6pt vs 12pt sockets?

**rocket** · 04-12-2009, 03:15 PM

I'm getting ready to purchase a new socket set and wondering if I'll ever need to use 12pt sockets. Never had to before but I suppose there's a first time for everything.
I've been trying to decide what set to get for the past couple weeks as Craftsman has so many choices.

Those of you who wrench a lot, do you recommend owning both 6pt and 12pt sockets?

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**waskillywabbit** · 04-12-2009, 03:24 PM

I have both, but if you are looking for one set, 6 pt every time. More contact angle when you are really cranking on it.

12-point sockets double the number of starting positions. 6-point sockets, however, offer a better grip on fittings and are less likely to slip and round off the corners with continued use and are generally preferred for damaged nuts and bolts.

Simply stated: 12-point sockets are faster, six-point sockets are more secure.

annoyingrob · 04-12-2009, 03:28 PM

I've had quite a few 12pt bolts on my motors. All of my ARP hardware is 12pt, stock exhaust nuts on my 1JZ were all 12pt, stock flywheel bolts on my 1JZ were all 12pt.

With that in mind, I find 12pt are great for stripping 6pt bolts. IMO, get a 6pt socket set. If you need a specific 12pt socket, go buy it.

scuba · 04-12-2009, 03:49 PM

6pt all the way...No need to round off bolt heads...

[N8] · 04-12-2009, 07:55 PM

agreed. 6pt.

algranger · 04-12-2009, 08:01 PM

If you go for 6 i would get a cheap set of 12's to have on hand

jason191918 · 04-12-2009, 08:43 PM

The first 2 sum it up. 12 is faster, 6 is stronger/less likely to strip. When you find a 12 pt bolt you don't have an option. You need 2 of each size. Get one of each type.

tc · 04-12-2009, 09:02 PM

I have yet to run across a 12 point bolt on my truck. I used to not pay attention, and now I have a bunch of bolts rounded off by 12 pt sockets - really wish I had 6 pt for everything.

Now, for wrenches, the 12 pt can be a lifesaver as you may not be able to swing enough for a 6 pt... of course, now that I have used some, I don't think I would buy anything other than ratcheting wrenches...

Windsor · 04-12-2009, 09:06 PM

yeah, 6pt all the way.

I'd like to get some 6pt ratcheting wrenches, but last time I checked (eons ago), they were pretty hard to find.

86Toyrunna · 04-12-2009, 09:12 PM

i always try and use 6point sockets on 6point bolts and nuts... BUT i have found on desprate occasions a 12pt socket can/help remove striped bolts and nuts... for example try using a one size smaller 12pt in either sae or metric.. some times it grips good enough to remove the damaged nut, but i have to say i have only had this work with my Snap-On 12pt sockets, the teeth have a sharper edge on them compareably from what i have found .. alot of performance and HD motors use alot of 12pt fasteners. i work on alot of Industrial IZUZU diesel engines at my work and internaly almost every thing is 12pt.. and if i remeber correctly the last ford motor i built with my old man we upgraded to ARP fasteners and they were 12pt.

Windsor · 04-12-2009, 09:23 PM

Regarding 12pt fasteners, we would hope that someone would be smart enough to realize they couldn't use 6pt sockets on 12pt fasteners.

If not, well, the pain they're about to suffer is the pain they deserve.

wyoming9 · 04-16-2009, 02:40 PM

Having been buying tools for 35 years or so I think in 1/2 your 6 points would be the way to go. Then again it depends a lot on what you work on.

I am sure by now I must have them in both ways several times over I now just buy impact sockets and chrome 12 point ones.

toyNG · 04-16-2009, 03:52 PM

Another vote for 6 point. But it'd be nice to have a cheap set of 12 points lying around for the few times that you will need them instead of a 6 point.

littlecommando · 04-16-2009, 03:58 PM

i do not think that i have ever even seen a 12 point bolt in real life...

flashkl · 04-16-2009, 05:02 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlecommando

i do not think that i have ever even seen a 12 point bolt in real life...

Then you've never done a 3.slo headgasket job

All the headbolts have 12 point 14mm heads

James Dean · 04-16-2009, 05:45 PM

12 point is only for tight, limited area use. And 12 point head bolts of coarse.

**aviator** · 04-16-2009, 10:35 PM

In aviation 12pt is the preferred weapon of choice because many of the engine fasteners are 12pt and they are better in tight spaces. However the 6pt is the more common one for automotive use. If you want to make the criminals life more difficult switch the 6pt fasteners on the more commonly stolen items for 12's...
I'd say get a good 6pt set... and add some individual 12pts to the mix in the more common yota sizes [10, 11, 12, 14mm]

**rocket** · 05-03-2009, 09:05 PM

Thanks all.
I ended up buying their 176pc set that includes both 6 and 12 points, metric and SAE, all in 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" drives. Got it on sale for $180 + free shipping.

http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...t+set&sLevel=0
This will replace my old sockets and keep me from borrowing others.

