6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
Senior User
Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 255
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From: Dallas/Fort Worth
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
depends on what you are doing - technically you are supposed to spin bolts/nuts using the flats - 6 points grab the flats not the points and let you apply lots more torque. 12 pointers grab the points more than the flats, so you are more likely to 'round one off'.
That being said, if you are working in a really tight area and can't get more than a fraction of a turn each time with the wrench the 12 pointers are nice because they will let you find the groove easier.
basically, if I could only afford one nice set I'm going for the 6ers... but an additional set of 12 pointers would be handy if I had enough space and money to double up on everything...
That being said, if you are working in a really tight area and can't get more than a fraction of a turn each time with the wrench the 12 pointers are nice because they will let you find the groove easier.
basically, if I could only afford one nice set I'm going for the 6ers... but an additional set of 12 pointers would be handy if I had enough space and money to double up on everything...
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Fleet Mechanic
Joined: Feb 2003
Posts: 1,314
Likes: 35
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
I get it... I just used a 12 - point open end wrench and almost rounded off a bolt. It was one of these cheap Taiwan wrenches.
I see what you are saying. I had problems with 6-points, both sockets and wrenches, could't get them on in tight places.
I see what you are saying. I had problems with 6-points, both sockets and wrenches, could't get them on in tight places.
Posting Guru
Joined: Dec 2001
Posts: 1,668
Likes: 3
From: Lincoln USA
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
I have seen open end wrenches where the bottom was made with a V shape instead of a U, so it would grip the flats more securely, but I can't remember who made them. (Old age, I guess.)
Posting Guru
Joined: Apr 2003
Posts: 1,067
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From: Fairbanks Alaska
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
I've never seen a 12 point open end wrench. Is this a snap on specialty tool? I have seen open end with 12 point box on the other end. JK. I knew what you meant.
Tyler
95 F-150 302 5 speed
94 F-250 PSD 5 speed
Tyler
95 F-150 302 5 speed
94 F-250 PSD 5 speed
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Posting Legend
Joined: Sep 2001
Posts: 30,255
Likes: 37
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
I have seen some open end wrenches that were curled around almost like a line wrench, or like fingers and a thumb. They only turned one way.
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Mountain Pass
Joined: Mar 2003
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From: Klamath Falls, Oregon
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
I prefer the 12 point sockets. I have never rounded a bolt head off with one either. Same for the box end on a wrench. That 12 point box end wrench will really save you when you get bolt that is somewhere tight. I think that 12 point sockets have a thinner wall too, which is nice to have.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2002
Posts: 13,873
Likes: 3
From: Atlanta GA
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
If you work on bigger trucks (tractors) you will find a lot of 12 point stuff, especially on the bigger starter bolts. Other than that, I think you are better served with 6 point wrenches and sockets and stand less of a chance of rounding something off.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2003
Posts: 8,209
Likes: 12
From: Black Hills of SD
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
You really need both 6 and 12. On sockets if I had to choose it would be 6. When you pull on a rachet or breaker bar the force is on an imaginary plane somewhere way above the fastener depending on the lenbth of the sock and extension and thus more likely to slip off and round off the head. With a wrench you are pulling on the sme plane as the head and slippage is minimized. I use 6 point for teardown. And replace the sockets when they start to get a little sloppy, save some skin.
I have all my sockets in both except wobblies and they are mostly 6 point.
My Mac wrenches have the V throat, they are my favorites.
I have all my sockets in both except wobblies and they are mostly 6 point.
My Mac wrenches have the V throat, they are my favorites.
Last edited by willowbilly3; Jul 20, 2003 at 05:39 AM.
Post Fiend
Joined: Jun 2001
Posts: 7,493
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From: Erie, pa
6 vs. 12-point socket sets?
If you can afford it buy both 6 & 12 point.
I am in the process of tearing down a 48 F1, without the 6 point it would be all heat wrench, with the 6 point I can get a good grip and snap the bolts instead of fighting them all the way off.
I am in the process of tearing down a 48 F1, without the 6 point it would be all heat wrench, with the 6 point I can get a good grip and snap the bolts instead of fighting them all the way off.
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