SOCKETS - 6 pt. vs. 12 pt.

[FSJ-Earl]

I am looking to add to my tool collection. I have a nice collection of 12 point sockets, but I have noticed that on hard to loosen fasteners that litter our beasts that sometimes the 12 point sockets round out a bit easier. What are preferences 6 point or 12 point sockets?

[TPICherokee]

On 6 sided bolts and nuts -- which is the most common-- you want a 6 point socket.

[Ristow]

6 point suck. they do not prevent stripping over a 12 point. 12 point go on the fastener easier in a tight spot,and they'll fit the random 12 point fastener as well. you'll find the cheap kits generally have 6 point,better sets will be 12.

[cajunKen]

12 point go on the fastener easier in a tight spot

Agree 100% on that one. I use 6 points sometimes on slightly rounded fasteners; on really rounded ones I use the universal socket (AKA chisel)

[drlocke]

I use 12 point sockets for most apps, but use 6 point for any situation where nature's locktite seems lavishly applied. Also I try to avoid the use of deep well sockets where normal sockets can be used in trying to bust loose frozen hardware, as there is a tendency for deep sockets to tip off the nut or bolt head when leverage is applied.

[crispyboy]

I am lucky enough to have a nice selection of both. (sears had a sale last year).
I use the 6 point sockets to loosen the bolts - stronger.
I use the 12 point sockets for about everything else - easier to use in tight places.
I also have a couple of 8 pt for 727 tranny adjustments.

[spaulding]

I remember seeing once an socket that contacted the flats of a bolt head, don't remember what they were called, but they seemed superior to standard sockets.
As it stands I use 6 pts to break loose a bolt. Oflten a 6pt socket will have more metal, making it harder to break the socket.
I suppose I can agree with Ristow assuming you get high quality sockets.
A cheap 6pt will outlast and outperform a cheap 12 pt.
Also remeber the best "money back warranty" is the one you don't have to use. They'll replace your socket at the cost of a busted finger and a week off work.

[KaiserMan]

In my experiance 6 points will out perform 12 point sockets.
I don't even buy 12 point stuff anymore.

[addicted]

Being a former dealer tech, time = money and air powered tools are a neccesity, 12 point sckets and impact guns don't play nice together they tend to round off bolts pretty quickly. My tool set consists mainly of 6 point sockets and most of them are impact sockets. I have rearely seen the need for 12 point sockets. But have some for the rare need.
The professional quality tools ($$$$$) are of much higher quality and are going to work better and not take that knuckle or finger out nearly as frequently. The big three even make their 6 points to grip the side of the nut more than the tip to help prevent rounding.

To get back to the poll my vote is for 6 point.

[drlocke]

....remeber the best "money back warranty" is the one you don't have to use. They'll replace your socket at the cost of a busted finger and a week off work.

AMEN to dat! :thumbsup:

[will e]

I have both.

Use the 6 point to loosen it. Keep going if space isn't an issue, otherwise switch to 12 point.

Just like you should not use open end wrench on a tight bolt. Loosen it with the closed end first.

[FSJ Guy]

The only think I've needed a 12 pt socket for is the bolts in the QT differential. That's it. Handy to have, but keep em in the tool box at home!

[Ristow]

good article.

http://www.wrighttool.com/news/article06A.htm


i live in the heart of the rust belt,my 12 point box end wrenches are my prefered nut/bolt-buster.

[BRUTUS]

I only use the gator grip socket... best money I ever spent

https://www.mytoolplace.com/images/gatorgrip/ETC-125.jpg

NOT! :D

[Hammer]

I use both 6pt and 12pt.
Each have their own merits and uses.
I usually use whichever I find in the size I am looking for first ;)
But for anything requiring strength, I use the 6pt sockets.

Too bad they cost a lot more usually, but 12pt bolts and nuts are really nice to use with a 12pt socket or wrench. Only bad part is you MUST use the 12pt tool for them.

[Headhoncho]

Get the 6 point sockets. Much stronger. 12 points are only good for steering shaft couplers and connecting rod bolts. Get a good set of metric sockets too as they fit a little tighter on rusted away nuts/bolts. As far as wrenches go stick with the 12 point on the box end.


JR

[drlocke]

I wondered how those highly-advertised "'gator grip" things worked, and had my suspicions, so never sent for one. :rolleyes:

My MB has a number of 12 point fasteners for affixing shocks and other components. Great grip with the right socket; it'll either break free, or twist off the bolt, but there is no slippage. That's for doggone sure.

