Socket Prices

[wvrailroader]

I have been looking at buying a good 6 point 3/8" drive metric socket set. Why are 12 point sockets seemingly always cheaper for the same set? In some case, it has been as much as $40 or more. Are 12 points just that much cheaper to manufacture or are the 6 point sockets in more demand and are priced accordingly?

 

[Craftsman1]

I am not sure about this but when I lived in Georgia we never had a need for 12 pt sockets. But when I moved to ohio the 12 pts because much more useful because of the salt and rust issues. Idk if that is it but it is something I noticed as I never needed 12 pts in southern states!

 

[sonvolt]

I am not sure about this but when I lived in Georgia we never had a need for 12 pt sockets. But when I moved to ohio the 12 pts because much more useful because of the salt and rust issues. Idk if that is it but it is something I noticed as I never needed 12 pts in southern states!

I may be wrong, but I thought most people in the midwest preferred the 6 point because there was less point contact on the corners of the fasteners. I've never seen a price difference in 6 pt vs 12 pt, but I have seen a price difference in metric vs. SAE (based upon how many pieces are in the set).

 

[1950mercury]

I am not sure about this but when I lived in Georgia we never had a need for 12 pt sockets. But when I moved to ohio the 12 pts because much more useful because of the salt and rust issues. Idk if that is it but it is something I noticed as I never needed 12 pts in southern states!

??? Please explain this. I live in michigan and seems like the 6pt work better on rusty bolts.

 

[Craftsman1]

The 6 pts have more of a contact point but the play in the 12 pts just seems to make them more effective. Now if the corners of the bolt are gone I may try a 6 pt but otherwise I tend to use 12. Like I said, I don't know the reason for the difference. That was just my thought and what I do on certain bolts.

 

[lilredex]

Nope! Don't see rustier fasteners than around here. Give me six point sockets any day for the rusty ones, they are usually reduced in size a bit and a twelve point will just turn over the nut (or bolt head).

I only use twelve pointers for Farm Bolts (square heads)

 

[Gregg33]

12 point is much more common for older sockets, not sure why (maybe because they could be used on square headed bolts which were more common then). So older (used) 6 point sockets can get more $ at flea markets, Kijiji etc. Around it's easy to find 12 pt sae 1/2 drive used, 3/8 sae 12 pt are also fairly common. 1/4 drive, metric and 6 point aren't as easy to find, especially in the quality brands like SO, (old school U.S. made) Craftsman and Gray. If you are talking about new sockets, I have no idea why there would be a price difference, usually 6pt and 12pt cost the same.

 

[fasteddie313]

you might have to tap the 6 point sockets onto a distorted hex a bit more than you would with a 12 but I would think you would ultimately end up with more grip before slip with the 6 vs 12...

I don't usually grab for points, I just grab for size, both usually do the job just fine..

****... when there is an occasion where I need to find a specific size in a specific point count its almost always that I need a 12 for squares or for strange 12pt heads..

 

[1950mercury]

As far as resale value pn ebay 12 points sell for alot less

 

[wvrailroader]

12 point sockets also sell for less on Amazon. For example, there is a 21 piece Proto 3/8 drive socket set sold by Amazon - the 12 point is $89.94 and the 6 point set is $139.79. The same thing happens with SK although the price spread isn't quite as wide - $48.80 for 12 point vs. $63.17 for the 6 point. Armstrong also has about a $20 price spread. Zoro has similar price spreads as well. For the life of me, I can't figure why.

 

[cgv69]

I don't know if this is the only reason but one factor is, demand drives prices. Most people prefer 6pt sockets. 12pt sockets have their place and some people prefer them but 6pt sets are way more popular.

 

[gearhead1]

I don't know if this is the only reason but one factor is, demand drives prices. Most people prefer 6pt sockets. 12pt sockets have their place and some people prefer them but 6pt sets are way more popular.

There probably was a different reason back in the day, but since they make 8pt sockets for squares and so many other specialty sockets now, there's no reason to buy a 12pt. I bet most guys are only interested in the 6pt sockets these days...