Why aren't ratcheting wrenches 6pt?

[Danglerb]

Maybe its the 2am, but why aren't ratcheting wrenches made in 6 pt? I mean they are ratcheting so indexing of the wrench the normal 6 pt issue should not be a problem.

 

[WR250F]

12 pts are more 'flexible' in the fact they will fit more than 6 sided fasteners, allowing for a broader range of use, thus more potential (practical ?) sales.

This being said, I'd buy a set of 6 pt ratchet wrenches if I found one

 

[chevy302dz]

Mac used to sell a set, not sure if they still do.

 

[robmarch]

I've often wondered this too. maybe they want to reinforce the "precision tool" aspect and not tempt you to break bolts with them.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

Mac used to sell a set

I was going to say this.

My guess is bolts and nuts fit much easier on 12-point than 6-point. All you need is very little turn to fit them over. On 6-point you need much more turn angle to fit in tight space. Just like regular wenches.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think it's an acceptance issue. People expect to see the boxed end of a wrench have 12 points. It's really no different than using 6 or 12 point sockets thogh. It's the internal ratcheting action that makes swing angle a factor, not the number of points which isn't an issue with 72 teeth.
Of course it could also be a deliberate design intention to prevent people from torqueing down on a corroded fastener. Then again better, ratcheting wrenches have off corner engagement.
Mac sell their ratcheting wrenches with the EDGE modified 6 point boxed end. Think 6 point with a couple sides having ridges.

 

[Old Donn]

If enough guys asked for them, somebody would step up. Basic market economics, if there's a demand, some toolmaker would supply.

 

[crankshaftdan II]

Maybe its the 2am, but why aren't ratcheting wrenches made in 6 pt? I mean they are ratcheting so indexing of the wrench the normal 6 pt issue should not be a problem.

Americraft is the Brand name-Made in the USA-very well made and sturdy-maybe not what you had in mind? These ratchets have BALLS! Different mechanism than the GW models......Cranky

 

[shampoop]

I prefer 6 point sockets and 12 point wrenches. Plus with ratcheting wrenches I bet the ratcheting mechanism would break before you notice any benefits of 6pt vs 12pt.

 

[HandyManny]

I prefer 6 point sockets and 12 point wrenches. Plus with ratcheting wrenches I bet the ratcheting mechanism would break before you notice any benefits of 6pt vs 12pt.

Me too. For sockets I always go 6 pt. I can turn them to fit if I don't havethe space to turn the whole ratchet. A box-end wrench is another story, need more range there, 12 pts offer a bit more range.

 

[uart]

Ratcheting spanners are ideal for where you've got limited room to turn and limited space to get a socket in there. Under these conditions it's usually going to be a lot easier to get a 12 pointer onto the nut (or bolt) than a 6 point.

Plus with ratcheting wrenches I bet the ratcheting mechanism would break before you notice any benefits of 6pt vs 12pt.

^^^ And this.

 

[trbomax]

Americraft is the Brand name-Made in the USA-very well made and sturdy-maybe not what you had in mind? These ratchets have BALLS! Different mechanism than the GW models......Cranky

I have a couple sets like that in both 6 and 12 pt. Back in the day we called them barrel ratchets. I got them in the 60's.

 

[jimnickol1986]

Mac does make 6-point...http://www.mactools.com/shoponline/...119/c-23019-mac-edge-ratcheting-wrenches.aspx

 

[diesel research]

Thats why you buy a set of the passthru vortex "wrenches". Can get all the 6pt fix you need.

 

[superautobacs]

Ratcheting spanners are ideal for where you've got limited room to turn and limited space to get a socket in there. Under these conditions it's usually going to be a lot easier to get a 12 pointer onto the nut (or bolt) than a 6 point.

Mac Edge 6pt:

 

[ultgar]

The Facom 464 set is 6pt...

SD

 

[atomicpunk]

I have Blue-Point fractional set that is 6 point.

 

[toolmutt]

Armstrong, Wright, and Proto all have 6 point ratchet wrenches similar to those pictured above. SK used to have them but I don't know if the new SK does.

 

[Timex]

shampoop and HandyManny, just food for thought...

When you start working on modern day engines, you will need 12pt sockets. Even most of the domestics are switching to 12pt fasteners. Or if you did your own engine build and bought good hardware like ARP fasteners, you better have 12pt sockets or you're up **** creek.

 

[shampoop]

shampoop and HandyManny, just food for thought...

