Eric Commarato
Well-known member
I know this is an elementary question, but what is the advantage of a 6 point socket versus a 12 point socket, and vise-versa...?
Stoopid socket question
- Thread starter Eric Commarato
- Start date
1969
Well-known member
6 pts are much better when trying to remove stubborn or rusted fasteners. Much less likely to round off the head....... because of the contact area.BTW, do a search, this has been discussed not too long ago.
OP
Eric Commarato
Well-known member
Yep thats what I thought as well. Is it an advantage to have one of each set, 6 pt. and 12 pt? Thanks for the reply.
O RLY
Well-known member
here we go againnnnnnnn......
If you can afford it, have the space to keep them, and think you will use them go for it!
almost all my 1/2" stuff is 12pt and I have a double set of 3/8" deeps in 12pt as well.
If you can afford it, have the space to keep them, and think you will use them go for it!
almost all my 1/2" stuff is 12pt and I have a double set of 3/8" deeps in 12pt as well.
RbrtAWhyt
Well-known member
I can't see not having complete sets of both...
If you hit a 12 point fastener a 6 point socket won't do any good.
I bought all my 12 points on sale... fortuitously on the day I had my wife's brakes 1/2 off and didn't have a 12 point socket to complete the project... I have craftsman sockets and they had a big blow out sale on memorial day... saved a bunch of dough.....
That's the first time I have seen one, so YMMV.
They also give you more options for getting a socket on a fastener when using a breaker, but they seem so much more likely to round off the head that I would be cautious about how much torque to use with a 12 point and a breaker...
You can also use a 12 point on a square headed fastener (few and far between and mostly on plumbing fixtures where the average joe would run into one).
Also, there are about 7,000 other threads on 6 point vs 12 point with some extremely humorous heated argument about almost nothing. If this thread gets a few more posts the trolls and the zealots will be in here arguing over something stupid. Welcome to the internet
I bought all my 12 points on sale... fortuitously on the day I had my wife's brakes 1/2 off and didn't have a 12 point socket to complete the project... I have craftsman sockets and they had a big blow out sale on memorial day... saved a bunch of dough.....
That's the first time I have seen one, so YMMV.
They also give you more options for getting a socket on a fastener when using a breaker, but they seem so much more likely to round off the head that I would be cautious about how much torque to use with a 12 point and a breaker...
You can also use a 12 point on a square headed fastener (few and far between and mostly on plumbing fixtures where the average joe would run into one).
Also, there are about 7,000 other threads on 6 point vs 12 point with some extremely humorous heated argument about almost nothing. If this thread gets a few more posts the trolls and the zealots will be in here arguing over something stupid. Welcome to the internet
AustinRoepke
Well-known member
Our ratcheting wrenches and box-ends are 12 point, but sockets used for impact or with breakerbars are all 6 point.
The argument generally breaks down to strength vs versatility. I'd say 12 point is fine, unless you're running an impact or are using a cheater. Then again, 12pt impact sockets are made by the tool truck companies. I've just never seen one in a shop.
The argument generally breaks down to strength vs versatility. I'd say 12 point is fine, unless you're running an impact or are using a cheater. Then again, 12pt impact sockets are made by the tool truck companies. I've just never seen one in a shop.
OP
Eric Commarato
Well-known member
Thanks everyone for the great replies. I love tools so I am going to get a set of both 6pt. and 12 pt. 3/8" drive. 4 Sets that is, obviously in short and deep sockets.
Moose-LandTran
Well-known member
Chrysler hub bolts 9/16 12 pt, ford driveline bolts 12mm 12 pt, toyota axle nuts 30mm 12 pt, vw/bmw axle nuts 32/36mm 12pt, 2007 toyota tundra axle nut 39mm 12pt, minicooper rear camber adjust 24mm 12pt.
Moose can name more and probably correct me on some.
Stick Figure
Well-known member
Honda fly wheel, and clutch pressure plate are 12 point, Toyota 4AGE engine needs a deep 12 point for the timing belt tensioner, and a shallow for the head bolts. I was pissed as hell the other day when my home collection didn't have the 12 point i needed. I do now! along w/ a lot of its 12 point friends.
OP
Eric Commarato
Well-known member
Don't forget semi-deep. And you want imperial and metric.
