6pt vs 12 pt sockets

[Nor'Easter]

I also find that 6pt is less likely to round off a bolt or nut.

Only time I've used 12pt is my 97 F350 ujoint strap bolts, and the ARP studs holding the head down on the Cummins that's in it.

 

[kunkernator]

In my line of work, I constantly deal with 12 point bolts. With that said, I also deal with a lot of 6 point bolts. Also, ALL the bolts I deal with are Grade 8 +, so less chance for rounding off.

I mostly use impact sockets. I have 12 point and 6 point sets. Honestly, I cannot remember the last time I rounded a bolt off with a 12 point socket.

Use the right size for the fastener.

 

[bert1913]

I just replaced all of my 12 pts with 6 pts. keeping all of my 12 pts just in case

 

[AA/FC]

3rd time is the charm.....

Hey op im not trying to be a **** but use the search function. You started 3 posts and they are all topics that have been brought up countless times ..

The next thread will probably be about the "new professional grade ratchets at Harbor Freight"

 

[cbracer]

For 3/8" drive I like to have 12pt normal and 6pt deep. I've never seen a 12pt bolt that required a deep socket! But I have seen 12pt bolts used on engines, but no where else. For 1/4" I have 6pt sockets/

 

[dnschmidt]

I always find this argument amusing. Nobody has any problem with 12pt wrenches so why the hatred of 12pt sockets? I think anything over 7/16" is fine either way but the fact that you don't see any 6pt wrenches hanging at Sears does make this fight rather amusing.

 

[chuckcrj]

I always find this argument amusing. Nobody has any problem with 12pt wrenches so why the hatred of 12pt sockets? I think anything over 7/16" is fine either way but the fact that you don't see any 6pt wrenches hanging at Sears does make this fight rather amusing.

Wrenches would be nearly useless in 6 point due to the much wider swing required. This is not a problem with sockets.

 

[jobo1004]

I always find this argument amusing. Nobody has any problem with 12pt wrenches so why the hatred of 12pt sockets? I think anything over 7/16" is fine either way but the fact that you don't see any 6pt wrenches hanging at Sears does make this fight rather amusing.

Behold 6 point Craftsman combination wrenches.
http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-28-pc-standard-and-metric-6-pt/p-00944098000P

 

[nine4gmc]

I always find this argument amusing. Nobody has any problem with 12pt wrenches so why the hatred of 12pt sockets? I think anything over 7/16" is fine either way but the fact that you don't see any 6pt wrenches hanging at Sears does make this fight rather amusing.

Wrenches are rarely used for high torque bolts. Most people use a socket/ratchet. Not to mention the link to Craftsman 6 point wrenches above, plus most major tool manufacturers make 6 point wrenches. Your post is amusing.

 

[Shiftless]

The link to the craftsman 6 point wrenches showed photos of what looks to me to be 12 point wrenches. Would Sears ever make an error in describing tools?

 

[popparoach]

The link to the craftsman 6 point wrenches showed photos of what looks to me to be 12 point wrenches. Would Sears ever make an error in describing tools?

They never have before,maybe they were hacked.

 

[eyeball]

Hey op im not trying to be a **** but use the search function. You started 3 posts and they are all topics that have been brought up countless times ..

Hey Mercury - I'm not trying to be a **** but use the search function. Your suggestion to use the search function has been brought up countless times ...

On a serious note, there are not many topics that have not been discussed. I for one don't mind a fresh take on things from others who may not have participated in the prior discussion.

 

[ChevyEFI]

I think anything over 7/16" is fine either way

Yep. In their sets that include 12pt and 6pt, Ko-Ken uses 6point in smaller sizes. And 12point in 1/2" / 13mm and larger.

 

[winlinmac]

Buy 12-pt as you go

 

[franzdom]

9 point sounds about right, very funny, but nobody mentioned the 8 point sockets for the wide variety of equipment using square nuts.

He said "square nuts"

 

[Thax]

Personally I have both in nearly every size. I have no problem with 12 point on fasteners 13mm or 1/2 or so bigger. 12 point can round smaller sizes pretty easy if the socket is not positioned carefully , the same can be said about a 12 point wrench as well. I think it comes down to personal preference and judgement, if a fastener looks like its gonna be stubborn use a 6 point. 12 point on good condition fasteners can speed things up a bit. It might be a good idea to get 6 point sockets first and then add 12 point later on.

 

[gaston9mm]

I have both 6 and 12. You guys are never going to believe this but I heard a rumor that craftsman tools were no longer being made in the USA. Lol ok guys I couldn't resist. Seriously I don't mind questions that's been posted before. Sometimes its good to get someone else's perspective on something.