stupid socket question

[T2urtle]

this is going to sound dumb and i know it is already but i couldn't find it thru google.

I know you can use a 12pt socket on 6pt nuts/bolts or w/e but can you use a 6pt on 12pt nut... I think the last time i tried it didn't work and thats why i bought a set of 12pt sockets...



I have these 12pt sockets that i NEVER use and wondering why i bought them....

edit....
oh and what the hell do you need 12pt sockets for... i remember why i bought them now.. it was flywheel or torque converter bolts on a some car i did

 

[jlee]

You can't use 6pt sockets on 12pt bolts.

12pt sockets will strip a 6pt bolt easier than a 6pt socket will, but they're also usable on 12pt bolts.

 

[compman25]

edit....
oh and what the hell do you need 12pt sockets for... i remember why i bought them now.. it was flywheel or torque converter bolts on a some car i did

I know on my truck the driveline uses 12 pt nuts for the u-joints.

 

[herm0016]

12 points also provide you with a smaller angle to be able to fit the socket onto the bolt in tight spaces without ratcheting or when using a non-ratcheting tool like a breaker bar, but as others have said you can not apply as much torque as you can with a 6 point.

 

[Viperoni]

QFT on the above. Don't use 12 point on a 6 point if you don't have to.

 

[alfa147x]

I feel like an idiot, had to look up wtf 12 pt vs 6 pt was...

 

[T2urtle]

^its not really normally discussed, i didn't know till i ran into those flywheel/ TC bolts... i know i tried but maybe thats why i went out and bought these 12 pts.



guess i'll keep these then... bottom drawer of the tool box type of thing.

 

[boomerang]

I'll argue the 12pt. socket versus 6pt. socket rounding off argument in regards to a hex head bolt or nut. The points of contact are identical for both. Each contacts the bolt or nut at 6 points.

What is important is the way the socket was designed. Cheaper sockets will make contact on the points of a hex, more expensive sockets will contact the flank or sides of the hex. Much less likelihood of rounding off the fastener.

Snap-on had an illustration for it, but I can't find it.

 

[jlee]

I'll argue the 12pt. socket versus 6pt. socket rounding off argument in regards to a hex head bolt or nut. The points of contact are identical for both. Each contacts the bolt or nut at 6 points.

What is important is the way the socket was designed. Cheaper sockets will make contact on the points of a hex, more expensive sockets will contact the flank or sides of the hex. Much less likelihood of rounding off the fastener.

Snap-on had an illustration for it, but I can't find it.

It does, but the 'depth' of the grab is much less for a 12pt.

 

[bruceb]

You can use a 12 point socket on a 6 point hex bolt, provided the bolt is not too tight or it will round off or not loosen. You can not use a 6 point socket on a 12 point bolt. 12 point hardware / sockets are primarily found in aircraft.

 

[Demon-Xanth]

Another place I've seen 12 points used are caliper bolts. But I wouldn't call it common. For most people, the main advantage of 12 points is that they're easier to get on the head of the bolt since you have an opportunity ever 30 degrees instead of 60.