in constant need of repair. im thinking of buying all proto sockets, and having snap on and matco ratchets. should this be a good strong combo of sockets/ratchets to last for years with proper care? i hate my cman sockets.

 

[GSteg]

I never could figure out why all the 3/4" drive sockets are all 12 pt, you would think these 3/4" drives would all be used for high torque applications where a 6 pt would be favored over a 12 pt socket.

Because if the 12 pt socket is designed like it should, then it wouldn't make a difference. Put a 12pt socket on a hex bolt/nut and you're still be grabbing 6 points (flank). 12 pt sockets are less forgiving if you don't position it correctly. If the bolts are rounded off horribly, then the 6pt does a slightly better job since it may still grab what's left of the fasteners.

 

[Bad Jackson]

6 point sockets. 12 point Wrenches. Period. Its nice to have 2 sets of sockets, when you can afford it, Buy 12 point for your 2nd set.
02 cents.
Munsk.

 

[cbracer]

Why not get 6 pt standard length and 12 point deep. Best of both worlds.

 

[copterdoctor]

I'm actually surprised at the results of this thread. I know both have their places, but didn't figure it would be so one sided...

you'll need those 12pt if you ever need to get into a really tight spot. ie, grinding the wall of the socket...

 

[bayoutoolguy]

the proto set i bought is SAE 6 pt deep and regular length. ill get some 12 pt SAE, and 6 pt and 12 pt metric.

 

[camarotoolman]

Don't buy any new, used sae is everywhere and cheap too. ESp. 12 point, I can't hardle give it away. Also Proto doesn't have much resale value. Check cl, feebay or your local fee market. Cl "yard sales" on saturday morning for tool yard sales. Don't party all night Fri. night, so you can get up and go!