who makes nice 6 point sets (all i see are 12 pointers!)

[hoffman912]

I was doing a valve adjustment over the weekend and noticed that my 13 mm craftsman USA combo wrench (about 7 years old), felt a little loose. not end of the world unusable loose but obviously just not great. something i never really paid attention to before.

I have a basic set of tools right now, a 12 piece metric combo wrench set, 1/4 metric wrench set and 3/8 metric wrench set. I use these at home and take with me on road trips (i do a lot of long distance trips in my porsche).

since i am getting a new house and getting a bigger tool box i was also going to get this 207 piece 6pt craftsman set for the home garage with metric, sae, 1/4, 3/8, 1/2 deep and shallow sockets and wrenches, nut drivers and even impacts to really give me a good starter set and keep my existing set in the travel bag. http://www.craftsman.com/craftsman-...p-00933207000P?prdNo=8&blockNo=8&blockType=G8

knowing their quality has gone down hill i am second guessing this plan. but the more and more i look at tool sets the more i see that everyone just has 12 pt sets. honestly i want to avoid 12 pt like the plague, especially working on a 45 year old car, and especially when i am doing any tuning or tweeking to a very expensive engine.

so who the heck out there makes a nice 6 point set? i dont have snap on or hazet money, and cannot do a whole set there, but maybe for the combination wrenches.. the rest though i woudl rather have closer to the craftsman pricepoint, but again, i really need 6's..

thoughts, suggestions?

 

[dsmnickk90]

Armstrong SK Williams

 

[zcbauer89]

Yes, as dsmnickk90 said, Armstrong, SK, Williams make great 6 point sockets, you could also check out Blackhawk, and Proto, they make nice sets as well. Good Luck.

 

[CWP1616L]

You don't need a 6 point; what you need is a better made 12 point.

 

[Farmall450]

You don't need a 6 point; what you need is a better made 12 point.

Even the best will strip out on bad fasteners

cman makes nice 6 point as well in my experience.

 

[d.mcfarland]

Even the best will strip out on bad fasteners

cman makes nice 6 point as well in my experience.

Agreed. OP - seeing that you are in Columbus, trust me when I say that the northern folk know that 6 point is a necessity compared to 12 point on daily drivers. The 12 point sockets simply don't work.

I have USA Craftsman and SK ... both work fine.

 

[nnySk]

I wish armstrong and wright would offer 6 point metric deeps.

 

[CWP1616L]

How bad are the fasteners gonna be on some well oiled rocker arms?

 

[djcslice]

I have a full 6pt craftsman set that has been great for me. Also, craftsman has a pass through set (max axess) that is 6pt which is nice in tight spots and on suspension components.

Craftsman sells a 6pt set at costco that's very good value when on sale, its weakest point is the lack of wrenches.

 

[d.mcfarland]

How bad are the fasteners gonna be on some well oiled rocker arms?

Basic maintenance would be on exposed areas of the car that have the possibility to be rusted. 6 point or bust. No reason for 12 point unless 12 point fasteners are used.

 

[CWP1616L]

Basic maintenance would be on exposed areas of the car that have the possibility to be rusted. 6 point or bust. No reason for 12 point unless 12 point fasteners are used.

For wrenches I'd want 12 point; they're quicker to engage and I don't have to turn the handle as far for engagement.

 

[Farmall450]

Basic maintenance would be on exposed areas of the car that have the possibility to be rusted. 6 point or bust. No reason for 12 point unless 12 point fasteners are used.

Yes. Unless you have a plane, 12 point is actually the un needed one.

How bad are the fasteners gonna be on some well oiled rocker arms?

Try some northern road salt, "well lubed" or not, it'll corrode...

 

[hoffman912]

How bad are the fasteners gonna be on some well oiled rocker arms?

I would rather use a 6 point craftsman than my dads 12 point snap-on on my engine.

with how much money i have into it, im not going to risk rounding one of those or any other part. plus its stupid to have a 13 mm wrench just for valve adjustments.. i should be able to use my wrench set for anything, engine, suspension, body etc.. and fwiw, my 912 doesnt see salt, its in the garage from nov to march, and never out until at least a few good rains have washed the salt away.

 

[Farmall450]

I would rather use a 6 point craftsman than my dads 12 point snap-on on my engine.

with how much money i have into it, im not going to risk rounding one of those or any other part. plus its stupid to have a 13 mm wrench just for valve adjustments.. i should be able to use my wrench set for anything, engine, suspension, body etc..

I agree.

Many on here will say that if you have one specific job you do, just get that one tool.

I prefer to get the set...for down the road, ya know

 

[CWP1616L]

Try some northern road salt, "well lubed" or not, it'll corrode...

The guy said he was adjusting the valve lash on his engine; where'd the road salt come from?

