Quick Socket Questions

[Dynasty]

If most of my combination wrenches are 12 point, would I be making the right decision by purchasing 6 point sockets to use with my 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets? None of the sockets will be used with impact tools.

Also, it seems Pittsburgh Pro and Craftsman USA sockets are the recommended "budget" choice. Is this still the case?

Any advice would be appreciated.

 

[General Geoff]

6 point is definitely recommended for 1/4" and 3/8". 12 point is useful in 1/2", particularly for breaker bar usage where you need the extra points for variable degrees of swing. The larger 1/2" sizes will not be as susceptible to the common complaint of 12 point sockets stripping hex head fasteners, as there is much less relative slop in socket fitment and more surface contact to ensure a positive drive.

 

[ravenzfusion]

always wondered why my 250 pc craftsman set has 6 and 12 point for the 1/4 and 3/8 sizes. yet the 1/2 drives are all 12 pt.

 

[General Geoff]

It might also have something to do with the large 12 point sockets being lighter than an equivalent size 6 point, and possibly requiring less material to forge. From an engineering perspective, that extra steel in the walls of a 6 point is mostly just along for the ride, unless you're working with a fastener head made of a soft material that's being torqued enough to deform it, whereupon the 6 point socket will keep the head in a mostly hex shape. This kind of thing is far more common in very small fasteners than large, 1/2" drive size stuff.

 

[jakemac]

If the bolts you're turning aren't rusted, then 6pt would be the way to go. But if you mostly crank on rusted lumps then 12pt would be more likely to fit.

 

[248superduty]

Also as far as the 12pt sockets go. I keep a full 3/8" drive set in the box because some of the engines I work on have 12pt heads on the bolts. I also keep a full set of 6pt.

 

[theoldwizard1]

6 point for sure for everything less than about 1". After that it doesn't matter.

There are 1 or 2 items that require a 12 point socket. Just buy the one when you need it.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If the bolts you're turning aren't rusted, then 6pt would be the way to go. But if you mostly crank on rusted lumps then 12pt would be more likely to fit.

Or round off ....

 

[oldldh]

GearWrench is a big step up from HF and Craftsman...

Taiwan versus China...

1/4"----47 pc SAE/Metric/6 pt/GW #80314D..$ 38.59
3/8"----63 pc SAE/Metric/6pt/GW#80718..$72.60
1/2"----27 pc SAE/6 pt/GW #80729..$88.53
1/2"----37 pc Metric/12 pt/GW #80730..$94.97

All prices from www.tooldiscounter.com ...

The sets in the photos are mine...

Best sockets I've ever owned...Replaced USA Made Craftsman...

Or...Check out Tekton Socket Sets...

 

[ravenzfusion]

I knew you'd peddle your gearwrench in this thread oldldh...

 

[d.mcfarland]

I knew you'd peddle your gearwrench in this thread oldldh...

Ditto ... kind of getting old when random questions turn into Gearwrench sales pitches.

 

[AA/FC]

GearWrench is a big step up from HF and Craftsman...

According to who? lol

Don't get me wrong, you're entitled to your opinion..... but it is just that, your opinion.

I happen to disagree.

 

[myrtlesclique]

There's a lot of variables but 1/2" down I only have 6pt. When I have to use a breaker, usually it's with a 12pt so I can put the handle at an optimal position since a 6pt usually has me on the ground or reaching above my head!

 

[d.mcfarland]

There's a lot of variables but 1/2" down I only have 6pt. When I have to use a breaker, usually it's with a 12pt so I can put the handle at an optimal position since a 6pt usually has me on the ground or reaching above my head!

Use the old turn the socket 90 degrees trick!

 

[oldldh]

Alrighty then...

Since you folks, and you know who you are, are poking fun at an old man...

I won't post my GearWrench stuff anymore...unless it's a question about GW...

I got some awfully nice tools, for an awfully nice price, and some people don't know about them...

All I was trying to do was help some one save some money, and get good usable tools at a good price...

I hope you fellows can sleep at night knowing that you've cost some one some money, and kept them from getting more for less...

I will now return to my cave, light my fire, and roast me a Brontosaurus haunch...

(Oh...and you're probably right---I have posted them too much...)

 

[PJNJ]

Alrighty then...

Since you folks, and you know who you are, are poking fun at an old man...

I won't post my GearWrench stuff anymore...unless it's a question about GW...

I got some awfully nice tools, for an awfully nice price, and some people don't know about them...

All I was trying to do was help some one save some money, and get good usable tools at a good price...

I hope you fellows can sleep at night knowing that you've cost some one some money, and kept them from getting more for less...

I will now return to my cave, light my fire, and roast me a Brontosaurus haunch...

(Oh...and you're probably right---I have posted them too much...)

Compared to some of the postings I've seen around here for/against this tool company or that tool company, yours are pretty tame. Keep posting your love for your GW socket sets. I have actually gotten used to seeing you post them in various threads. Happy wrenchin' with them.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

^ hey, I agree GW is amazing value for money (not including their insane list prices). Some people still won't admit or are unaware of what is out there now in terms of quality and price, with the taiwan sourced tools.


With modern finer tooth ratchets, the idea that 12 point works better in tight spaces is kinda moot. With 72+ teeth, you aren't going to be between gears, and unable to lineup the socket.

12 point is great for 12 point applications. Otherwise, I find 6 point is better for truly rust damaged fasteners. Thus, due to the inconvenience of dealing with said rounded bolts, I prefer 6 point.

 

[Dave455]

20 or 30 years ago, 12 point was the only way to go! Quicker to use, much better if you are turning a stubborn fastener with a breaker bar, and so on!