[drlocke]

Get the 6 point sockets. Much stronger. 12 points are only good for steering shaft couplers and connecting rod bolts. Get a good set of metric sockets too as they fit a little tighter on rusted away nuts/bolts. As far as wrenches go stick with the 12 point on the box end.


JR

The slightly smaller metric close equiv is great on deformed nuts when applied with a BFH. Only thing is it is often a one-shot deal, and that socket will need to be replaced, as the nut cannot always be easily removed.

[The PIG Smith]

In my experiance 6 points will out perform 12 point sockets.
I don't even buy 12 point stuff anymore.

X2

[AlsChopShop]

it is so rare that you are in a tight enough spot to have to use a 12-pt over a 6-pt, if its close i find that pulling off the 6-pt socket and rotating it 90 degrees on the ratchet/breaker/extension usually does the trick. the number of broken/stripped bolts caused from 12-pts usually outweigh the times you actually need the 12-pt for those hard to reach ones.

Al

[jeeping1974]

i use 6 point only. 12 point is a little too sloppy for me and have striped more bolt heads with a 12 point than i have with a 6 point. actually i don't think i have ever striped a bolt head with a 6 point now that i think about it.

[andy d]

As stuff wore out in my original Craftsman 3/8 and 1/2", 12 point socket set, I replaced them with 6 points. All my 1/4" stuf is 6 point. On a whim, I bought a set of 1/2" metric and reg'lar Chinese impact sockets. I dont have air tools, but I pound those suckers onto a rusty bolt like I was driving spikes. If it slips, I just try the next smaller size. :thumbsup: I havent busted one yet. I've got less than 20$ tied up in them and use them fairly often harvesting parts

[fulsizjeep]

This seems kind of personal. :D If I told you whether I used one or the other, you might get to know something about me that I don't want you to. Just put one on that fits... ;)

[Mahamotorworks]

I have a nice set of 6pt impact sockets that I use on everything. They some in handy with my 3/8 impact that I use to take everything off with.

MAHA

[Dmntxn77]

I voted for six.... BUT, I have a full set of regular, shallow and deep, and impact, shallow and deep in the three main drives sizes standard and meteric, and to be honest, I just grab whichever is in reach.. I never seem to have much problem with either...

[drlocke]

As stuff wore out in my original Craftsman 3/8 and 1/2", 12 point socket set, I replaced them with 6 points. All my 1/4" stuf is 6 point. On a whim, I bought a set of 1/2" metric and reg'lar Chinese impact sockets. I dont have air tools, but I pound those suckers onto a rusty bolt like I was driving spikes. If it slips, I just try the next smaller size. :thumbsup: I havent busted one yet. I've got less than 20$ tied up in them and use them fairly often harvesting parts

Do you happen to remember what brand of Chinese impact sockets those are? The last set like that I got from Big!Lots the first time I used one of them it shattered, nearly taking an eye with one of the fragments. :omfg: With goggles on I tried another. Same thing. The remainder of the set went out in the last scrap haul, and are now in an old school bus in a friend's junkyard, where hopefully they can't hurt anybody else.

[SCscoutguy]

Do you happen to remember what brand of Chinese impact sockets those are? The last set like that I got from Big!Lots the first time I used one of them it shattered, nearly taking an eye with one of the fragments. :omfg: With goggles on I tried another. Same thing. The remainder of the set went out in the last scrap haul, and are now in an old school bus in a friend's junkyard, where hopefully they can't hurt anybody else.
I have some chinese impact sockets I got from Harbor Freight and they have lasted for years. I have abused them and they are still going strong. I know a guy that works in a big rig alignment shop and he uses them to take off budd wheels and hasnt had one break yet. As far as the sockets go I like the 6 points but I own several different sets of both. In the end I usually grab whatever it closest.

[black88]

I voted for six.... BUT, I have a full set of regular, shallow and deep, and impact, shallow and deep in the three main drives sizes standard and meteric, and to be honest, I just grab whichever is in reach.. I never seem to have much problem with either...

Must be nice to live with no salt! I generally use whatever I can find, but when they are rusted so bad that they are round to start with, only the grinder or chisel will do.

[SBJeep]

All 12 point here, with no issues. Of course, I don't have the whole rust thing to deal with so I could see how that would change things.

[Dmntxn77]

Must be nice to live with no salt! I generally use whatever I can find, but when they are rusted so bad that they are round to start with, only the grinder or chisel will do.

That is true.. But my statement was really just refering to the fitment of the sockets...

If the bolt is already all rusty and rounded, I chisel it, cut it, weld a new head on it, ect..