**rocket** · 05-03-2009, 09:17 PM

Oh, I also added a 1/2" 22mm and 27mm but found it strange how the BIG sockets (22m~+) are only offered as 12pt.
Whats' the reason for this?
I assume it's due to having such a large contact/surface area where a 12pt would make no difference in rounding off corners vs. a 6pt? true?

24Runna · 05-03-2009, 10:09 PM

I had a hell of a time finding a 6-point Metric 1/2" drive set. Finally found it buried in Home Depot.

I was rounding off bolts, and not getting enough torque to loosen those rusted bolts,. I now carry a set of 6-point sockets and ratchet in the back.

flashkl · 05-04-2009, 03:54 AM

Napa has really nice quality 1/2in drive 6 point impact sockets in those 21+ sizes, thats what I use

*Dr. Evil* · 05-14-2009, 10:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by littlecommando

i do not think that i have ever even seen a 12 point bolt in real life...

12 point sockets arent necessarily for 12 point bolts. 12 point sockets work on regular bolts just as 6 point sockets do. The difference is that the 12 point sockets have a much thinner wall which allows you to grab bolt heads where clearance is very limited. Seldom have I had to use 12 point sockets on my trucks, but they sometimes come in very handy at work. You can NEVER have too many tools.

scuba · 05-14-2009, 11:09 PM

Earlier in this thread I kinda down played the importance of 12pt. which I shouldnt have, A 12pt. open end/ closed wrench saved my ass on my egr valve bolts..

Still think they can round off bolts too easily though..

Stick_Figure · 05-15-2009, 08:21 AM

all depends on how cheap of a 12 point you have. when i was using craftsman wrenches and sockets, the 12 points would wear out every 6 months or so, and would have to be replaced. My snap on stuff still looks brand new, so i don't worry about those rounding anything off yet. Of course the other trick is to not be too cheap to replace bolts when they start to wear.

saitotiktmdog · 05-15-2009, 10:12 AM

6 points for sockets since the ratchet help with starting anyways but 12 point is more of a benifit with wrenches. its good to have both 6 and 12 point wrenches but not as critical in my opinion to have 12 point sockets

04-12-2009, 03:24 PM	#2 (permalink)
waskillywabbit Super Moderator-Sponsoring Member Staff Join Date: Jul 2003 Location: Tuscaloosa, AL Posts: 14,548	I have both, but if you are looking for one set, 6 pt every time. More contact angle when you are really cranking on it. 12-point sockets double the number of starting positions. 6-point sockets, however, offer a better grip on fittings and are less likely to slip and round off the corners with continued use and are generally preferred for damaged nuts and bolts. Simply stated: 12-point sockets are faster, six-point sockets are more secure. __________________ WabFab Off-Road, LLC MySpace Twitter Facebook 7th Annual South East 4Runner Jamboree, 2010 The toughest part of a Jeep is the chick driving it. WabFab Off-Road 4th Anniversary Sale Last edited by waskillywabbit; 04-12-2009 at 03:25 PM.

04-12-2009, 03:28 PM	#3 (permalink)
annoyingrob Registered User Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Calgary, AB Posts: 649	I've had quite a few 12pt bolts on my motors. All of my ARP hardware is 12pt, stock exhaust nuts on my 1JZ were all 12pt, stock flywheel bolts on my 1JZ were all 12pt. With that in mind, I find 12pt are great for stripping 6pt bolts. IMO, get a 6pt socket set. If you need a specific 12pt socket, go buy it. __________________ 86 SR5 Turbo pickup Fiberglass bed, Fiberglass Fenders. 91 1.5JZ GT40 Supra. 77 Celica Liftback. (WTB: 20R Carb!)

04-12-2009, 03:49 PM	#4 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: WHEELIN BIG BEAR Posts: 6,968	6pt all the way...No need to round off bolt heads... __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

04-12-2009, 07:55 PM	#5 (permalink)
[N8] Registered User Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Lancaster, PA Posts: 281	agreed. 6pt. __________________ \| '91 4runner \| 22RE \| 5-spd \| 5.29's \| Locked F & R \| 35" BFG AT's (no lift) \| TG Rear Bumper \| SS IFS Truss \| AISIN Hubs \| OME Steer. Stab. \|

04-12-2009, 08:01 PM	#6 (permalink)
algranger Registered User Join Date: Aug 2007 Location: Here in the PNW Posts: 3,264	If you go for 6 i would get a cheap set of 12's to have on hand __________________ . . . I said lie, for me lying under a process tree . . . .

