Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

[KRS]

I'm not sure I understand the differences / need for the two types.

Here's what I know (no chuckles please):

* 12 pt sockets can be 'indexed' on top of a fastener are more angles, in case it's a tight spot.


So, what's the use of each and if you were buying sockets, what would you get?

Thank you,

KRS

 

[rockyrude]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

The 12 pt sockets are fine for the average bolt, but if you get a seriously tight one ( rust, corrosion, etc) a 12 pt will round the bolt off in a heartbeat. The 6 pt gives the grip you need. Yes sometimes it's a little tough to get a 6 pt on. For the cost, unless you are doing the snap-on/matco route, both are affordable.

 

[scooper77515]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

Yup. 6ers have less tendency to round off heads. Notice that impact sockets are 6... there is a reason for that

 

[Limited-Time]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

As mentioned both have their uses. The six points really shine when the bolt head or nut are undersized due to corrosion. FWIW Snapon's flank drive sockets are some of the best out there. But they are da## pricey.

 

[eclark53520]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

If you're only going to have one type of socket, i would go with a 6pt set.

My reasoning is that the 6pt will do anything the 12pt will do. However, the 12pt will not do everything a 6pt will do, which involves tight bolts.

Believe me, it is far more infuriating rounding off a bolt with a 12pt than it is trying to get a 6pt socket on a bolt in a tight space.

Honestly though, get both. Socket sets these days are fairly cheap and you can never have enough options when it comes to tools.

 

[RicMic]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

If you're only going to have one type of socket, i would go with a 6pt set.

My reasoning is that the 6pt will do anything the 12pt will do. However, the 12pt will not do everything a 6pt will do, which involves tight bolts.

Believe me, it is far more infuriating rounding off a bolt with a 12pt than it is trying to get a 6pt socket on a bolt in a tight space.

Honestly though, get both. Socket sets these days are fairly cheap and you can never have enough options when it comes to tools.

I'd get the six point, they are less likely to round off corners as said and then if you get into one of those rare places, such as some of the places on an engine, then just buy the one twelve point for that size. Yes they are cheaper if you buy a full set, but buying the ONE you need is still cheaper than a full set to use only one or two of them AND regardless of what you get don't get the garbage made in China.

 

[Brewman61]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

I own both, same with other wrenches. Both have their uses.
For the same reason you want to use a tubing wrench vs an adjustable.

If you shop around a bit you can find some pretty good prices on full tool sets. I've had pretty good luck with Craftsman myself. I can't afford the really high end stuff like SnapOn, though the tools are a dream to use- and to afford, unless you're a pro and have a nice tool allowance of something.

Worse thing is to buy crappy quality- you'll pay more in the long run.

 

[mkast]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

Both have there uses.
If you swing wrenches long enough, you'll eventually get both.
Example:
Twelve point cap screw.

 

[JoshGuitar]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

Another advantage of the 12 point is you can use it on a square fastener. Not too common on boats but it comes in handy when you need a breaker bar for some extra leverage on a drain plug on a tractor or whatever.

 

[mkast]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

a square fastener.

Look at eight point sockets.

 

[KRS]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

Excellent insight and good advice, thank you!

 

[KRS]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

My in-laws were cleaning out my wife's grandpa's garage. Since they don't work on their own stuff, they were throwing stuff out.

I literally rescued a complete set of Powr-Kraft 1/2" drive sockets with breaker bar, rachet, and extensions; still in the tin box.

Can't buy that kind of quality today and a replacement set (of today's quality) would be mucho $$$$.

Still thankful I saw that in the 'donate' pile!

KRS

 

[DJ]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

My in-laws were cleaning out my wife's grandpa's garage. Since they don't work on their own stuff, they were throwing stuff out.

I literally rescued a complete set of Powr-Kraft 1/2" drive sockets with breaker bar, rachet, and extensions; still in the tin box.

Can't buy that kind of quality today and a replacement set (of today's quality) would be mucho $$$$.

Still thankful I saw that in the 'donate' pile!

KRS

What an absolute shame that people do not rcognize the craftmanship tools of our forebearers. It should be a crime.

I am going through this too. My Father had some great stuff that should NEVER see a landfill. Some of those old tools work so m uch better than new ones, it's laughable.

But, we only want instant gratification today, read: $$$$$

 

[puddle jumper]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

In idea of a 12 point bolt, is you have more socket/ bolt head contact. This allows to get more torque on a bolt with a smaller head. The same idea between fine thread and coarse thread.

Personalty I like 6 point over 12 point as stated before they just don,t round off as easy.

 

[dockwrecker]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

I won't buy 12 pt. sockets. Not worth the risk to my hands, they slip waaay too often. And if it's not Snap-On or Mac, it ain't in my toolbox pretty much for the same reason.

 

['96 Charger]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

I own both. However sometimes you can't hardly find 6pt sockets in larger sizes for some reason. Maybe I'm just looking in the wrong places.

 

[180shabah]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

12pt has LESS contact than the 6pt. That is why it is more likely to round off the bolt head.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

12pt has LESS contact than the 6pt. That is why it is more likely to round off the bolt head.

The poster was talking about 12 point heads c/w 12 point sockets.
That combination does give you MORE contact.

 

[KRS]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

I'm referring to 6 pt fasteners, not 12 pt.

 

[Tim Frank]

Re: Sockets- 6pt vs 12pt

MKAST mentioned 12 point heads...