How offten do you use 12 point sockets?

[Blwnsln]

hey guys Ive been thinking about 12 point sockets alot lately, I have just about every Snap on 6 point socket set, impact/chrome, shallow, semi deep, and deep, 1/4,3/8,1/2. I do have some 12 point stuff but not much manily 1/2
I dont run into 12 point stuff much but I like to have everything

So much question is how offten do you guys use your 12 point sockets

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I use them when I run in to 12 pt (engine and driveline mostly) and 4 pt stuff.

 

[TireTracks]

I use it a lot sence it's most of what i have. I've got 12pt 1/4,3/8 and 1/2" sockets but only 3/8" 6points

 

[Mickey O]

hey guys Ive been thinking about 12 point sockets alot lately, I have just about every Snap on 6 point socket set, impact/chrome, shallow, semi deep, and deep, 1/4,3/8,1/2. I do have some 12 point stuff but not much manily 1/2
I dont run into 12 point stuff much but I like to have everything

So much question is how offten do you guys use your 12 point sockets

What is a lot? Five, six hours a day? If so I'd buy them just to free up the space in your head.

 

[tonydanzah]

I use them when I run in to 12 pt (engine and driveline mostly) and 4 pt stuff.

......ditto

 

[Joelfke]

you can use a 12 pt socket on a 4pt square fastener?

 

[tonydanzah]

3 squares make up a 12pt, but it needs to have a flank type 12pt

 

[Old Donn]

3 squares make up a 12pt, but it needs to have a flank type 12pt

Guess the flank makes the difference. I've never had much luck with a standard issue 12pt on a 4pt fastener. Always needed a double square.

 

[idunnosh#t]

I commend you for coming out!!! Your BRAVERY has inspired me to also cast aside my dark secret.I too suffer from socket affliction. I just love impact sockets ,the bigger the better,the more the merrier, add some oil There now I feel so much better. I urge all to come OUT of the socket closet.::willy _nil BTW MICKEY O

 

[flashpuppy]

I use them quite a bit. I just bought 3/4 dr Snap-On 12pt for torquing down CAT 3512 (Locomotive) cylinder heads.

 

[Merkava_4]

All my SAE sizes are 12 point - so whenever I'm working with SAE fasteners, I use them.

 

[Charles (in GA)]

I only own a few 6 pt sockets, a few odd 3/8 and 1/2 drive sizes and a couple of sets of 1/4, everything else (and that is quite a bit) is all 12 pt.

you can use a 12 pt socket on a 4pt square fastener?

No, they don't fit. The 4 pt nuts and bolt heads generally don't work in 12 pt sockets, I've tried several different sizes. You need 8 pt sockets.

Charles

 

[Diesel-Mech]

I only own a few 6 pt sockets, a few odd 3/8 and 1/2 drive sizes and a couple of sets of 1/4, everything else (and that is quite a bit) is all 12 pt.



No, they don't fit. The 4 pt nuts and bolt heads generally don't work in 12 pt sockets, I've tried several different sizes. You need 8 pt sockets.

Charles

Yes they do fit, you just need to use a socket several sizes larger.

 

[Merkava_4]

Yes they do fit, you just need to use a socket several sizes larger.

Just one size larger on a 3/8" square.

 

[TireTracks]

I only own a few 6 pt sockets, a few odd 3/8 and 1/2 drive sizes and a couple of sets of 1/4, everything else (and that is quite a bit) is all 12 pt.



No, they don't fit. The 4 pt nuts and bolt heads generally don't work in 12 pt sockets, I've tried several different sizes. You need 8 pt sockets.

Charles

Yes they do. I've used 12points to check the axle differential oil on my dodge.
You just have to use a socket a size or two larger.

 

[Mickey O]

All my SAE sizes are 12 point - so whenever I'm working with SAE fasteners, I use them.

Assuming you're not talking about impact sockets, not even a 6 point 1/2" or 9/16" or 5/8", maybe 7/16" or 3/8"?

 

[PZ 1]

I always buy and use 12 point. Own very few 6 points. 12's are much handier to use, even more so with a non ratcheting tool (breaker bar, torque wrench) or air ratchet.

And there is hardly ever a need for a 12 point if you use good quality sockets. A Snap-On flank drive 12 point will work fine on almost anything.

Only need 6 point if it is something that operates in a highly corrosive environment. Manure spreaders and exhaust fasteners come to mind.

 

[tonydanzah]

I only own a few 6 pt sockets, a few odd 3/8 and 1/2 drive sizes and a couple of sets of 1/4, everything else (and that is quite a bit) is all 12 pt.



No, they don't fit. The 4 pt nuts and bolt heads generally don't work in 12 pt sockets, I've tried several different sizes. You need 8 pt sockets.

Charles

yes they do fit, i will post a pic

there are 3 squares in a 12pt

you can even use (gasp) metric twelve points on a SAE square plug

 

[Joe69]

I use 6 point almost exclusively. In fact, I use impact sockets most of the time. The only time I use 12 point, is on a 12 point fastener. I did buy some 12 pt 3/4 drive impact sockets, because they are thinner walled. Oh, and I use 8 pt on square head plugs, 12 pt sockets risk rounding the corners off.

Joe

 

[Merkava_4]

Assuming you're not talking about impact sockets, not even a 6 point 1/2" or 9/16" or 5/8", maybe 7/16" or 3/8"?

My first SAE 1/4" and 3/8" drive sets were all 12 point, but I might have a few SAE 6 point stragglers flying around.

 

[Chris Adams]

I notice I tend to use the 12 point mostly in the small sizes. Main use is in 1/4 inch. I have used 12 point almost exclusively in the past, because that was what I had in all sizes.
Now that I have six and twelve in all sizes I tend to use the six point.

12 points are not so essential that the average homeowner must have them, but if you get them cheap, work even semi-pro or just have the bucks and space, I think you should get them.

 

[20-100]

All my sockets are 6 points (1/4, 3/8, 1/2 in long and short), I keep a 1/2 drive 12 points set for driveshaft and motors (International and Caterpillar are fonds of thoses).

 

[rhandwor]

I use them occasionally on a mower and always on a 12 point bolt head.

 

[Red Green]

The only time I use a 12 point socket is on a Ford driveshaft and some ARP bolts. Oh and I needed one to get the starter off of my Michigan loader.

 

[speed bump]

I tend to use them for odd fasteners here and there. Eventually I would like to pick up a set of 1/4" 12 point sockets because it also seems like I am working on something and a 12 point would be really handy at that point. Anything 1/2" drive and larger unless its an impact socket I almost always get 12 point sockets.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'll tell y'all what ... there's nothing better than the feel of 12 point on 12 point.