[Hammer]

Metric
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=7383

SAE
http://www.harborfreight.com/cpi/ctaf/displayitem.taf?Itemnumber=2543

Price is CHEAP.
And I have beat the SNOT out of mine for years now. They see use with impact guns, breaker bars w/cheaters, hammers, etc.
About the only bad thing, I left one on a shelf in my parts washer and it rusted up. Nothing that will stop it from working, but the nice finish is gone and it looks bad now.

[Wagabond]

6 point whenever possible, 12 point only when necessary. I have "blossomed"
way too many 12 points to ever trust them fully.

[andy d]

Do you happen to remember what brand of Chinese impact sockets those are? The last set like that I got from Big!Lots the first time I used one of them it shattered, nearly taking an eye with one of the fragments. :omfg: With goggles on I tried another. Same thing. The remainder of the set went out in the last scrap haul, and are now in an old school bus in a friend's junkyard, where hopefully they can't hurt anybody else. Nope, I got them at Ocean State Job Lots,a coupla yrs ago. They werent any name brand. I am not recommending these, but they are a lot better than the 3/8s extensions I bought there.

[Dirtball]

good article.

http://www.wrighttool.com/news/article06A.htm


i live in the heart of the rust belt,my 12 point box end wrenches are my prefered nut/bolt-buster.

I still have my GRANDFATHER'S set of Wright sockets and ratchet...

I believe in 6 point... though, in MOST applications, either one will work fine...

[1977cherokeechief]

i voted 6 point, just becauseive eiher rounded TOO many nuts/bolts, or actually stripped out the socket.


with the 6points i will break the ratchet before i get the nut to round or strip the bolts.


with that said, i will by CHEAP @ss ratchets cause i am known for breaking the,:thumbsup:

just my $.02

[Michael]

This is a funny thread:p

[drlocke]

Nope, I got them at Ocean State Job Lots,a coupla yrs ago. They werent any name brand. I am not recommending these, but they are a lot better than the 3/8s extensions I bought there.

Yeah, I've haunted OSJL in Springfield, Palmer and other places, and have gotten some halfway decent stuff. I got a floor-type drill press that is noisy and a little sloppy, but not intolerably so (pardon the pun). It has done a lot of mortise work--believe me--when I was making art display furniture for my gf. Other stuff is for the birds. The 6" bench grinder stone I had that exploded on me in normal use came from OSJL. I guess you can get good stuff from there, and I have, so I can't complain. It is still a lottery, and one must be careful.

[Wagabond]

with that said, i will by CHEAP @ss ratchets cause i am known for breaking the,:thumbsup:

just my $.02

Just get Craftsman. The look on the sales associates face, and the barely perceptable mouthing of "mu******ka" when you bring in 3 totally fragged 1/2" drive ratchets in a 6 hour span is priceless.

That's how I met my wife.

[mattmopar440]

I only use the gator grip socket... best money I ever spent

NOT! :D

X2 use mine twice

[tyrodtom]

Been a bodyman for 34 years and circle track racer for 18 years. I've always done my own mechanical work. I always buy 6 point, the only reason I have any 12 points around is to use on the occassional 12 point fastener. I buy the best I can afford, a warranty doesn't do you a lot of good if a tool lets you down when you need it.

[1977cherokeechief]

Just get Craftsman. The look on the sales associates face, and the barely perceptable mouthing of "mu******ka" when you bring in 3 totally fragged 1/2" drive ratchets in a 6 hour span is priceless.

That's how I met my wife.

thats what we use at our highschool, ive broke 5 of them, is one day, on one car, i wasnt even using a pry bar or pullover bar, or cheater, just pur arm, and i aint even that strong!!!

[Wagabond]

thats what we use at our highschool, ive broke 5 of them, is one day, on one car, i wasnt even using a pry bar or pullover bar, or cheater, just pur arm, and i aint even that strong!!!

That was about 15 years ago; they may have went way down hill. To be fair, what I was doing (uncle's old school air sockets + 1/2 in drive + six feet of bar stock + me and two other > 200 pounders doing an Iwo Jima on it) would've grenaded any ratchet.

IIRC, We ended up decapitating the offending bolt. Then the fun began..

[1977cherokeechief]

what bolt were you trying to break loose???


6*400=2400ft.lbs:eek: :eek: :eek:

[Wagabond]

what bolt were you trying to break loose???


6*400=2400ft.lbs:eek: :eek: :eek:
Rusted in place Scout II steering box bolt. The box ,frame and bolt were existing as one.