Why buy 12-point sockets?

[Gregg33]

12 pts are easier to get on the bolt, can be used on 4, 6 or 12 pt bolt heads and are much more available used. I find on my race car (no old or rusty bolts) they work fine. I have 12pt sets of Kobalt 3/8" standard and deep, 1/2" standard and a sweet set of Gray 1/2" standard (sizes from 3/8" -1 3/16"). The Kobalts I don't use much, the Gray's I use regularly in my track box.

 

[treasureseeker]

they are a necessity if you are going to be doing any serious wrenching , alot of 12 point head bolts are recessed into the head or between a valve guide so a wrench wont cut it

You talked me into getting getting some 12 point sockets. I did the builds at Roush on the Taurus, F 150 and Fusion and only remember encountering 12 point fasteners on the drive shaft and something in the intake area. I was unaware of the 12 point fasteners that are internal in an engine.

 

[diesel research]

A LOT of rounding off failures are actually operator errors.

Not engaging the head squarely (usually due to obstructions and lack of universals, wobbles, ect ect), using the wrong size, or forgetting to apply heat.

I used to work with a guy who had been in the business for the past 30 years or more. He had all the coveted brands of tools, new and old alike. He always fought like hell to remove driveshaft bolts.

One day I had enough. (keep in mind I am only half his age) and decided to politely remind him "Uh rick? you do know those bolts are 1/2" SAE 12pt, not 12mm or 13mm, right?" "You really should add some heat to the driveshaft, red locktite is meant to be heated" "that chrome snappy wobble extension you use on your impact is the reason all your sockets always fly off"

Heat really is a wonderful aide. While it is metallurgicaly true that heat can make a bolt even softer, it saves a lot of grief. I rarely if ever have fastener problems related to socket contact points when using hand tools. If that were so much of an issue, people should stop worshiping the various "high tech" open ends or adjustables, or pliers.

 

[Dirtdude180]

A LOT of rounding off failures are actually operator errors.

Agreed

just like screws (this one I see all the time). For stuff like decking, I see people trying to drive these 3in Phillips head screws into hardwood, and stripping them out like crazy . While this is usually the user not applying enough pressure/ keeping the drill centered over the head etc.., square drives screws would probably make their lives easier.

So for 6pt vs 12pt. Yes you can use 12pt, and provided you are somewhat careful they will work fine. But 6pt are more idiot proof, so that one time you aren't paying attention... using 6pt instead of 12pt could be the difference between a simple bolt removal or a stripped nightmare.

 

[habusled]

As an aircraft mech, my tool box has a pair of pliers and four or five BFH's and some screwdrivers for chiseling everything I cant knock off. Seriously, most aviation hardware IS 12 pt nowadays

 

[hilld]

The crankshaft bolts on many VW/Audi's are 12 pt bolts. The other day doing a timing belt on a 4.2L V8 Audi, I needed a 24mm 12pt socket, a wrench wasn't going to cut it. The torque spec was 150 nM, plus 180*.

Ok, technically, I didn't have to remove the crankshaft gear to do the timing belt, but the crankshaft seal replacement required the removal of the gear.

 

[diesel research]

There are certain brands of sockets (and wrenches) in 12pt that are more reputable for this alleged trait than others.

Maybe we should start polling these people rounding off bolts to find out the details.

 

[pj_rage]

I'm just a home mechanic as well, but I've rounded a few bolt heads over the years. Almost exclusively with 12 point sockets. I now try to steer clear of them unless it's a 12 point fastener. They do go on easier, which is great, but seem to be more prone to rounding the heads. I think it's a combination of the 12pt and poor technique (ie using a deep socket and/or extension and not being perfectly perpendicular to the fastener). Either way, 6 point sockets seem to be more forgiving in the same cases, and we can't all be perfect all the time, especially in awkward positions/locations. I think the 12 point box ends generally work well because they are easier and more likely to seat nicely, and don't have a big lever arm (deep socket / extension) to get you off square/perpendicular, and hence you don't have the technique issue and all is well. This is just my opinion / experience.

 

[Grogan14]

Dare to be different!

 

[dirttracker18]

You will find that many pro techs use 12 point a lot. I still have many in my box and use them a lot.

Once you work with them all the time you will understand

 

[Givl Reggin]

There are certain brands of sockets (and wrenches) in 12pt that are more reputable for this alleged trait than others

A lot of times rounding off the corners isn't the fault of the socket/wrench not fitting properly, it's a result of the bolt head/nut being too soft, plus over tightened, rusted, locktited, etc... I think just about everyone who has ever picked up a wrench has rounded off a bolt... sometimes it happens before you know it, and 6-point sockets are not always a guarantee that it won't happen.

 

[Borrego]

Maybe the OP is young, still in school and came here to get some technical knowledge. May not even be living in the states. May have difficulty finding the answer to his question where he is........I don't think it is a terrible question at all.
However, I am wondering if there is some connection between a 12 point socket or wrench and the number of hours on a clock.....Maybe in the 4th dimension????

