Okay guys here's a question for you and a poll. Which type of combination wrench would you recommend? A 6pt or a 12 point and why?
I looking to go out and buy a new tool set and want some input and thoughts on the wrenches.

 

They both have their merits and drawbacks.. 12s are better in tight spots for indexing, but worn bolts/nuts round easier, 6 points are better for putting the torque to something, but don't move around in a tight swing area so well.

I own a set of each (okay, so I own several sets of each..) but if I HAD to choose one or the other, it would be 12s, just for versatility. If you want the best, and you have the budget, Snap On 12 points DO make a difference, and are better than adequate for all applications if it's the only set you want to have.

 

fwiw, I don't recommend it, but those snap on combination wrenches will take off a brake line or fuel line fitting with the open end in an emergency, and not do much damage, if any at all, if your careful. That flankdrive is pretty amazing how much it will hold.. I've had to do it a few times, and they can be a lifesaver in a pinch, way back in the mountains, or on the side of the road....

I vaguely remember reading that the Craftsman Professional series (The polished chrome ones) had a similar design, but I have not looked at them....might be worth checking as the Snap Ons, as good as they are, can hurt your wallet REAL fast if you don't turn them for a living.

 

I use both.

 

Generally I like 6 point, but like was said a 6 point doesn't work good in a tight place. I still voted for the 6 even though it was a tossup.

 

I chose 12 point for the same reasons that BChance stated and after I thought about it I don't own a complete set of six point wrenches just a few of the most common sizes but most all of my wrenches that get used daily are snap-on long handle flank drive plus.

 

Because I work on everything under the sun and then some I have both in my kit. For things that go on and off a lot or need the extra Umph the 6 points.For tight spots,12 point and of course the all favorite 12 point nut or bolt.

 

"Because I work on everything under the sun and then some I have both in my kit. For things that go on and off a lot or need the extra Umph the 6 points.For tight spots,12 point and of course the all favorite 12 point nut or bolt."

Ditto!

 

really should have both. a 12 point will fit in tighter spots, but is more likely to slip and round off the head. a 6 point is less likely to slip but sometimes it is harder to get in tight spots. if you spend the extra money and get a really good set of 12 point like snap on you get a pretty good comprimise between the two. but it is hard to swallow $320 for a set of wrenches. i have 4 sets. metric 12 and 6, sae 12 and 6 point.

 

It's nice to have both, but if you have to choose only one I'd recomend the 12 point. I find that I need that little tiny bit of a turn far more often than the security of a six point wrench. And if you do need to really crank on it, a lot of times the open end will get it loose enough so that the 12 point wont round it off.

Start with the 12, and start talking someone else into buying you the 6 point set as a gift.

 

i voted for 12 point, i dont own even one 6 point. i must be the odd ball here, i've never rounded a nut/bolt with a 12 pt. its the open end that always rounds the fasteners for me.

 

I'd go with the 6pt. However down the road, pick up a set of 12pt as well.

 

If I need to use a box end wrench, generally there's a reason for it- as in I can't get a socket in there. And if I can't get a socket in there, usually that means I need a 12 point because it's a tight fit.

That said, I just went out and bought a set of 6-point metric wrenches a couple months ago when I was taking the turbo off my truck. The nuts that held the turbo on were locknuts AND they were rusty, the only thing I could get in there was a box end wrench, and one of them started to round a bit as I was trying to break it loose. Didn't wanna risk it so I bought the 6 points, basically for one wrench (got the set for $20, the individual wrench would have cost $9-soemthing).

Hooked a 3/4" wrench into that 6-point 14mm wrench and finally broke that ******* loose! Used it on the other three nuts too.

So they're certainly handy when you need them.

 

Ahh, the ol' double wrenching technique. Don't you just love it!!

 

I have a set of short six point wrenches that i purchased from MAC tools .they work great in a tight spot and you can double wrench them and not bend them.I also have a set of six point rachet wrenchs ,I didnt think they would hold up but I've found out they are nearly indestructable.I own an Auto eletric shop so my tools get a daily workout.I rarely purchase any 12 point anything.