6 pt or 12 pt wrenches?

[beer]

See the topic.

This actually isn't for me, this is for my dad. He appearantly lost his set of combinational wrenches and he wants a new set for xmas...bro just told me today....not sure how many he needs, but we're thinking 16 metric, 16 SAE or something like that, up to 1 inch.....

 

[tyler811]

12 pt better grip less slippage

 

[beer]

What about for hex fasteners?

 

[amdskip]

Originally posted by: tyler811
12 pt better grip less slippage

Sorry but that statement is wrong. 12 point are better for working in areas that are limited access so you have twice as many positions to put the wrench on the bolt, nut, etc. 6 point have more contact with the bolt and have less positions to put the wrench on the bolt.

 

[Brutuskend]

The only advantage of 12 point wrenches is you can use them in tighter places. (you don't have to move them as much to get your next grip)

Down side, they brake easier. (less metal in the sides)

I broke SEVERAL craftsman 12 point sockets trying to get head bolts loose one time. I switched to a 6 point after the third one broke and THAT one held up!

 

[Ornery]

6pt combo wrenchs are more of a specialty item, but amdskip is correct about them being stronger, and less likely to round off the nuts. The 12pt is much more common. I'd get those for him. He can always return them for the others if he wants.

 

[beer]

Originally posted by: Ornery
6pt combo wrenchs are more of a specialty item, but amdskip is correct about them being stronger, and less likely to round off the nuts. The 12pt is much more common. I'd get those for him. He can always return them for the others if he wants.

Ornery -

were 12 pt always more common thank the six?

The particular set of tools in question that were lost were over 15-20 years old. I used them a few times and I don't recall if they were 12 or 6, but I am tempted to think they were six point.

But I don't think my dad has any specialty uses, just basic automotove and household. And the craftsman are guaranteed for life in case they do round off, right?

 

[MrBond]

Originally posted by: Elemental007

were 12 pt always more common thank the six?

The particular set of tools in question that were lost were over 15-20 years old. I used them a few times and I don't recall if they were 12 or 6, but I am tempted to think they were six point.

But I don't think my dad has any specialty uses, just basic automotove and household. And the craftsman are guaranteed for life in case they do round off, right?

12pt are usually more common.

I've never seen a 12pt wrench wear out itself, the problem with them is they can round off the bolt you're trying to take off, which can be a big problem. On anything critical where I have the clearance, I'll use 6pt sockets.

Craftsman is good stuff. If you can afford it, pick up 4 sets, 2 sets of 6pt (metric and standard) and 2 sets of 12pt (metric and standard). You can never have too many tools

 

[Ornery]

My newest SAE combos are well over 25 years old. I don't ever remember 6pt combos being common. I love my 6pt, deep well sockets, though. They're the first ones I grab when I start a job. I suppose they're what I use instead of 6pt combos.

 

[NeoPTLD]

I have a Husky six point socket-wrench set. I got it at Home Depot, so it couldn't be uncommon.

Six point sockets grabs the head by the surface. Twelve point sockets grabs it by the corners and is much harsher on the head especially when you want to break a rusty bolt loose.

Six points are rare with wrenches that are shaped like O---< , with one end enclosing the whole nut and the other end being open end.

 

[Ornery]

Are you talking about sockets or wrenches? Either way, 12pt is more common than 6pt. If you're only going to own one type, I'd make it 12pt.

 

[opticalmace]

You keep your wrenches, I'll take my wenches.

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: Ornery
Are you talking about sockets or wrenches? Either way, 12pt is more common than 6pt. If you're only going to own one type, I'd make it 12pt.

I would agree. The only reason for 6 point is for strength, and for taking off partialy rounded nuts. (you can smack on a socket one size smaller with a hammer and usually take off a rounded nut)

I would reccomend Craftsman for the warranty, unless you loose them faster than break them Look carefully @ prices when buying them. soemtimes it is only a few bucks mroe for an entire socket/wrench set with the wrenches included than two wrench sets.