School Me,,, Whats the difference between a 6 pt.
- Thread starter theo2
- Start date
6 points!
And 6 points is usually considered better for rusted /worn/difficult fasteners as it has more area to grip than a 12 point. 12 point often rounds off on a rusted hes where as 6 point has more meat to grip.
And 6 points is usually considered better for rusted /worn/difficult fasteners as it has more area to grip than a 12 point. 12 point often rounds off on a rusted hes where as 6 point has more meat to grip.
Parrothead
Well-known member
Search. You’ve got over 700 posts and are asking this? 6 points is the difference. Good luck!
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I'll start writing my 30 page explanation right now.
Using a fine tooth ratchet I don't mind using 6pt sockets but when using a breaker bar I prefer the 11 or 12 point sockets as you can fit them on the fastener in more positions. Plenty of info about this has been discussed, use a Google search if the in house search engine is of no use.
bczygan
Well-known member
Bill
gahrajmahal
Well-known member
More surface area on a six point. Use it for breaking a tight fastener. 12 point use to finish loosening in close quarters. Requires half the swing angle.
In The Doghouse
Well-known member
11 point sockets?? Must be for 5.5 sided fasteners.
12 points can be used on square, 6 point and of course 12 point fasteners. They are also easier to get a breaker bar on if space is limited. They can however round a 6 point especially on smaller fasteners. It's best to use both 12 and 6 point sockets on corresponding fasteners heads.
That's about it.
That's about it.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
The six point sockets are useless when working on equipment with twelve point bolt heads and nuts.
Twelve point sockets can be used on hex head bolts and nuts, as well as the twelve point mentioned above.
Six point sockets are preferred for rusted, worn, or rounded fasteners.
Twelve point sockets allow You to re-position a breaker bar every 30 degrees when turning a fastener; without re-positioning the socket on the the breaker bar.
Twelve point sockets drive some Garage Journal Members into a fit of rage when they are mentioned. Some of Us have both because they are needed. There are screwball tool companies that produce both six and twelve point sockets in an attempt to keep both sides happy.
Twelve point sockets can be used on hex head bolts and nuts, as well as the twelve point mentioned above.
Six point sockets are preferred for rusted, worn, or rounded fasteners.
Twelve point sockets allow You to re-position a breaker bar every 30 degrees when turning a fastener; without re-positioning the socket on the the breaker bar.
Twelve point sockets drive some Garage Journal Members into a fit of rage when they are mentioned. Some of Us have both because they are needed. There are screwball tool companies that produce both six and twelve point sockets in an attempt to keep both sides happy.
Finky198
Well-known member
Never heard of 11... but 5.5mm is an actual size.
and pentalobe (5 sides) is used on utility water valves covers. And a lot of electronics.
Last edited:
SilverBulletZ06
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Rounded nuts and bolts.
bob15
Well-known member
Think Mr Mom.....11 point, 12 point....whatever it takes
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Yep, there are times that a twelve point socket will slip onto a square plug.. Not that the angle of the socket points properly line up with the four points on the square plug.. It would be interesting to take a poll to see how many of US are guilty of doing this?? I have some square and eight point sockets that are better suited for plugs, but for some unknown reason, there are times I lack the proper size square or eight point socket and ???
Some main crankshaft bearing cap nuts are actually 12 pt nuts. Some driveshaft universal joint attaching c- clamps are fastened sing 12 point nuts. For these applications you will need to use a 12 point socket or box wrench end. If you attempt to remove these with your 6 point sockets by hammering them on, you will trash both your sockets and your main bearing cap nuts. If you attempt to use 6 point sockets with a breaker bar, you will have to walk half way around your project just to reposition your wrench. If you attempt to use 12 point sockets with a breaker bar, either you didn’t need to be using a breaker bar in the first place, or you will most likely round off the itty bitty tips of your nut. In either case, you should go get an impact wrench and 6 pt impact socket and loosen it the right way. And leave your chrome plated hand tools in that drawer where they never get used anyways. Maybe put them in your trunk tool box , where they might some day actually be useful. As for using 12 point sockets on square bolts: this can be accomplished using a large hammer to mash the 12 pt socket down on to the square nut, and it is a one way ticket only. They actually make a thing called an 8 point socket for square nuts. There also is a square socket for square nuts ( the difference between 8pt and square sockets is kind of the same as the difference between 12 pt. Sockets and 6 pt. Sockets). They also make crescent wrenches for square nuts and, you can use open end wrenches too.
bczygan
Well-known member
bcradio
Well-known member
OP, you still alive out there?
kctyphoon
Banned
Should I throw em a curve ball and show 8 points?
Firebrick43
Well-known member
Or trisquare/triple square.
kctyphoon
Banned
6 point sockets -
Wamsutta
Well-known member
This thread will go nine pages; you wait.
2004EP3HATCH
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- Feb 8, 2018
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- 59
I was not sure if this was a serious thread or not, but I know a guy who has never used visecrimps in his life.
bcradio
Well-known member
bump
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
That is Bill's department
Those pictures are worth a thousand words. There have been times where a picture would be helpful, and I am caught asking Myself: "Where is Bill"??
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
Damn bill, you're killing it out here with the simple yet graphic replies.
Well done
No question about it; I am another one that appreciates Bill's contributions of pictures.
archirelic
Well-known member
This is about the general direction the forum has been going the past several years. Endless repetitive threads on easily searched for topics.
turnthewrench 2.0
Well-known member
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
My Slobovian lawn tractor uses 11 point fasteners. The SnapOn guy was very rude when I tried to warranty a broken socket. It was a common size, too, 6.835mm.
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But has a sharper point and different geometry. I remember being told Reed and Prince = real pointy
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Wamsutta
Well-known member
We even have a member named "6PTsocket."
Mick56
Well-known member
davethorik
Well-known member
I think drag link sockets are generally regarded as 2 point sockets lol
Can't believe the old Wright 10 point sockets haven't been mentioned yet, those seem to always confuse people.
BDT/NWMN
Well-known member
OK, if You insist
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