Which one you use more 12 or 6 point sockets

[Autoguy]

SO and other manfacturers list more the 12 point sockets in their sets and catalogues. 12-point sockets works in tight places and will give you more swing than 6-point sockets. The 6-point sockets grip the nuts and bolts better and seems stronger than the the 12 ones.

I wonder how often the 12 points are used wether deep shallow or standard compared to the 6-points. I can say that 90 % of the time I rely on the 6-point sockets.

 

[Canadian Charlie]

I have set that are 6 point, sets that are 12 point and sets that are both. If I run into a bolt that I don't have a socket for the project stops til the right socket is bought.

 

[elect]

I usually use 6 point sockets.

 

[Merkava_4]

Depends on whether I'm working with SAE or Metric fasteners.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Depends on whether I'm working with SAE or Metric fasteners.

May I ask why Merk?

 

[volvo420coupe]

since every ratchet made even cheap ones have more than 12 teeth, a 12 point fastener has no advantages of "swing" unless your working with a breaker bar or such, which is so rare that my 12 pt sockets are only for 12 pt fasteners or odd instances.

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

12pt were common in the old days, due to both 6 and 4 sided fasteners. As 4 sided fasteners dropped away, people both used what they had (depression and wars hit), and found it beneficial (more starting points). Now that said, when I started, I was told to get six point by the old timers. They said I could find 12 point used, as well as use the shops, etc. and six point were stronger.

I should mention that I also have and have used 8 point, when I have worked on old stuff, and leave them and the 12 point in the drawer most of the time now.

 

[Merkava_4]

May I ask why Merk?

Sure ... because my 6 point sockets are all Metric sizes and my 12 point sockets are all SAE sizes ... they're that way for easy identification.

 

[Diesel-Mech]

Sure ... because my 6 point sockets are all Metric sizes and my 12 point sockets are all SAE sizes ... they're that way for easy identification.

Makes sense.

 

[Autoguy]

since every ratchet made even cheap ones have more than 12 teeth, a 12 point fastener has no advantages of "swing" unless your working with a breaker bar or such, which is so rare that my 12 pt sockets are only for 12 pt fasteners or odd instances.

3/4 inch and larger sockets are mainly 12-points may be a carry over from the old days.

 

[Frank Elson]

I like to have both handy, but I really can't say which I grab first.

 

[petty4243]

i have both, but grad the 6 point first whenever possible... have found a few instances where a 12 point would go on to the fastener easier using 12 point... usually places where you can only get one hand in and hard to rotate socket to correct position with only the one hand.....

 

[RRmech]

Most of my older sockets are 12 point.....newer sockets, 6 point.
I'll grab a 6 point first.....IF.....I have one in the correct size.

Steve

 

[Big Bad Jon]

since every ratchet made even cheap ones have more than 12 teeth, a 12 point fastener has no advantages of "swing" unless your working with a breaker bar or such, which is so rare that my 12 pt sockets are only for 12 pt fasteners or odd instances.

I have both but agree with my fellow Swedish motoring enthusiast. With the new high tooth count ratchets 6 point is probably what I would buy if I was replacing my sockets.

 

[Stephenw]

I mostly use 6 point.

 

[Fedwrench]

I only have a few 12 point sockets for use on 12 point fasteners. Everything else is 6 point and gets used the most.

 

[Mr.Nutcase]

6 point socket... reason they have less of chance of rounding of bolts...

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

SIX SIX SIX SIX. 12 point is only for 12 point heads, like ARP stuff and the like.

Adam

 

[malibu101]

I have full sets of both 6 and 12 point sockets. You know the disease.
I always grab the 6's.
The 12's are for when I need another socket of the same size, or in the middle of a job and I can't find the 6 in the mess of tools I know there's an easy to find backup. Or in a few odd cases I've run across 12 points, mostly Ford products.
Plus not using the 12's often keeps at least some of the tools looking pretty

 

[myslow2002gt]

6 point most of the time. Only use 12pt on engine builds with ARP fasteners.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

The only 12 PT you need for Ford stuff is for the driveshaft bolts, just get the S.O. 12 pt 12 MM at 1/2" drive and you'll be happy.

Adam

 

[plinker]

The only 12 PT you need for Ford stuff is for the driveshaft bolts, just get the S.O. 12 pt 12 MM at 1/2" drive and you'll be happy.

Some Ranger 4wd front driveshaft bolts are 12pt, most late '80s and up use T-30.

Mack trucks use 12pt bolt on the drive shafts and some in the engine.

 

[Junkman]

I prefer the 6 point, but I have both. It depends on what I am doing, as to which one I use. They both have there place, but knowing which to use when and where is the real question. The answer comes with age and experience. Use a 12 point on a rusted nut, and you are bound to round off the corners. Use a 6 point, and you might break off the bolt, but the head will still have all its corners. Knowing when that next turn of the socket is going to render you a broken bolt, is the really what counts. Some have the feel for it, and others only learn from bad experiences. The poorest quality of tools in the hands of an experienced mechanic will get the job done, and the very finest tools in the hands of the inexperienced will not make the difference.

 

[Adam McLaughlin]

Some Ranger 4wd front driveshaft bolts are 12pt, most late '80s and up use T-30.

Mack trucks use 12pt bolt on the drive shafts and some in the engine.

Oh yeah... That's right. I do recall the Rangers using 12pt 12 mm for the front driveshaft as well. Not just the rear end.

I do recall that my Bronco 2 had the torx stuff in the front, but I got rid of that when I swapped in the D44 in 2001. That's called being young, foolish with my money and getting my first credit card while being interested in 4x4 stuff.

Things I wish that I did differently..

Adam

 

[-B-]

6 on six
12 on twelve

I use fine tooth S&K ratchets

 

[TopFuel]

Six.......

 

[LGMechanical]

I work with transport trucks. 90% of the time I use 6 point sockets. Trucks have more clearance than cars so I don't use 12 point sockets unless I have to. (Bolt head is 12 point).

 

[wrenchr]

I have a drawer full of 12 point old US sockets!!!!!!!!!

 

[Paladin]

I have a drawer full of 12 point old US sockets!!!!!!!!!

Yeah, me too. I have sets of 6 and 12pt's. I prefer 6 points and so I grab them first...