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are 12 point sockets good

by Gillian Fadel Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.Apr 9, 2020

What is a 12-point socket?

And a 12 point socket is going to go over the same nut or bolt in twice as many positions so much easier to use in tight spaces. ( Check prices here) A twelve-point touchline is known as a double-hex or double-hexagon. That means it has twelve points or pinnacles that can constantly be spaced at thirty-degree enhancement around a band.

What is the advantage of a six point socket?

1) Better for jobs requiring a large amount of force. Something to note is that impact sockets almost always come in the six point configuration (with good reason). 2) The additional contact surface along the flat edges of the fastener makes it much less likely to slip around corners, stripping the bolt.

Are 12pt sockets any good?

As stated, 12pts are fine if the bolts are in good shape. I highly prefer 6pt anyway, although a lot of the larger sockets are only 12pt if you're buying local.

What are 12 point bolts used for?

What are 12 point bolts used for? Most of the time, a twelve-point nut is used for higher and better clamp load. Usually, a twelve-point screw could be watched in the gas and oil production because of all the niche heads of nuts.

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Are 6 or 12 point sockets better?

Answer: It's true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here's why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they're less likely to flew.

Are 12 point sockets more likely to strip?

Since 12 point sockets have less surface contact with fasteners than 6 point sockets do, there's a greater risk of stripping bolts. When using a 12 point socket on a hexagonal bolt head, the amount of material that must give way for the bolt to be stripped is less than a 6 point fastener.

How many point sockets are the best?

For the best fit, choose a 6-point socket for a 6-point fastener and a 12-point socket for a 12-point fastener.

Does a 12 point socket have more grip than a 6 point socket?

The more points a socket has, the more points of contact available. Compared with the 6-point socket, a 12-point socket has twice as many points, so it can more easily slide onto a hex nut. In other words, you would need to rotate only up to 30 degrees to fit a 12-point socket onto a hex nut.

Why are 12 point sockets so common?

The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.

What is the most common ratchet size?

The most common ratchet sizes are ¼ inch drive, 3/8 inch drive, and ½ inch drive. There are also larger ratchet sizes including ¾ inch drive and 1-inch drive available. Most ratchets used with sockets contain a gear mechanism that is designed to allow for rotation in one direction only.

What is a 12-point socket called?

The 12-point socket, also called a double-hex or bi-hex, has 12 angles in the bolt end. The double-hex is able to fit over a hexagonal bolt head in twice as many positions as the regular hex socket, so it's a good choice for working in tight spaces.

Why are 12-point bolts used instead of hex bolts in some applications?

The 12-Point design permits this style bolt to be tightened down with a 12-Point socket wrench, which permits higher torque to be applied as compared to a standard internal hex drive socket head cap screw. Another advantage of the 12-Point head type is their use in tight spaces.

What are the best sockets to buy?

Top 5 Socket SetsBest Accessories: DEWALT 168-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set.Largest Set: DEWALT 172-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.Best Basic Set: Neiko 65-Piece Socket Set.Best Quality: Craftsman 135-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.Best Labels: Stanley Black Chrome and Laser-Etched 69-Piece Socket Set.

What are 8 point sockets used for?

Proto® 8 Point Sockets are ideal for use on stubborn or damaged fasteners, and also on fasteners made from soft materials. The TorquePlus™ design is a high performance drive configuration which allows for quick and easy socket engagement to the fastener flats, not the corners.

When would you use a 6 point socket?

1:096:54Should you be using 6 Point or 12 Point Sockets? - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhenever we look at the side walls of the socket. We can see just how much thicker. We are here onMoreWhenever we look at the side walls of the socket. We can see just how much thicker. We are here on this six point than we are the 12. And that is always going to be the case being that when we only

What are 5 point sockets used for?

All purpose impact sockets are for use with impact power tools in loosening and tightening fasteners. They can apply more torque than a hand drive tool and have an enclosed head that fits around and grips the entire head of the fastener so the socket won't slip off.

Why are 12 point bolts used instead of hex bolts in some applications?

The 12-Point design permits this style bolt to be tightened down with a 12-Point socket wrench, which permits higher torque to be applied as compared to a standard internal hex drive socket head cap screw. Another advantage of the 12-Point head type is their use in tight spaces.

What company makes the best sockets?

Top 5 Socket SetsBest Accessories: DEWALT 168-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set.Largest Set: DEWALT 172-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.Best Basic Set: Neiko 65-Piece Socket Set.Best Quality: Craftsman 135-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.Best Labels: Stanley Black Chrome and Laser-Etched 69-Piece Socket Set.

What are spline sockets good for?

Spline sockets on spline fasteners help deliver twice the torque of 12 pt. wrenches on double hex fasteners, helping tighten high strength bolts to high torque loads. Spline helps reduce foreign object debris (FOD) by forcing a precise fit between thefastening tool and the fastener.

