tools thread: differences between 6point and 12point sockets?

[Maximus96]

my new set of craftsman tools came with 6pt and 12pt and even a few 8pt sockets. i'm curious as to what are the differences between them and when should i use one over the other? thanks

 

[notfred]

Use 6 pt sockets on 6 sided bolts.
Use 12 pt sockets on 12 sided bolts, or 6 sided bolts when you don't have enough room to turn the ratchet a full 1/6 of a rotation.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

12 pt are weaker, so use 6 pt if you need to crank it really hard. 12 pt are handy when you don't have much room to turn, though.

 

[jagec]

6 point is better almost all the time. Even in tight spaces, you usually have it on a rachet, right? One that you can click over much less than 1/12 of a rotation?

 

[blahblah99]

I usually try to stick with 6 point sockets (especially on bolts that are torqued down well), and only use 12-points on bolts in hard to reach places where the ratchet can't swivel as freely.

 

[ThisIsMatt]

Originally posted by: jagec
6 point is better almost all the time. Even in tight spaces, you usually have it on a rachet, right? One that you can click over much less than 1/12 of a rotation?

I have a torque wrench with no ratchet...lying under a car trying to torque something is much easier with 12 pt sockets since I can keep the gauge in vision...I don't have to move it as far each time.

 

[OrganizedChaos]

use 6 pt. whenever possible. very rarely will you encounter 12 pt. bolts. i've only seen 1 set and those were head bolts on a diesel engine.

 

[Maximus96]

does the clicking/swiveling of the ratchet depend on the number of points in a socket? i always thought it didn't matter and the swiveling of the ratchet depended on the internal gearing mechanism.

 

[C'DaleRider]

Originally posted by: zaku
does the clicking/swiveling of the ratchet depend on the number of points in a socket? i always thought it didn't matter and the swiveling of the ratchet depended on the internal gearing mechanism.

No, the "clicking" of the ratchet handle is not dependent upon the socket. What is trying to be said is that a six-point socket prevents some placement positions of the handle when its inserted into the socket.....in some close, tight situations, the movement of the handle is restricted and usually one will have to put the socket on and then snap in the handle to the socket after it's in place. A 12-point socket will allow the hole for the handle to be turned in small increments so its square opening lines up in more positions.

After the socket is on the handle, the ratcheting is set by the wrench, not the socket. Better quality wrenches have a finer tooth mechanism than the cheaper ones.......such as Mac, Snap-On, and upper end Craftsman.

8 point sockets? Guess good for those square nuts/bolt heads you come across, but since those are not seen on autos and rarely in real life, outside cheap grills and the like, they'd be rather worthless. Real bolts are six-sided.......as are their nuts.