When you start working on modern day engines, you will need 12pt sockets. Even most of the domestics are switching to 12pt fasteners. Or if you did your own engine build and bought good hardware like ARP fasteners, you better have 12pt sockets or you're up **** creek.

yea, but how often do you completely disassemble a modern engine?

 

[MXblur]

yea, but how often do you completely disassemble a modern engine?

At work...almost everyday

 

[TWX]

Only fasteners I've encountered, so far, that are 12pt have all been aftermarket. Granted, our newest vehicle is an '01 Integra, and I haven't had to pull the head yet even, but the only 12pt I've worked with are all on my Chrysler 360 bored and stroked to 408, and if I remember correctly, only the rod cap bolts...

I suspect it's mostly to do with the expectation that a 6pt tool will handle more force upon it than a 12pt tool used on a 6pt fastener...

 

[2oolhound]

If you draw a circle and place 72 equally spaced teeth around the outside of it, then draw a 6 point hex inside and finally draw a 12 point hex inside you can see which one eats up more space. A 12 point takes less space so can be made smaller to fit in tighter areas.
This is compounded when using 12 point fasteners as opposed to 6 point. 12 point would be stronger as well because the load is distributed more evenly. The strength properties of steel are such that you don't need the thick banks of steel you get with 6 point, it's wasted material. A 6 pt wrench will break at the thin corner where the force peaks on only 6 areas.

 

[Danglerb]

I prefer 6 point sockets and 12 point wrenches. Plus with ratcheting wrenches I bet the ratcheting mechanism would break before you notice any benefits of 6pt vs 12pt.

+1 to this.

6 pt 72 tooth ratchet has the same indexing as a 12 pt, every 5 degrees.

Consumer targeted wrench, some consumers likely have no idea 6 pt wrenches exist.

 

[Fantom]

Americraft is the Brand name-Made in the USA-very well made and sturdy-maybe not what you had in mind? These ratchets have BALLS! Different mechanism than the GW models......Cranky

I'd rather use my fingers than those; the double offset makes them completely un-usable, IMO.

 

[TWX]

If you draw a circle and place 72 equally spaced teeth around the outside of it, then draw a 6 point hex inside and finally draw a 12 point hex inside you can see which one eats up more space. A 12 point takes less space so can be made smaller to fit in tighter areas.
This is compounded when using 12 point fasteners as opposed to 6 point. 12 point would be stronger as well because the load is distributed more evenly. The strength properties of steel are such that you don't need the thick banks of steel you get with 6 point, it's wasted material. A 6 pt wrench will break at the thin corner where the force peaks on only 6 areas.

This is completely incorrect.

Take a regular hexagon (that's a hexagon with equal length sides to the uninitiated) and draw a circle around it with the arc of the circle the same distance from the points of the hexagon at each. Now, make six dots along the sides of the hexagon, the same distance from the circle as the points are. Now, connect only those dots to each other with lines. You will see that there is NO difference in size, and with the existing six weak points on the tool, adding six more points doesn't dramatically add to the weakness of the tool.

 

[packofqtips]

ford driveshaft bolts are 12 point, so arent New flyer transit buses. but most people wouldnt ever work on the buses

 

[greasemonkey44]

ford driveshafts and subaru head bolts
ive run into them other places as well
honestly i wouldnt want a 6 pt ratcheting wrench; id rather be turning the bolt or nut than indexing the internal of my ratchet wrench. 12 pt is the way to go

 

[2oolhound]

This is completely incorrect.

Take a regular hexagon (that's a hexagon with equal length sides to the uninitiated) and draw a circle around it with the arc of the circle the same distance from the points of the hexagon at each. Now, make six dots along the sides of the hexagon, the same distance from the circle as the points are. Now, connect only those dots to each other with lines. You will see that there is NO difference in size, and with the existing six weak points on the tool, adding six more points doesn't dramatically add to the weakness of the tool.

OK TWX you've really screwed things up this time, you've gone and messed up my landmark 600th. post! But of coarse, you're right! I got home and measured 2 sockets with the same OD, one 12pt and one 6pt, What was I thinking Still, if you take a 6 pt fastener and cut the corners off till it becomes a 12 pt the head becomes smaller but the strength stays the same. This way tools can be made smaller for the thread size of the fastener required. That's the concept I had in mind.

Thanks for setting me straight and doing so in a civilized manner. This is how constructive discussions prevail on a forum instead of arguments and insults.

 

[Bikes&Bowties]

yea, but how often do you completely disassemble a modern engine?

I'm the after school mechanic at a shop and I get into one nearly weekly..... My buddy has a set of Mac 6 point ratchet wrenches he loves them.