Back then though, most nuts and bolts you'd find on a vehicle, or anything else, were decent quality and 12 point worked fine! Now however, things have changed and fasteners have got much cheaper, and softer! Some are o.k. but an awful lot will round over if you apply any serious amount of torque with a 12 point socket! So sadly, 6 point is the way to go! (But sure, it's less of a problem on the big sizes).

Of course, if you work in aerospace, or on machine tools, or suchlike you will still find decent spec fasteners, and 12 point are perfect!

With a wrench, you really do need it to be 12 point, because there are just too many times when you cannot swing through enough arc to reposition otherwise! Having said that, I own some 6 point wrenches too, and they see a fair amount of use, for all the above reasons!

 

[joel63]

Alrighty then...

Since you folks, and you know who you are, are poking fun at an old man...

I won't post my GearWrench stuff anymore...unless it's a question about GW...

I got some awfully nice tools, for an awfully nice price, and some people don't know about them...

All I was trying to do was help some one save some money, and get good usable tools at a good price...

I hope you fellows can sleep at night knowing that you've cost some one some money, and kept them from getting more for less...

I will now return to my cave, light my fire, and roast me a Brontosaurus haunch...

(Oh...and you're probably right---I have posted them too much...)

I use 6 point most of the time, and 12 point when I need to.

Oldldh,

You are doing a great job, so there's no need for you to change anything.

You know how it is; everyone thinks their way is the only way.

Craftsman, Harbor Freight, Gear wrench, Husky, Kobalt, Mac, Matco,
Snap-On, Cornwell, SK, Wright, Armstrong, Williams, and many other brands, (no slight intended for not mentioning them here) are among the many choices available for those who wish to engage in some type of repair or service work.

So choice is left to each individual based on what the financial resources are available.

No need to bash anyone on their choice of brand of tool.

At one time in my career I bought Craftsman and believed I was doing well.

In short, Craftsman worked for me. I could afford to buy them, and I could do my work with them.

Now, did I wish I could afford other brands of tools? Oh yes! But the $$$$$$$ weren't there.

So to each their own. Buy what what you can afford, and use what you want.

Oldldh, stay the course.

Oh, don't stay in the cave too long.

 

[Two Door]

Compared to some of the postings I've seen around here for/against this tool company or that tool company, yours are pretty tame. Keep posting your love for your GW socket sets. I have actually gotten used to seeing you post them in various threads. Happy wrenchin' with them.

This. For instance, I've never noticed him starting multiple threads with titles exhorting people to stand up and show their love for the particular brand/store he likes.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I've used Williams USA, Snap-On, Blue Point and Gearwrench 12 point sockets professionally for years, and am still yet to round off a fastener. Pretty much everything is off corner engagement now, so if you use the proper fit and not complete **** sockets the era of rounding off fasteners really doesn't hold true anymore.

I recently replaced my mismatched home sockets with SK 6 points. It's taking a minute to get used to, but it's really not any major difference.

Budget wise, in my experience the Gearwrench and Williams Taiwan (Blue Point) are both excellent quality and excellently priced, and much nicer than even my older Craftsman USA (which is only getting harder to find).

 

[bcradio]

I will now return to my cave, light my fire, and roast me a Brontosaurus haunch...

Save me some.

Just make sure you tenderize it at least 3 times.

 

[oldldh]

Just make sure you tenderize it at least 3 times.

That's why I bought this 48 oz Tekton Ball Pein...

A BFH for BFH(aunch)...

 

[Brownsfan]

If most of my combination wrenches are 12 point, would I be making the right decision by purchasing 6 point sockets to use with my 1/4", 3/8", and 1/2" ratchets? None of the sockets will be used with impact tools.

Also, it seems Pittsburgh Pro and Craftsman USA sockets are the recommended "budget" choice. Is this still the case?

Any advice would be appreciated.

Where are you in NE Ohio ? There is a couple stores close to me that sell "industrial " brands at pretty good prices.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I've used Williams USA, Snap-On, Blue Point and Gearwrench 12 point sockets professionally for years, and am still yet to round off a fastener. Pretty much everything is off corner engagement now, so if you use the proper fit and not complete **** sockets the era of rounding off fasteners really doesn't hold true anymore.

Come to PA some time.... we can round some rusty bolt heads together. I round at least a couple a month, using SO, craftsman, GW, Matco, HF, sunex, GP, williams, cornwell, SK, etc. 6 point sockets.... no difference.

When the head of the fastener is tapered, so that the bottom couple mm is actually a size, and the rest is a cone of rust flakes, 12 point ain't cuttin' it.


I have at least 75 different turbo sockets. Fucked up bolts are my profession.

 

[hancock1701]

Alrighty then...

Since you folks, and you know who you are, are poking fun at an old man...

I won't post my GearWrench stuff anymore...unless it's a question about GW...

I got some awfully nice tools, for an awfully nice price, and some people don't know about them...

All I was trying to do was help some one save some money, and get good usable tools at a good price...

I hope you fellows can sleep at night knowing that you've cost some one some money, and kept them from getting more for less...

I will now return to my cave, light my fire, and roast me a Brontosaurus haunch...

(Oh...and you're probably right---I have posted them too much...)

If I like something a lot, I would want to let other people know too, so they might check it out. I think I've peddled my Gearwrench wrenches a couple times following your posts, and I'll say it again here too. I don't have GW sockets, but I've had their wrenches, and those are very well built, so I'd not hesitate to get their sockets when I need to. End of sale pitch.

 

[Dynasty]

Where are you in NE Ohio ? There is a couple stores close to me that sell "industrial " brands at pretty good prices.

I'm near the Strongsville area