 

[punkenduro]

honda civic clutch/flywheel takes a 13mm and a 17mm 12pt (i think i could have the sizes wrong).

personally, i use 6 point unless its a wrench, in that case there all 12 point in my box. havent seen a 6 point box end yet.

 

[GSteg]

Craftsman and SK makes 6pt box end. I definitely do not see them as much as 12pts though.

 

[wxm]

12 point sockets only for 12 point fasteners for me!

I also use it for square plugs...

 

[RODRIGO DA SILVA]

Hello guys old post but unfortunately missed the real inside knowledge, the only reason 12pt sockets became so popular and companies are pushing it on us is the fact that they do not brake, these sockets are immortal what they do is round up your nuts so its your problem to deal with! No warranty replacements no bad reviews no problems for them, it's even good for business cause once you rounded enough nuts you are gonna come back to the store and buy another 6pt set! It's a perfect little con. ;-)

 

[CutterFarms]

I have 12 point that came with my first craftsman set 25 years ago but she I replaced them with snap on sockets I went with all 6 point it might be me but I think they work better on all this old farm equipment and I have rounded my share with 12 point. Maybe work alot better outside of the rust belt

 

[General Geoff]

fit tolerances do not go down proportionally with fastener size. smaller than 10mm or 3/8" is where 12 point is a bad idea because of that. I've never stripped a bolt bigger than that with a 12 point socket.

 

[LXCam]

Hello guys old post but unfortunately missed the real inside knowledge, the only reason 12pt sockets became so popular and companies are pushing it on us is the fact that they do not brake, these sockets are immortal what they do is round up your nuts so its your problem to deal with! No warranty replacements no bad reviews no problems for them, it's even good for business cause once you rounded enough nuts you are gonna come back to the store and buy another 6pt set! It's a perfect little con. ;-)

WELL, I"M SURE GLAD WE GOT THAT CLEARED UP, I'VE BEEN LOSING SLEEP OVER THIS SINCE THIS THREAD GOT STARTED.

 

[1950mercury]

Hello guys old post but unfortunately missed the real inside knowledge, the only reason 12pt sockets became so popular and companies are pushing it on us is the fact that they do not brake, these sockets are immortal what they do is round up your nuts so its your problem to deal with! No warranty replacements no bad reviews no problems for them, it's even good for business cause once you rounded enough nuts you are gonna come back to the store and buy another 6pt set! It's a perfect little con. ;-)

You sir are a wise man...why didn't I think of that

 

[smittyjones]

I just want to answer the guy above that says we don't care when we grab a combination wrench - there's a reason for that, and it's where you're applying the pressure. The pressure is more directly on top of the nut or bolt when it's a wrench, but the point of pressure stands off the nut a little bit when you're using a ratchet.

 

[drink]

Greetings.

Who would ever risk rounding over a nut or bolt by using a 12 pointer? A ratchet no different with 6 or 12 is it? Anyone buy 12 pointer here? (I know there are some 12-point bolts, but they are pretty rare.)

Wow! I just realized how old this thread is. Anyway, I have several sets of both 6 and 12 point sockets. They say a 6 point socket is stronger than a 12 point socket. A lot of my mobile tool sets have 12 point sockets because they will work on more types of fasteners than 6 point sockets will. Sometimes I encounter square nuts in places like chain link fences and other places. A 12 point socket will work on a square nut, hex nut, and a 12 point fastener. A 6 point socket will work on a hex nut.

 

[Tejaas]

As an aircraft mech, my tool box has a pair of pliers and four or five BFH's and some screwdrivers for chiseling everything I cant knock off. Seriously, most aviation hardware IS 12 pt nowadays

+1.

I used 12pt SAE almost exclusively on military rotorcraft.

At home, I have both 6 & 12 - and typically reach for the 12pt first.


~Tejaas~

 

[Tejaas]

I also use it for square plugs...

Yes sir, i too use/used (often modified) 12pt for rotorcraft filter bowls, chip detectors, thermistor housings, temp transducers, drain/grease plugs etc.


~Tejaas~

 

[kctyphoon]

I'll go out on a limb and suggest 12 points were more usefull when ratchets were all / mostly 36 tooth, so the 12 pointed socket gave you 72 positions to use in a tight spot. Now with 72 tooth ratchets being the basic standard, as a home owner or hobbiest you really don't need 12 points with the exception of special circumstances which are few and far between and usually a wrench can substitute..

 

[BDT/NWMN]

Hello guys old post but unfortunately missed the real inside knowledge, the only reason 12pt sockets became so popular and companies are pushing it on us is the fact that they do not brake, these sockets are immortal what they do is round up your nuts so its your problem to deal with! No warranty replacements no bad reviews no problems for them, it's even good for business cause once you rounded enough nuts you are gonna come back to the store and buy another 6pt set! It's a perfect little con. ;-)

Shame on those nasty tool companies

 

[DSLTRK]

An 18mm 12pt is useful for removing 6.0 diesel injector harnesses. 12 pt sockets seem to have a bit thinner wall also.

