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

 

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.

 

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..

 

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.

 

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

 

I have basically full sets of both SAE and Metric 6-point and 12-point sockets. I use them pretty much interchangeably, but on older or worn bolts I make it point to use the 6-point sockets... I definitely need a set a ratcheting wrenches some time though.

As for finding 6-point sockets in large sizes- just look for "impact sockets." Impact sockets are always thick wall 6-points from what I've seen.

 

x2...

 

I have both, and use both.