What is the point in 12 point sockets?

[HamAndEggs]

I'm sure just like everyone, I have a big mix-n-match of sockets. Some 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2, some 6 sided and some 12

I liked to think I would always keep them nice and matched, but that never happens, as in the past I would always be missing a socket while I had my wifes car half apart, and had to run to HF to grab whatever they had in stock

Is there any point in keeping the 12 point sockets in my "Main" bag over the 6 sided ones? It seems like there is zero benefit over a 6 sided socket. So why do the 12 sided ones even exist?

 

[The Cobbler]

the main reason I see in 12pt is easier clocking , especially with a non ratcheting bar, but in the rust belt a 12 pt will cam the fastener easier that a 6 pt .

 

[CS454]

12 point fasteners.

 

[82355]

Less time spent clocking.

Six point sockets are annoying unless you have a rusty/worn fastener.

Martin

 

[engineer2]

12 point fasteners like Pontiac V-8 fuel pump bolts.
Living in the rust belt, I try to use a 6-point whenever possible.

 

[ecotec]

You need some for factory parts like 30mm 12pt axle nuts and 12mm for Ford driveshaft… there are others, depending on what you own or work on… 13mm Jeep… 36mm Duramax…

I keep a deep 30mm impact and 12mm in chrome and impact… and I keep a full set of 3/8” and 1/2” 12pt shallow chrome for the day I meet a 12pt bolt I haven’t met before.

 

[nadogail]

Sometimes we are stuck with our history. Before fine tooth ratchets became common 12 point sockets gave a mechanic more options on clocking the wrench.

Now, as pointed out, some manufacturers are using 12 point bolts.

Until the Right and Left hands begin talking to each other, we are going to keep having a use for both types of wrenches.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

In the days before 100 tooth ratchets, 6points were used when you wanted to break the bolt, 12points the rest of the time.

 

[kjbenner]

You can use a 12pt on a square nut or plug, too.

 

[ZRX61]

ARP fasteners & aerospace & some on my ZRX11.

 

[ecotec]

You can use a 12pt on a square nut or plug, too.

I think non surface drive sockets are less marring on square set screws. I keep one 12pt socket in my work tools, a 3/8” for beam clamps.

 

[Komet]

I was glad I had some 12pt sockets today when I needed to install a 1/4 NPT elbow with a square head. With modern tooth count ratchets, I can get by with having 12pt in just one drive size, but it sure is nice to have a small selection available.

 

[Catcher1984]

You can use a 12pt on a square nut or plug, too.

My 3/8 metric shallows are koken 12pt, never been an issue! And like pointed out above I’ve used these on 1/4 square bolts.

 

[johninct]

I find that 12 point are easier to get on a bolt. I am using 12 point from 9/16 up.

 

[dnschmidt]

You can use a 12pt on a square nut or plug, too.

Not actually, the angles are wrong. A twelve point is in fact a double hex using 60 degrees between points. 8 points are true 90 degrees between points. If it's a tight square nut or bolt a twelve point will slip or round off the edges.

 

[Citation]

Just the other day I had my first instance when a 6 pt socket annoyed me. I was tighening some bolts on a kids playset. Several times when I was trying to put the socket on the nut it wasn't cooperating. That's when I looked and noticed that my Bluehawk socket set (best $3 I ever spent at Lowes https://www.lowes.com/pd/Blue-Hawk-26-Piece-3-8-in-Drive-Multi-Driver-Socket-Set-with-Case/4640673) were actually 6 pt. Yeah, rotate my hand a bit and move on with life but if I was using a 12pt this won't have been an issue.

I also know at least at some time Toyota used 12pt head bolts.

Incidentally, while that BH ratchet is course, has a lot of back drag and isn't low profile, the sockets are surprisingly well made and sized. For an additional $3 I bought a second kit with a ratcheting screwdriver, bits, and open end wrenches. Those look and feel like a $20 tool set (I think that was the regular price) but the sockets themselves feel respectable.

 

[kjbenner]

Not actually, the angles are wrong. A twelve point is in fact a double hex using 60 degrees between points. 8 points are true 90 degrees between points. If it's a tight square nut or bolt a twelve point will slip or round off the edges.

All true, but I've done it where I didn't have an 8-pt socket of the right size, and couldn't get a wrench on there. So you "can" do it, but I wouldn't say you "should" do it.

 

[ecotec]

I have used an old 1990’s 3/8” 12pt on hundreds, if not thousands, of Fullman style beam clamp set screws.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

I find that 12 point are easier to get on a bolt. I am using 12 point from 9/16 up.

Pretty much same for me. I prefer 6 point for hex fasteners up to and including 5/8" across flats. From there upward I use 12 point. Somewhat true for wrenches. Up to and including 5/8" across flats, use a ratchet and socket or a box end or combination wrench. Above that, feel free to use an adjustable. It's just how I was taught. Mostly industrial work experience.

 

[Ditchdigger]

The 12 point VS 6 point debate has everything to do with whether or not you reside in a location where road salt is used.

15 years as a Millwright and 15 years in vintage auto restoration and I have NEVER found a situation where a 6 point was necessary when using quality sockets. But I live in the road salt free PNW. I buy 12 point when I can

 

[428PI]

My first socket sets were all 12 pt. (Craftsman, Matco). Kept new 6 pt in common sizes when the bolt would round off. In combo with fine tooth ratchets, life was good.

 

[Sweetcorn]

Not actually, the angles are wrong. A twelve point is in fact a double hex using 60 degrees between points. 8 points are true 90 degrees between points. If it's a tight square nut or bolt a twelve point will slip or round off the edges.