 

[Corndoggeh]

I exclusively use 12 pt for chrome and 6 pt for impact sockets and 12 pt for wrenches. I prefer the versatility of the 12 pt and when I need to really break a bolt out I'll use the impact which I've only seen in 6 pt. This way I have the ability to do 4, 6, and 12 point heads without worrying if I have the size socket I need.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I exclusively use 12 pt for chrome and 6 pt for impact sockets and 12 pt for wrenches. I prefer the versatility of the 12 pt and when I need to really break a bolt out I'll use the impact which I've only seen in 6 pt. This way I have the ability to do 4, 6, and 12 point heads without worrying if I have the size socket I need.

The twelve point impact sockets are hiding in the toolboxes of Us Guys who secretly work on semi truck engines..

 

[Know Wosad]

Greetings.

Who would ever risk rounding over a nut or bolt by using a 12 pointer? A ratchet no different with 6 or 12 is it? Anyone buy 12 pointer here? (I know there are some 12-point bolts, but they are pretty rare.)

So does these mean you're anti-combination wrench too ?
The talk of 12 point sockets+rounding is completely irrational around these parts and remember---only Snap-On 12 points don't round. everything else is sub-standard !!! USA !! USA!!!

+ In a blind spot the 12 point goes on a hell of a lot easier. Under a dash or in a box with 1/4 inch stuff ? 12 point only

 

[toolaholic]

The twelve point impact sockets are hiding in the toolboxes of Us Guys who secretly work on semi truck engines..

I have grey pneumatic 12 point impact axle (hubnut) sockets specifically for Toyota axle nuts.

 

[mrjaw14]

12 point sockets are also great for breaker bars, since they offer more positional flexibility than a 6 point. It's been discussed to death, but a MODERN 12 point socket that drives the flats on a fastener won't strip the fastener. Now if you have a cheap brand that's a sloppy fit anyway....then that's the fault of slop not the 12 pt socket. Since I use breaker bars to break things loose, especially in the 1/2" drive size, 12 point definitely has it's place.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have grey pneumatic 12 point impact axle (hubnut) sockets specifically for Toyota axle nuts.

May not find those in everyone's toolbox. Bet You are glad to have them when needed.......

Buying a specific tool for a specific task is a logical approach..
We have tasks that most GJ Members may not be familiar with..
If these Members went out and bought special tools or ANY tool set BECAUSE they read on GJ that You or I have a use for them,,, I would consider them sadly misguided; UNLESS They have a similar task for that same tool..

The question list of who should buy what tools will be never ending. I do suggest to a newcomer to buy tools AS the need justifies.. For Those of Us who are a bit more seasoned;;Our experiences and hindsight aid Us when making these purchases.. But; I still GOOf UP now and then

 

[redmondjp]

For me, the answer is: That's what came in the original 88-piece Craftsman tool set that I bought as a teenager back in the early 1980s. I still have most of those sockets in my main toolbox, and have replaced a few with 6-points (7/16" 1/2" 9/16" 10mm). I have also noticed that the 12-point sockets tend to have thinner walls then their 6-point counterparts.

 

[ssdave]

I have both 6 and 12 points in 1/4, 3/8 and 1/2 drive. I predominately use 12 points, they seem to be easier to get on bolts and have less fit problems in tight areas as they're slightly thinner. By and large, they work. Occasionally, they feel like they are giving, so I switch to a 6 point.

The reality is that except for dirty, damaged, or really tough fasteners, the 6 point advantage is mostly academic. It's easy to blow it entirely out of proportion on an internet discussion board.

12 point sockets work. That's why we use them. 6 point also work. That's why we use them. The fact that individuals develop preferences for each type, and then argue them on the internet doesn't make one good and one bad. They both work. In a very small subset of the entire range of use, one might work better than the other. That doesn't make the other one bad. Both have circumstances where they work the best, and both have circumstances where they don't.

A complete set would have both for the circumstances where they are needed. An adequate set would have either 6 or 12 points, and they would work for probably 95% of the time.

 

[red94chev]

I have all my 12 point sockets at work for whatever reason. The other day, I was working on my Harley at home and I needed a 10mm 12 point socket for a 12 point bolt. I ran to the hardware store and grabbed a Craftsman one but now I'm thinking about getting a set for home. Mainly just an excuse to buy some new tools though haha.

 

[AA/FC]

Race cars...... most ARP fasteners are 12 point.

 

[1950mercury]

How about free 12 point sockets....last months snap on bogo deal. Buy deep 6points get free deep 12 points. I bought 1/4 sae and metric

 

[WhiteDevil167]

Try fixing a CV axle in a 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee without a 14mm 12 point...

 

[Codejack]

Try fixing a CV axle in a 99-04 Jeep Grand Cherokee without a 14mm 12 point...

Drivetrain stuff on all sorts of vehicles have 12-point bolts.

Flywheel bolts are often 12-point.

That being said, I have 2 rails of 12-point sockets that I consider "specialty" sockets. They exist, and so you need them, but there really isn't all that much of it, and it tends to only be in a few sizes.