Agreed...in time in time...
sammm
Well-known member
Merkava_4
Banned
12 points give you the advantage on swivel sockets when you have exceeded the ability of the universal to get you the angle you need and all you're left with is minimum contact with the bolt head.
I need to get me a 12 point 10mm universal S/O socket; the 6 point Craftsman is not cuttin' it.
I need to get me a 12 point 10mm universal S/O socket; the 6 point Craftsman is not cuttin' it.
littlekillertoad
Well-known member
This is my first post, but I've been reading for months.
Yesterday I had to pull off the 3 13mm nuts off my downpipe. All I had was 12 point sockets and the bolts were old and crusty. I ended up rounding two of the nuts and the 12 point wouldn't grip anymore. I got a 6 point socket and backed those nuts right off.
I'm not sure I could have fit a nut splitter in there, so the 6 point socket saved me a lot of time.
Yesterday I had to pull off the 3 13mm nuts off my downpipe. All I had was 12 point sockets and the bolts were old and crusty. I ended up rounding two of the nuts and the 12 point wouldn't grip anymore. I got a 6 point socket and backed those nuts right off.
I'm not sure I could have fit a nut splitter in there, so the 6 point socket saved me a lot of time.
Merkava_4
Banned
So why come out of the closet now?
Do you feel that strongly about 6 point sockets?
littlekillertoad
Well-known member
Man, I dream about six point sockets.
Also, I thought it was about time to start contributing.
Also, I thought it was about time to start contributing.
Mr.Nutcase
Well-known member
Six point sockets are better, less chance of rounding a bolt/nut....
PorscheTech
Member
- Joined
- May 23, 2010
- Messages
- 10
I hate rounding heads off.
When I grab a socket, it's a six point.
When I grab a socket, it's a six point.
wafrederick
Well-known member
Jeeps use 12 point 13mm on their wheel bearing retaining bolts.Read some of the warranties on some and sometimes anything worn out is not covered under warranty.Snap On is this way,does not warranty anything worn out.Dealer hands you the worn out socket or wrench and tells you to break some how.I use 6 point sockets most of the time and I gree to use 6 point sockets.Check the sets too,mainly the metric sets and there is a reason why.Most love to leave out 15mm and 18mm.Use 8mm,10mm,13mm,15mm and 18mm mostly on Fords,GMs and Chryslers.
Griff93
Well-known member
Quality 12 point sockets don't have much of a round things off problem. I have 12 point SO/Mac impact sockets and have never rounded anything off with them either. Rover valve covers are 8mm 12 point while were naming applications.
Teken
Well-known member
I have used all the main line tools for 6 and 12 point. Doesn't matter if it has the flank drive, or what ever the other guy so names it.
From Armstrong, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. If a bolt is older than 10 years old, rusted, salt baked, you will round off a nut / bolt with a 12 point socket.
Anyone who hasn't either is plain lucky, or has never worked on anything that has been rusted for more than 10 years plus.
All I see are cars in the 10-17 range, and the amount of salt these retards lay down during the winter will make a brand new car look like its at least 6-8 years old!
12 points have their place this is why I have both sets in triplicates, but if a 6 point socket is called for, don't tempt fate on a Friday at 5:00 PM, trying to get away by using a 12 point socket . . .
You will be paying the tool Gods bitter stakes for the rest of the night . . .
From Armstrong, Snap-On, Mac, Matco, etc. If a bolt is older than 10 years old, rusted, salt baked, you will round off a nut / bolt with a 12 point socket.
Anyone who hasn't either is plain lucky, or has never worked on anything that has been rusted for more than 10 years plus.
All I see are cars in the 10-17 range, and the amount of salt these retards lay down during the winter will make a brand new car look like its at least 6-8 years old!
12 points have their place this is why I have both sets in triplicates, but if a 6 point socket is called for, don't tempt fate on a Friday at 5:00 PM, trying to get away by using a 12 point socket . . .
You will be paying the tool Gods bitter stakes for the rest of the night . . .
wafrederick
Well-known member
Saab and GM use 12 point on rod cap nuts on certain engines.Harbor Freight does sell sockets for rounded off,rusted up and painted up bolts.I have the metric set so far and they do work.Avoid using chrome sockets including chrome adaptors and extensions on impact wrenches,wears the anvil out and the clips holding the socket on.Chrome sockets can shatter also when used on an impact.Always use impact sockets and attachments on an impact.