Triple square is a better option than a twelve point for square nuts, but not as good as an 8 point.

 

[The Tool Tyrant]

Oh, ca'mon man...this IS Garage Journal!!! Everyone knows, 'THE MAN THAT DIES WITH THE MOST TOOLS WINS'!
If you don't have every size of 6 point, 8 point AND 12 point in STANDARD, METRIC and WHITWORTH...you're just NOT in the game, let alone feeling embarrassed and ashamed...dude, really?

 

[isb cornbinder]

Watch this video and pay special attention to what is said starting around 6:30 minutes. This is the bottom line fact and I totally support it.

 

[Pinemarten]

Every once in a Blue Moon, I grab an 8 point socket to turn a tap. Just as the Angel Choir is starting to sing, I hear the scratchy needle on the record sound and have the thought that I should have purchased a Lisle Tap Socket set.

 

[isb cornbinder]

Every once in a Blue Moon, I grab an 8 point socket to turn a tap. Just as the Angel Choir is starting to sing, I hear the scratchy needle on the record sound and have the thought that I should have purchased a Lisle Tap Socket set.

I have the Lisle set. It has been one of the best and most appreciated drive sets I have spent money on.

Lisle LI70500 Tap Socket Set​

]https://www.amazon.ca/dp/B0002SRFOE/?tag=atomicindus04-20

 

[rockettauto]

I wish spline tools were more popular. I love them and they fit everything and dow everything a 12 does but better and they grip 3 times better than a 12 point. Not quite as good as 6 but they're up there.

 

[Kuma601]

In my early days buying ratchets and sockets, the 1/4 and 3/8" were 6 point. The 1/2" set was all 12 point. To get 6 point in the 1/2" was more $$ than I was willing. I'm not on them hard so all those 12 points are in good condition for what I work on. Glad that the common 1/4" and 3/8" are 6 point though. What is funny is that one 3/8" set had 12 point for SAE and 6 point for metric.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

You are younger than me. Only 1/4" were 6 pt. No dimples either.

 

[Shelbylex]

Oh, ca'mon man...this IS Garage Journal!!! Everyone knows, 'THE MAN THAT DIES WITH THE MOST TOOLS WINS'!
If you don't have every size of 6 point, 8 point AND 12 point in STANDARD, METRIC and WHITWORTH...you're just NOT in the game, let alone feeling embarrassed and ashamed...dude, really?

Hmm, you forgot 4 point. In addition they have to be super shallow, mid, deep and extra deep. Ideally both chrome, impact and for ******** members Titanium!!!

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I use my 12pt sockets for backups. I do find my 12pt stuff to generally be nicer quality across the brands.

 

[Grokew]

I'm sure just like everyone, I have a big mix-n-match of sockets. Some 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2, some 6 sided and some 12

I liked to think I would always keep them nice and matched, but that never happens, as in the past I would always be missing a socket while I had my wifes car half apart, and had to run to HF to grab whatever they had in stock

Is there any point in keeping the 12 point sockets in my "Main" bag over the 6 sided ones? It seems like there is zero benefit over a 6 sided socket. So why do the 12 sided ones even exist?

They are designed to round off rusty nuts and bolts. That way you can justify buying more tools, without having to deal with the rants of a controlling wife. They are a life saver.

 

[KinzeMech]

Not actually, the angles are wrong. A twelve point is in fact a double hex using 60 degrees between points. 8 points are true 90 degrees between points. If it's a tight square nut or bolt a twelve point will slip or round off the edges.

Not actually, but yes practically.
I'm fully aware that common 12 point sockets are double hex and not triple square (which would give correct angles for 4 square headed fasteners). In actual practice I've never seen it make a difference in decades of doing so. It is not "technically" correct, but it is functionally just fine. The difference in the angles is so miniscule it will never make a difference except in the most extreme of circumstances.

It's like when you need a 3/4" but the 19mm is what's within reach. Not technically correct. In practicality, works just fine.

 

[Zewnten]

Another original thread...oh wait. OP try the search feature.

 

[Grokew]

Another original thread...oh wait. OP try the search feature.

Forums need fresh content and users to thrive. Had OP posted on an old thread, I bet someone would say "Stop Necroposting" So it seems like a "damned if you do and damned if you don't" type of thing. Toxicity and elitism aren't good either.

 

[garagenvy]

So you can throw your 8 point sockets out......

 

[Zewnten]

Forums need fresh content and users to thrive. Had OP posted on an old thread, I bet someone would say "Stop Necroposting" So it seems like a "damned if you do and damned if you don't" type of thing. Toxicity and elitism aren't good either.

This isn't "fresh" it's been discussed over and over. If the OP had used the search function he could have read the relevant thread's information and then posted a question about a specific feature or situation, that would be fresh. Not being interested in hand holding isn't elitism.

 

[HamAndEggs]

Sorry, so we pay per word typed on this forum?

None of the other threads really had the same thing to say as I did, and I don't know about you, but when I click on new posts and there is a thread with 0 or few responses, I'm eager to get in there and give my point of view. When its a thread with 300 responses, I figure there is zero point, as its been discussed to death already. Worse, I'll comment with a "new" point only to be told its already been discussed on page 40 of the thread (Which of course I never read)

If you don't like another thread about sockets, why are you in it commenting and bumping it up to the top?

 

[CGarage]

I learn something new whenever this topic is discussed.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Once 8pt weren't uncommon, now you are lucky if it's only a special order thing.