6 vs 12 point

[kdubaz]

Ok guys, frequent lurker here, rare poster. I'm a bit OCD with my tools, meaning I'm a big fan of matching sets and I'm a big fan of organization. I recently picked up some Hansen socket trays for my tool cart, but I'm finding that I can't fit all of the sockets in there I want to complete the collection. Like I can get either all 6 point or all 12 point in the cart.

So there's the question: Which socket or wrench style do you find the most useful? 6 point or 12 point. Thanks.

 

[bmwpower]

Ok guys, frequent lurker here, rare poster. I'm a bit OCD with my tools, meaning I'm a big fan of matching sets and I'm a big fan of organization. I recently picked up some Hansen socket trays for my tool cart, but I'm finding that I can't fit all of the sockets in there I want to complete the collection. Like I can get either all 6 point or all 12 point in the cart.

So there's the question: Which socket or wrench style do you find the most useful? 6 point or 12 point. Thanks.

For critical fasteners that I do not want to round off or fasteners that are stuck, always use a 6 point.

For fasteners that are hard to get to, less critical, easier to remove, and/or a 12 point would help due to swing room, use a 12 point.

Both are important, really.

 

[kdubaz]

Yeah, I'm not going to ditch one for the other, but I bring my cart with me wherever I work on trucks, so I'd like to have the most convenient socket style with me since I can't fit both.

 

[ImportTuner]

For critical fasteners that I do not want to round off or fasteners that are stuck, always use a 6 point.

For fasteners that are hard to get to, less critical, easier to remove, and/or a 12 point would help due to swing room, use a 12 point.

Both are important, really.

+1

 

[TNToy]

Wrenches? 12 point. Sockets? 6 point.

Ignoring the obvious requirement to use a 12-point socket on a 12-point fastener...

The reason wrenches have 12-point box ends is because they're no indexable, so you need to be able to attack the fastener from as many positions as possible.

You'll be using a socket on a ratchet, so if it doesn't fit, turn it a couple of clicks, and you're good.

I rarely use a 12-point socket. Because I rarely encounter 12-point fasteners.

 

[bmwpower]

TNToy good points, but a lot of times I use a wrench on the bolt head and use an impact to get the nut off. In this case a 6 point wrench is a better choice, right?

 

[OctaneMotorsports]

TNToy good points, but a lot of times I use a wrench on the bolt head and use an impact to get the nut off. In this case a 6 point wrench is a better choice, right?

6-point is the logical choice for impact sockets (high torque) unless of course you are using an impact with a 12 point fastener.

As said, 12 point is better for wrenches, and 6 point is better for sockets, assuming you aren't working on 12 point fasteners.

I asked the same question a little while ago, this thread explained it very well:
http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=6337

Happy wrenching.

 

[dink]

I have 6 point SK Wrenches....and I like them alot....I dont have to worry about the fastener slipping out like on a 12 point wrench....I just wish my 10 to 14mm wrenches were just alittle longer

 

[kartracer55]

I wouldnt even consider 12pt sockets unless you have 12pt fasteners. AS TNT said, a few clicks will solve your problem.

I have a set of craftsman metric wrenches in 12pt and Snap On metrics in 6pt. I use the snap ons more often because of the length.

Jim

 

[toolfreak]

I wouldnt even consider 12pt sockets unless you have 12pt fasteners. AS TNT said, a few clicks will solve your problem.

Jim

Take a look at 3/4" drive chrome sockets, pretty much all of them are 12 pt. I have never had a problem with rounding a bolt or nut with a 12 pt socket on a 6 pt fastener unless the socket is wore badly.

 

[kartracer55]

Take a look at 3/4" drive chrome sockets, pretty much all of them are 12 pt. I have never had a problem with rounding a bolt or nut with a 12 pt socket on a 6 pt fastener unless the socket is wore badly.

I was talking about the usual 1/4-1/2 sizes. I rounded out a 12pt snap on in 3/8's drive and it wound up cracking... BY hand. That socket never touched a gun. For smaller sizes (say, less than 1 inch?) I dont really see an advantage to 12points.


Why do they usually make 12pt 3/4 drive sockets?


Jim

 

[TNToy]

TNToy good points, but a lot of times I use a wrench on the bolt head and use an impact to get the nut off. In this case a 6 point wrench is a better choice, right?

I doubt it. The point where your gun is working, is when you first break the nut loose. After you relieve the clamping force, the only torque needed is whatever is required to run the nut off of the bolt. That can be a decent amount if the threads are damaged or rusty, but nothing near the load where I'd consider a 6-point wrench nessecary.

Think about it this way: I use a 500+ ft/lb impact in those situations. My off-hand holding the wrench never sees anything above 150ish foot pounds, even on the largest fastener... that'd rip the wrench out of your hand.

 

[toolfreak]

Why do they usually make 12pt 3/4 drive sockets?


Jim

I have no idea and don't understand it either. I have seen people use an impact with them and can't believe they hold up as well as they do.

 

[wilbilt]

Why do they usually make 12pt 3/4 drive sockets?

It could be do to positioning issues. Most 3/4" drive sets don't include a ratchet.

Usability with a t-handle or breaker bar is greatly improved with 12pt sockets vs. 6pt.