Breaking loose a bolt. I use ...

[ajchien]

We keep debating 6 vs 12 point and each of their merits. I'm just curious what we as a collective personally do to initially break loose a bolt...

I use ...

 

[yjWrangler]

6. Because it's all I have.

 

[ajchien]

Dang wrangler, you replied before I even got to set up the options in the poll. Talk about fast.

 

[mrpizza]

I use whatever fits. Usually match but if not then oh well.

 

[wornoutoldman]

Since I'm using Snap on 12 point is my go to (although I have 6 point as well). I use 6 point for all my impact tools. Can't comment on the other brands.

 

[slip knot]

Whatever I have on hand that fits.

 

[bcradio]

12pt on wrenches cause its all i have and whatever for sockets (both work equally well)

 

[Outlawmws]

You left out hammer and chisel!

 

[Matt018]

I was always told that 6 point sockets are the best, except for 12 point fasteners. and that 12 point wrenches wre better because it was easier to get on a hex in a tight spot with not too much swing.

 

[porphyre]

I can't find the option for "My bare hands"





But seriously. 6-point socket if I've got it. 12-point socket if not. I use wrenches as a last resort b/c my only 6-point wrenches are short-*** Cman raised panels. Not a lot of torque there.

 

[rwachal]

I use 6 point if I can or use my new craftsman universal design that works with 6 fastener types .
They work real well,they have sockets or box end wrenches ,stanard or metric.

 

[trboxman]

I use what I have that fits or is handy.

 

[richfinn]

There is no correct answer it depends where the fastener is located how tight it might be and how accessible it is to the operator.

I,ve been working with nuts and bolts for over 20 years and I just use the tool that works best for me in a given situation.

 

[Jagmandave]

Kroil......

 

[Kurt4440]

heat .....

 

[dledinger]

12pt wrenches, and both types of sockets. If I am really trying to be gentle and not ****** a bolt I use 6 pt sockets.....but I have and use both.

 

[thooks]

1/2" breaker bar with whatever socket fits
Piece of 1-1/4"x36" pipe over breaker bar handle or wrench
Torch
Hammer

Whatever I need.

You're an engineer or in IT, right?

 

[DrkMtnDew]

i only have 6pt. sockets and 12pt. wrenches so that's what i use.

 

[47ford - 1.5ton]

Kano Labs "Kroil".... the oil that creeps!

Oh... and 12 pts too....

 

[larry_g]

I run in to a few square nuts in my line so none of your 6/12 point choices work.

lg
no neat sig line

 

[nateplumb]

If its a tight bolt I personally prefer 6 point in the proper size. Most of my sockets are 6 and wrenches are 12. Other than that heat, kroil, grinder, vise grips as an absolute last resort!

 

[rlitman]

If my 6 point an the impact gun don't free it up, I'll give a try with a short 6 point socket and breaker bar before resorting to the gas wrench.

Either way, I only resort to wrenches, when a socket won't work (because of clearance issues typically).

 

[e-tek]

HEAT, HEat and more heat -maybe some PB Blaster.....

And 6 points. Using 12 points is just asking for a rounding!

 

[aussiek2000]

6-point socket no matter what. I never use 12pt sockets on hex fasteners. I rarely use wrenches, but when I do I use 12pt flank drive.

 

[srmofo]

I use whatever, if it looks like its going to be a problem I put a 6pt socket.

 

[87FoRunner]

I keep some cheap common sizes around just so I can tack weld them to the bolts if they are real stuck.

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

Doesn't matter on the points. Whatever fits the area best

 

[cotjocky]

I normally use 6pt sockets and 12pt wrenches. If a bigger bolt is really stuck, I'll break out a breaker bar with a 6pt socket. If it's a smaller bolt and can't get a socket on it, I have 6pt wrenches and 6pt ratchet wrenches I can use on it.

If it's rusty and corroded, I won't touch it with a 12pt anything.

I never break a bolt loose with the open end of a wrench unless I just absolutely cannot get anything else on the bolt. That's very rare. For those cases, I have Flank Drive Plus wrenches.

 

[wreckerman5357]

I use whatever I have on hand that fits the fastener and fits in with any clearance limitations. I have 6 point sockets in 1/4", and both in 3/8" and 1/2". I use whatever a brought over from my box when i started the job. I only own 12 point wrenches, 6 pointers are to akward in low clearance situations, and would be a waste of space in my tool box.

 

[porphyre]

You're an engineer or in IT, right?

You trying to be a **** or does it just come natural?

 

[trboxman]

You trying to be a **** or does it just come natural?

He's an engineer with a bunch of IT friends...I won't say it's a handicap but it does show up every now and then and parade around....

 

[Scout Driver]

6 point. Sockets or wrenches depending on what fits.

I work on Scouts and live in the rust-belt.

Scott

 

[srmofo]

He's an engineer with a bunch of IT friends...I won't say it's a handicap but it does show up every now and then and parade around....

I dont care who you are, thats funny right there

 

[thooks]

You trying to be a **** or does it just come natural?

Ehhh....Not really. It's just this over-analyzation of the most mundane chit in most any and every forum, especially trades-based forums, is tired.

It seems there's a pretty substantial number of folks who work behind a computer all day that have been horribly trained to pick apart every detail about the simplest subject and make sure it's perfect. It is not that friggin' difficult to go through your tool box(es) and choose tools until you get the job done, izzit???

 

[ajchien]

Ehhh....Not really. It's just this over-analyzation of the most mundane chit in most any and every forum, especially trades-based forums, is tired.

It seems there's a pretty substantial number of folks who work behind a computer all day that have been horribly trained to pick apart every detail about the simplest subject and make sure it's perfect. It is not that friggin' difficult to go through your tool box(es) and choose tools until you get the job done, izzit???

There was a different thread that was getting pretty heated about 6 v 12 pt.

I do things my way. Because my way is the right way, and if you're not doing it my way, you're doing it wrong.

So I was just curious how big of a split it really was. Like seriously, if 95% of people were using xyz, then I think some folks on the forum might consider being more open minded. I'm sure you can look at poll results and draw your own conclusions.

Off topic: Of course I didn't appreciate the engineer or IT jab, but I get your point. You're 0 for 2 on the guess though.

 

[trboxman]

I'm sure you can look at poll results and draw your own conclusions.

Yep.
26% are **** retentive koolaid drinkers
32% want to be that **** retentive but bow to practical reality
26% just want to get the ****** work done
...and the rest are kinda confused....