04-12-2009, 09:02 PM	#8 (permalink)
tc Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Longmont, CO Posts: 8,372	I have yet to run across a 12 point bolt on my truck. I used to not pay attention, and now I have a bunch of bolts rounded off by 12 pt sockets - really wish I had 6 pt for everything. Now, for wrenches, the 12 pt can be a lifesaver as you may not be able to swing enough for a 6 pt... of course, now that I have used some, I don't think I would buy anything other than ratcheting wrenches... __________________ Check out www.coTTORA.org to hook up with great Toyota 'wheelin' folks! Current - 93 4Runner: 3VZ 33"x10.50" no lift ARB F/R 96 Impala SS: My own personal cop car Previous - 89 2WD Pickup 22R, Fabtech "Ivan Dan" lift, 31x10.50, IASCA World Finals 4th Place Stop with the mods and get on the trail! Pix at www.4wheelingoh.shutterfly.com/action

04-12-2009, 09:06 PM	#9 (permalink)
Windsor Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: DFW, Texas! Posts: 794	yeah, 6pt all the way. I'd like to get some 6pt ratcheting wrenches, but last time I checked (eons ago), they were pretty hard to find. __________________ '87 T4R Deluxe, mall crawler every non-SR5 option installed (sans AT), as well as: * Cruise Control (dealer installed) * Michelin LTX A/T2 31s on 1st-gen alloy rims * SmittyBilt granny step bar * SR5 Instrument Cluster

04-12-2009, 09:12 PM	#10 (permalink)
86Toyrunna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2008 Location: B-TOWN, ORYGUN Posts: 431	i always try and use 6point sockets on 6point bolts and nuts... BUT i have found on desprate occasions a 12pt socket can/help remove striped bolts and nuts... for example try using a one size smaller 12pt in either sae or metric.. some times it grips good enough to remove the damaged nut, but i have to say i have only had this work with my Snap-On 12pt sockets, the teeth have a sharper edge on them compareably from what i have found .. alot of performance and HD motors use alot of 12pt fasteners. i work on alot of Industrial IZUZU diesel engines at my work and internaly almost every thing is 12pt.. and if i remeber correctly the last ford motor i built with my old man we upgraded to ARP fasteners and they were 12pt. __________________ current: 1986 4Runner, Rebuilt 22RE with engnbldr HP head, cam'd, battery/intake swap, SASed, 5.29s, detroit rear, 35in MTRs, trussed and armored axles, marlin HD clutch, soon to be dual cased, TG rear bumper, Best mod todate CHROME METAL SR5 DOOR HANDLES, thats whats up RIP: 1985 Standard Cab SR5 pickup, add-a-leafs and shackels, 33" BFGs, it died a horrible death (50mph roll over) DD: 2006 Scion Tc w/TRD Supercharge and TRD stainless cat-back exhaust

04-12-2009, 09:23 PM	#11 (permalink)
Windsor Registered User Join Date: Dec 2008 Location: DFW, Texas! Posts: 794	Regarding 12pt fasteners, we would hope that someone would be smart enough to realize they couldn't use 6pt sockets on 12pt fasteners. If not, well, the pain they're about to suffer is the pain they deserve. __________________ '87 T4R Deluxe, mall crawler every non-SR5 option installed (sans AT), as well as: * Cruise Control (dealer installed) * Michelin LTX A/T2 31s on 1st-gen alloy rims * SmittyBilt granny step bar * SR5 Instrument Cluster

04-16-2009, 02:40 PM	#12 (permalink)
wyoming9 Contributing Member Join Date: Apr 2009 Location: I live in New Tripoli Pa out in the woods Posts: 265	Having been buying tools for 35 years or so I think in 1/2 your 6 points would be the way to go. Then again it depends a lot on what you work on. I am sure by now I must have them in both ways several times over I now just buy impact sockets and chrome 12 point ones.

04-16-2009, 03:52 PM	#13 (permalink)
toyNG Registered User Join Date: May 2008 Location: Redlands, CA Posts: 563	Another vote for 6 point. But it'd be nice to have a cheap set of 12 points lying around for the few times that you will need them instead of a 6 point. __________________ 1986 pickup 4x4 SR5, 5-spd, 33x10.5 BFG KM1 muds, 2" body lift, front and rear lockrights, 4.88s, 4.7 t-case with Dave'z twin stick, BudBuilt crossmember with 1" drivetrain lift, Downey grille guard and skid plate, TG sliders Still needed: rear bumper (Marlin, TG, or Dave'z)

