12 pt. vs. 6 pt. sockets - Which is BETTER?

[Racerbvd]

You need a 12 point for BBS bolts

[Rusty Heap]

PB Blaster is your friend.

but when that fails, speak softly but carry big tools:

I own full sets of 1/4, 3/8th, 1/2, and 3/4 of both 6 and 12 point.



21 Piece Metric 3/4" Jumbo Heavy Duty Socket Set

8 Piece 3/4" Drive Heavy Duty Metric Impact Socket Set

3/4" Heavy Duty Impact Wrench


This set up to 24" long fits both standard AND metric.

http://www.harborfreight.com/15-inch-18-inch-and-24-inch-jumbo-adjustable-wrenches-751.html

[Joe Bob]

Dremel.....

[scottmandue]

I just butter my nuts and don't worry about it.

[Zeke]

Originally Posted by turbo6bar

I was given one of those for Christmas last year. I haven't seen it since. So I went out to the tool box and there it was, front and center. Looks goofy to me.

I guess after 10 months I'll try it.

[on2wheels52]

Buy 6 point sockets, 12 point wrenches.
Jim

[porsche4life]

Snow tires.....

[RedBaron]

12 Point if the bolt is tough to get to.
6 Point for normal use. I mostly use a 6 point and I always use it when I am torquing a bolt because a 12 point is more likely to strip it.

[Shaun @ Tru6]

BFH

and so that this thread is not a total waste

[sammyg2]

And there ain't nuthin better than kroil.

[GWN7]

Generally 12 points are thinner wall sockets than 6 point. Therefore subject to more breakage.

[VaSteve]

Originally Posted by RedBaron

6 Point for normal use. I mostly use a 6 point and I always use it when I am torquing a bolt because a 12 point is more likely to strip it.

How much torque are you putting on the bolts?

I typically go for the 12 points first because nothing is ever easy to get to.

[MBAtarga]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

And there ain't nuthin better than kroil.

Try the home brew concoction of Acetone and ATF, mixed 50/50.

[jyl]

If the ratchet on your socket wrench isn't ridiculously coarse, there's no advantage to 12 pt. For close end wrenches, I like 12 pt.

[Scuba Steve]

Originally Posted by Hugh R

After you've rounded off the bolt, or nut, go to Sears and get their "Bolt out" sockets (as advertised on TV by Bob Veila). They have internal biting teeth and are really good at getting rounded nuts and bolts off.

Seconded - it's an awesome tool. Those totally saved me when I did a timing belt / water pump job on the wife's car. Steel hardware + aluminum block = all kinds of fun.

[Schumi]

12 point would only be used for 'external triple square threads' as they are referred to by the DIN.

Otherwise 6 point for any normal hex. Old 12 points will round corners off too easily.

When working on formula cars, 12 points were not allowed to be used on NAS hardware, ever.

[cmccuist]

360 / 12 = 30 deg. 360 / 6 = 60 deg.

You only need 12 point if your ratchet or breaker bar can't make that swing.

Only communists and welfare recipients use 12 point.

[sammyg2]

Originally Posted by MBAtarga

Try the home brew concoction of Acetone and ATF, mixed 50/50.

Color me skeptical.

[1990C4S]

Originally Posted by sammyg2

Color me skeptical.

It works.

[GH85Carrera]

I have both. I use them where appropriate.