rocket

iTrader: (1)

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?

waskillywabbit

iTrader: (-1)

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

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

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

[N8]

agreed. 6pt.

algranger

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

jason191918

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

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

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

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

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

iTrader: (1)

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

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

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

flashkl

Then you've never done a 3.slo headgasket job
All the headbolts have 12 point 14mm heads

James Dean

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

aviator

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

iTrader: (1)

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

iTrader: (1)

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

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.