Why are larger flare nut wrenches mostly 12-point?

[oldschoolcraft]

I've noticed that as you get to larger flare nut wrench sizes, around 19mm or 3/4" that tool companies seem to switch to having these be in 12 point instead of 6-point. For example look at 3/8" drive Crowfoot flare wrenches and they are usually 6-point but then the larger 1/2" drive ones are all 12-point. I've only ever seen 6 point flare nuts on lines before. Are they actually 12-point nuts in larger sizes or is there some other rationale for this shift?

 

[darkzero]

The longer the handle, the more you'll run into clearance issues. Takes more room to swing a longer handle. Don't know if that's the reason but that's my guess.

 

[Mr_B]

Would seem likely part of design logic plus larger sizes in 12 point can perform fairly well .

 

[AJHD]

Interesting question. Not sure if I've ever seen a 12-point fastener you would typically use a flare nut wrench for.
I'm sure they exist.

 

[Kscardsfan]

This is true of most wrenches and sockets as you get into larger sizes I've noticed. Not just flare nut fittings. As someone else pointed out, in larger sizes 12 point works pretty well.

 

[ybnormal]

I think it's more like @darkzero pointed out. having 12pt allows you that extra little wiggle room of 30degrees vs 60degrees in placing the wrench on the nut. a smaller/shorter wrench wouldn't probably have length-to-clearance issues

 

[lund]

The longer the handle, the more you'll run into clearance issues. Takes more room to swing a longer handle. Don't know if that's the reason but that's my guess.

This combined with the larger dimensions of the engagement surfaces likely being strong enough to take whatever force you can realistically apply without damage.

Larger size wrenches are rarely 6 point since they are strong enough as 12 point and it is hard to get access with longer handles if they are 6 point. It is mainly small sizes where you want 6 point.

 

[Wamsutta]

19mm x 21mm

 

[dchawk81]

Bigger fasteners have bigger sides so being close to the corner (and risking rounding) due to manufacturing tolerances is less of an issue.

All my SO flare nut wrenches are 6 point though anyway. I'm up to 1 inch I believe.