 

[Farmall450]

The guy said he was adjusting the valve lash on his engine; where'd the road salt come from?

It gets everywhere & anywhere and I assume he uses his tools for more than one task.

 

[CWP1616L]

It gets everywhere & anywhere and I assume he uses his tools for more than one task.

If you're getting road salt inside your engine, you got more problems than a loose fitting 12 point wrench.

 

[Farmall450]

If you're getting road salt inside your engine, you got more problems than a loose fitting 12 point wrench.

I'm getting at there is more than one application for 6 point!

Once again, I assume the OP has more than one use for your "useless" 6 point!

 

[d.mcfarland]

So back on topic of getting good 6 point sockets. Have you checked eBay or the classifieds here Harry? Plenty of good deals to be had.

 

[CWP1616L]

I'm getting at there is more than one application for 6 point!

Once again, I assume the OP has more than one use for your "useless" 6 point!

I was assuming the OP wanted one single better fitting 13mm wrench for his rocker arm bolts. You're trying to get the guy to buy a whole set.

 

[Farmall450]

Damn straight, he'll be thanking me for years!

I like my cman 6 point! Easy read rocks too.

 

[CWP1616L]

So back on topic of getting good 6 point sockets. Have you checked eBay or the classifieds here Harry? Plenty of good deals to be had.

Nope. We're not talking about 6 point sockets; we're talking about 6 point Vs. 12 point wrenches. Y'all had better read more carefully.

 

[d.mcfarland]

I'm actually thinking he wants 6 point everything from the Craftsman link!

 

[hoffman912]

Nope. We're not talking about 6 point sockets; we're talking about 6 point Vs. 12 point wrenches. Y'all had better read more carefully.

i didnt intend for this to turn into a ******* match, but it looks like it went that way..

maybe you need to read more carefully. i am looking for a mechanics set, wrenches, sockets etc. 6 points.

the wrench comment was where i started second guessing my plan to get the craftsman 207 piece set because i didnt like the fitment on the nut when doing my valve adjustment, and an example of my concern for 6 point vs 12..

 

[hoffman912]

I'm actually thinking he wants 6 point everything from the Craftsman link!

bingo..

 

[mrjaw14]

check out this link for wright industries Wrightdrive sockets:

http://www.wrighttool.com/pub/WrightDrive.pdf

Basically, as long as your socket drives the flats on a fastener, it doesn't matter if you're using a 6pt or 12 pt, the engagement will be the same on a quality socket.

yes 12pt has had a bad rap in the past, and yes they did round bolts, but a modern 12pt will work just fine. I'll put my wright drive 12pt sockets up against anything. Wright isn't the only good socket company out there, just make sure it's a modern flank drive style socket. You can have a 6pt without the corner cut-out and round a bolt, so not all 6pt are created equal

 

[hoffman912]

So back on topic of getting good 6 point sockets. Have you checked eBay or the classifieds here Harry? Plenty of good deals to be had.

was looking at ebay, amazon, granger etc last night and during lunch today. most of what i see are 12 point.. even looked at snap on and mac for shits and giggles. i cant believe most of what is out there are 12 point sets.

i can find some 6 point wrenches here and sockets there, but id really like to get a whole kit, than piece mail sets. a) probably saves money, and b) just easier.

the craftsman set i was looking at was $299, and had the following in all 6 point:

Sockets
11 - 6 pt. 1/4 in. Drive Standard Sockets (5/32, 3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 in.)

12 - 6 pt. 1/4 in. Drive Metric Sockets (4, 5, 5.5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14mm)

10 - 6 pt. 1/4 in. Drive Standard Sockets (3/16, 7/32, 1/4, 9/32, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16 in.)

11 - 6 pt. 1/4 in. Drive Metric Sockets (4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14mm)

13 - 6 pt. 3/8 in. Drive Standard Sockets (1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1 in.)

17 - 6 pt. 3/8 in. Drive Metric Sockets (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22mm)

9 - 6 pt. 3/8 in. Drive Deep Standard Sockets (3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8 in.)

11 - 6 pt. 3/8 in. Drive Deep Metric Sockets (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19mm)

14 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Standard Sockets (3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1, 1-1/16, 1-1/8, 1-1/4 in.)

14 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Metric Sockets (9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22mm)

9 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Deep Standard Sockets (1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8, 15/16, 1 in.)

9 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Deep Metric Sockets (12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21mm)

7 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Standard Impact Sockets (1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 15/16 in.)

7 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Sockets (15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 21, 22mm)

4 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Deep Standard Impact Sockets (1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16 in.)

4 - 6 pt. 1/2 in. Drive Deep Metric Impact Sockets (14, 15, 16, 17mm)
Combination Wrenches

12 - Standard (1/4, 5/16, 11/32, 3/8, 7/16, 1/2, 9/16, 5/8, 11/16, 3/4, 13/16, 7/8 in.)

