Moparman390
Well-known member
- Joined
- Jan 15, 2016
- Messages
- 437
This was worth bringing back just to include the Tekton option in the conversation if someone searches this out and reads it for 6pt ratcheting wrench advice.
Why no 6 point ratcheting wrenches?
- Thread starter BackTracker
- Start date
rtz
Well-known member
Is it these that were being discussed or something else?
https://www.wildetool.com/product-category/wrenches/page/4/
https://www.wildetool.com/product-category/wrenches/page/4/
TwoInch
Well-known member
Yeah, tektons regurgitation of the usual 6pt superiority. Because tektons marketing wanketeer is high on the list of authority on... Anything. Many things in life are commonly thought of as true or relevant by masses of people, that aren't at all. Try watching the news..
Yes, the inner circle in a 12pt is very slightly smaller than a 6pt..
But this disregards that once the steel of a fastener begins to yield at all, let alone to the point that the very middle of center flat would ever matter, its too late.
Most fasteners are stripped from partial engagement of the tool. Only stick the socket halfway on the bolt, or crooked, and you are likely to round it off, with either.
I live in the rust belt, roads are salty as I type this. My trucks cab corners are rusted through. I turn rust rotten bolts every day.
Is there a difference in 6 and 12pts? Of course. Its just not nearly the scourge one would believe by reading this forum.
I'm sure someone could easily rig up some aluminum or brass nuts and a digital torque indicator and do some basic tests if they feel the urge.
And as for why 6pt wrenches aren't common is because the reason stated above. Its a pain to align a 6pt wrench on a fastener, you would be constantly turning the insert. The reason its not exactly like a socket and ratchet is because if you could use a socket, you wouldn't be using a wrench... You use wrenches in tight spots, with more limited swing than ratchets generally. Turning a socket is often a one handed affair. Turning the insert on a ratcheting wrench will take both hands, probably your eyes, and require you to remove it from the area of the fastener to turn it. Not so with a 6pt socket/ratchet.
They aren't popular because they are unneccessary and a pain to use. For a tool everyone preaches is low torque and not to break things free with, they create lots of attention... Like most things that are rarer
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Something that I've never seen someone post about the difference is that six point is more difficult to place into the fastener, but it is also more difficult to remove from the fastener. I have had 12 point ends fall off of fasteners, but never a 6 point. When it is difficult to access and position, then I'd rather have a one and done placement, than a one and possibly more placements.
The inner circle of the twelve is slightly larger not smaller. That's what makes it looser on the fitting.
The inner circle of the twelve is slightly larger not smaller. That's what makes it looser on the fitting.
Qualitytools
Well-known member
Why Not! My ratcheting wrenches with a selector are 12 points, never thought about it but it's not like you will be removing it and re-establishing a new setting like a non ratcheting closed end so yes why are they not more made with 6 points for those that ratchet? I am with the OP on that! Just my .02 cents 
JRC3
Well-known member
Seems like Mac has been making more of these after the thread was started. There is at least 2 6pc. SAE -sets in Fleabay right now. One is stubby (who would use ratcheting stubbies to break anything free?! 
) and one is flex head. The stubbies look like they have a selector on them.
) and one is flex head. The stubbies look like they have a selector on them.Seems like Mac has been making more of these after the thread was started. There is at least 2 6pc. SAE -sets in Fleabay right now. One is stubby (who would use ratcheting stubbies to break anything free?!
MAC actually got rid of the bulk of their Precision Torque 6pt wrenches some years back so those are probably old stock. Most, if not all, of their ratcheting wrenches are 12pt Facom look-alikes now.
If you can try spline drive ends,
I find they will turn fasteners that a 12 point will rotate freely on, not always, but often.
Good 12 point and good 6 points are very similar however, 6 point (non-ratcheting) spanners are a complete pain to use.
I find they will turn fasteners that a 12 point will rotate freely on, not always, but often.
Good 12 point and good 6 points are very similar however, 6 point (non-ratcheting) spanners are a complete pain to use.
I wouldn't use laminated ratcheting wrenches to break bolts free.
DFB
Well-known member
I got the same ones ya there were few that were 6pt 3/8" x 7/16" and 1/2" x 9/16" Though they are riveted together the offset on them is handy.
I get didn't mention it earlier, In fact I was just looking at them in the garage and remembered I had a 9mm x 10mm 12 point that was slipping (everybody ******* about that) didn't know if it was broke or what and figured I an SOL with warranting it anymore so finally took the time to really look closer...and well an inspection with a good light showed me it was looking like a little spring loaded pin wasn't releasing to lock the ratcheting and omg right on the wrench it says to "clean and oil regularly" wow how novel an idea hey
And guess what...yup it's working fine now
I kept back one package of these Master Grip off my tool table this summer I haven't even opened them yet. I had a case of them I sold them all. People really wanted them in Metric too but SAE was all I could get the last time I went wholesale buying (I think they were $12 or $13 a set) have the reversing lever because of the ring feature
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017T7Z7HW/?tag=atomicindus08-20
I know the purists would probably cry out loud about wrenches like these Master Grips and those clunky old Craftsman, and at least the newer Craftsman ones I have have a smaller head design similar to their standard box and combination wrenches, They seem good enough for routine on the job running down nuts on all thread and other things like the numerous carriage bolts found on our greenhouse and wagons. Everything in world doesn't revolve a specific automotive use. The long winded adjustable wrench thread can confirm that
I have a Gearwrench set from when they first come out nicely made very smooth action but completely straight with absolutely no offset pretty much useless for most jobs actually.