04-16-2009, 05:45 PM	#16 (permalink)
James Dean Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Tucson, AZ Posts: 582	12 point is only for tight, limited area use. And 12 point head bolts of coarse. __________________ Custom painter and Toyota Stripe and decal supplier. http://jamesdeancreations.com Custom Safari and Crawlin accessories. http://www.jamesdeancreations.com/4runner_project.htm

04-16-2009, 10:35 PM	#17 (permalink)
aviator Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: COTKU,Ontario,Canada Posts: 7,469	In aviation 12pt is the preferred weapon of choice because many of the engine fasteners are 12pt and they are better in tight spaces. However the 6pt is the more common one for automotive use. If you want to make the criminals life more difficult switch the 6pt fasteners on the more commonly stolen items for 12's... I'd say get a good 6pt set... and add some individual 12pts to the mix in the more common yota sizes [10, 11, 12, 14mm] __________________ Silver 1994 Hilux Xtra cab 4x4 3.0 K&N cone filter, ported MAF, advanced timing, oversize exhaust, free flow cat, "rumble" muffler custom covered SR5 seats, map lights, factory AC tv4184 style black interior conversion started mods to come... header, custom centre console, stereo upgrade tinted windows Founding member 1972TLC fan club - Get well soon Mary Toyota Hilux... Get in or Get out of the way.

05-03-2009, 09:05 PM	#18 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,527	Thanks all. I ended up buying their 176pc set that includes both 6 and 12 points, metric and SAE, all in 1/4", 3/8" & 1/2" drives. Got it on sale for $180 + free shipping. http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...t+set&sLevel=0 This will replace my old sockets and keep me from borrowing others. __________________ '96-'02 gone: '92

05-03-2009, 09:17 PM	#19 (permalink)
rocket Super Moderator Staff Join Date: Apr 2005 Location: Colorado Posts: 4,527	Oh, I also added a 1/2" 22mm and 27mm but found it strange how the BIG sockets (22m~+) are only offered as 12pt. Whats' the reason for this? I assume it's due to having such a large contact/surface area where a 12pt would make no difference in rounding off corners vs. a 6pt? true? __________________ '96-'02 gone: '92

05-03-2009, 10:09 PM	#20 (permalink)
24Runna Registered User Join Date: Oct 2007 Location: Wauconda, IL/Edwardsville, IL Posts: 857	I had a hell of a time finding a 6-point Metric 1/2" drive set. Finally found it buried in Home Depot. I was rounding off bolts, and not getting enough torque to loosen those rusted bolts,. I now carry a set of 6-point sockets and ratchet in the back. __________________ '95 4Runner SR5 130k 3.0 - Auto - 4WD - 4.88 Gears - Aisin Hubs - Downey Headers - Performance Cams - 2.25" CherryBomb Turbo - GY Wrangler RT/S 31x10.5x15 Sony CDX-310 - Polk dB401 - Sirius Hardwired - iPod Touch 32GB Finished putting engine in Apr-26-09, 108k

05-14-2009, 11:09 PM	#23 (permalink)
scuba Registered User Join Date: Jan 2008 Location: WHEELIN BIG BEAR Posts: 6,968	Earlier in this thread I kinda down played the importance of 12pt. which I shouldnt have, A 12pt. open end/ closed wrench saved my ass on my egr valve bolts.. Still think they can round off bolts too easily though.. __________________ Screw you guys I'm goin to TTORA Mods, please be mature and leave my sig alone, thanks. No, I will not be your friend.

05-15-2009, 08:21 AM	#24 (permalink)
Stick_Figure Registered User Join Date: Sep 2008 Location: Southern California Posts: 81	all depends on how cheap of a 12 point you have. when i was using craftsman wrenches and sockets, the 12 points would wear out every 6 months or so, and would have to be replaced. My snap on stuff still looks brand new, so i don't worry about those rounding anything off yet. Of course the other trick is to not be too cheap to replace bolts when they start to wear.

05-15-2009, 10:12 AM	#25 (permalink)
saitotiktmdog Contributing Member Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: Indiana Posts: 679	6 points for sockets since the ratchet help with starting anyways but 12 point is more of a benifit with wrenches. its good to have both 6 and 12 point wrenches but not as critical in my opinion to have 12 point sockets __________________ 1994 toyota 4x4. 22re turbo (sds em4, intercooler, steedspeed manifold, garrett t3) 4 inch procomp stage two lift front, t-bar crank(small), trail gear 4 inch rear lift with 6" shackles. ARB bull bar and warn winch, Quick lock rear, tru trac front 35x12.50 Pro-Comp Mud Terrains, 5.29 gears, snorkel, rock sliders Planned mods. , T-case gears, ditch ifs Beware the groove Man, its a shame when folks be throwin away a perfectly good white boy like that.

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