14 - Metric (6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19mm)
Nutdrivers

4 - Standard (1/4, 5/16, 3/8, 7/16 in.)

4 - Metric (6, 7, 8, 10mm)
Screwdrivers

1 - Phillips (#2 x 4)

1 - Slotted (3/16 x 4)
Extension Bars

1 - 1/4 in. Drive (3 in.)

2 - 3/8 in Drive (3, 6 in.)

1 - 1/2 in. Drive (3 in.)
Spark Plug Sockets

2 - 3/8 in. Drive (5/8, 13/16 in.)
Additional Tools

1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 in. Quick Release Ratchet

say i wanted to spend under $500 and get something comparable in kit terms but in a decent quality (assuming craftsman quality is out the window and not what it used to be). i could care less where they are made, as long as the quality is good and price is reasonable for a shade tree weekend wrencher like myself - like how craftsman used to be..

 

[Farmall450]

Very nice, I have never had an issue with US Craftsman sockets/wrenches.

Granted I've rounded off a 12 point socket, but we all have.


I'd say go with Cman. And sorry about the ******* match, I was trying to clarify that 6 point has a huge role, as you found out!

 

['52Chevy]

I have a set of Cman 6 point combo wrenches. I use them all the time!

 

[cheechi]

cman makes nice 6 point as well in my experience.

I'm not the biggest fan of Cman but I have to agree.

As an aside, now that ratchets are a lot finer tooth, I have times I feel like 6pt could be my only sockets. Wrenches, yeah I can see needing 12 pt, 6 pt, and as many gear wrench type styles as you can get.

 

[senor fozz]

Late to the party tonight, was fixing up my new box. If your wrenching on a classic Porsche get Hazet for that second kind of cool. Well that is at least what I would do if i was in your situation(assuming you can afford it).

 

[hoffman912]

sounds like maybe i should consider sticking to cman then?

Late to the party tonight, was fixing up my new box. If your wrenching on a classic Porsche get Hazet for that second kind of cool. Well that is at least what I would do if i was in your situation(assuming you can afford it).

could no way do full 200+ hazet set.. well i could, but i would rather put the difference between that and a decent everymans tool set into things like car parts and new things for the porsche. i have to have something to wrench on right?

i wouldnt mind getting either a one off wrench set or hex socket set from hazet though, but all the wrenches i see are 12s.. no need or desire to own 12s.. unless i am really not lucking out in my searches on ebay.. i see some individuals but no sets.

 

[CWP1616L]

i didnt intend for this to turn into a ******* match, but it looks like it went that way..

There's no ******* match in this thread; not even close.

Somebody just got hook-line-and-sinkered by a professional troll.

 

[shoggoth80]

I've got a roll of Armstrong 6pt wrenches. Love 'em. Use them a lot on front end/suspension work.
KD makes pretty nice 6pt wrenches too, if you can find the US made ones (no experience with their offshore offerings).
Kobalt makes some nice sockets/ratchets/wrenches. I have not seen Kobalt wrenches in 6pt, but I have seen their sockets in it. Surprisingly nice stuff.

My toolbox is a mish-mash of brands. I have little to no brand loyalty right now, I can't afford to. Lol.

 

[Nocturnal-G]

sounds like maybe i should consider sticking to cman then?



could no way do full 200+ hazet set.. well i could, but i would rather put the difference between that and a decent everymans tool set into things like car parts and new things for the porsche. i have to have something to wrench on right?

i wouldnt mind getting either a one off wrench set or hex socket set from hazet though, but all the wrenches i see are 12s.. no need or desire to own 12s.. unless i am really not lucking out in my searches on ebay.. i see some individuals but no sets.

I have a set of Hazet 600N's and 12 point or not, they get work done.

Consider them if you like the highest quality possible.

 

[1950mercury]

if you want all 6pt and your going craftsman they sell a 145 piece set that is all 6pt including the standard and metric box wrenches. it has no filler ********. all sockets,wrenches and ratchets

 

[Bobdog]

JH Williams makes nice sets that are in the same price range as Craftsman. I've started replacing my worn out Craftsman stuff with them and I've been happy so far. I try to stay with the US made line instead of the Taiwan, costs a little more, but I think it's worth it.

 

[retDAC]

Doubt you can buy a kit with all 6pt sockets and wrenches. You will probably have to buy separate. Proto makes 6pt wrenches.

 

[Coach James]

I was assuming the OP wanted one single better fitting 13mm wrench for his rocker arm bolts. You're trying to get the guy to buy a whole set.

That's what good friends do!

I think the C-man would be the way to go, especially if cost is a factor.

Coach

 

[cole_CT]

6 point will save you from rounding off heads.