What are 8 point sockets used for?

Proto® 8 Point Sockets are ideal for use on stubborn or damaged fasteners, and also on fasteners made from soft materials. The TorquePlus™ design is a high performance drive configuration which allows for quick and easy socket engagement to the fastener flats, not the corners.

Why do six point sockets have thicker walls?

Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew. (2) A six-point socket is designed to contact the head of a fastener well away from the corners so contact is made on the thickest part of the fastener.

Is a 12 point socket necessary?

Is this really necessary? Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners.

Can you use a socket if chrome is peeling?

However, after years of use, the chrome finish can flake off. Don’t use a socket if the chrome is peeling. The chrome will be sharp as a razor blade. Any reputable tool company will replace one of its tools that has peeling chrome.

Why use 12 point sockets?

12 Point Sockets – Advantages. 1) The additional “notches” in the twelve point make it easier to connect with the head of the fastener, saving time. This is especially good in situations where the bolt is hard to see. 2) Better range of motion due to the fact you can connect at more angles. In other words, good for tight spaces.

Why are impact sockets 6 point?

2) The additional contact surface along the flat edges of the fastener makes it much less likely to slip around corners, stripping the bolt. 3) Similarly, the thicker walls means it is less likely to flex and slip.

What is the advantage of a 12 point socket?

12 points will fit the square end of a tap if you cant get a tap handle in to where it needs to be tapped

How many points does a 6 point socket have?

A 6 point end is hexagonal in shape—it has six points, or vertices, evenly spaced at 60 degree increments around a circle. ( Check prices here) And a 12 point socket is going to go over the same nut or bolt in twice as many positions so much easier to use in tight spaces. A 12 point end is a double-hexagon —it has 12 points, or vertices, ...

Why do sockets need to be thicker?

Because they’re already thick they need to be thicker to absorb that torque they have thicker walls that are designed to contact the fastener away from the corners on the thick walls. 6 point rounded corners and edge to allow the socket to easily slide onto the fastener.

Why is a six point fastener less likely to slip?

The six point is going to be a lot less likely to slip or round off a fastener because if you don’t know the points are not what is grabbing really the fastener that’s not where the torque is being applied in the corners. Sixpoint have thicker walls on the side and they have less points.

What is the best socket for a ratchet handle?

12 point sockets are best for tight areas where you have limited space to move the ratchet handle and need shorter throw.

How many bolts does Harley use?

Harley-Davidson uses twelve point bolts at various points on their motorcycles. They advise to have both shallow and deep sockets for things like the brake calipers.

Why is a 6 point socket less likely to strip the head of a bolt?

What makes 6 point socket less likely to strip the head of a bolt? The reason is that it does not put pressure against the point. The pressure is actually put against the shoulder of the point.

What is a 12 point socket?

12 point sockets, as mentioned are good for area where you need more flexibility to get on the bolt head. But they were originally intended for the aircraft industry, where 12 bolt bolts are common place. They use them as the head diameter can be a little smaller.

Can you find 6 PT in Harbor Freight?

Never have problem finding a 6 pt in harbor freight or sears.

Is a 12 volt socket square drive?

Virtually all taps are square drive in my experience. A 12pt socket can also be viewed as three sets of four point patterns. I've always been able to find a 12pt socket that would fit the tap I want to use.

Is a 6 pt socket the same as a 12 pt socket?

This would allow a 6pt socket to be functionally identical to a 12pt socket, I think they would both have the same number of starting and ending positions.

Is a wrench in the socket?

wrench perhaps but with a socket it's all in the ratchet.

Is using a non impact socket with an impact gun a bad idea?

Terrible idea all around. Won't stop someone from doing it though. Since using any non impact socket with an impact gun is a terrible idea.

Do you need new nuts if your nuts are rounded?

That's nuts. If your nuts are that rounded you need new nuts.

Does Harbor Freight carry metric sockets?

Harbor Freight carries a small set of 7 spline sockets for metric and SAE for very cheap. I think I’ll pass on those sockets, though. I’ll just get myself a set of impact 12-point sockets from Amazon, for the rare occasion I may bump into 12-point bolts/nuts. I’ve seen those inside the DD15 engine.

Do 6 point fasteners have 6 point sockets?

Wrenches are a different story. 6 point fasteners get 6 point sockets. Because if its stubborn you will ruin the bolt or the tool. Spline drives are a universal attempt at a fits all socket. Never bought any. This is my professional opinion on the deal. If it works for you, thats great.

Can spline sockets be used in aircraft?

I am starting to think that perhaps the best use for spline sockets would be for actual spline bolt heads, but to this date I have never seen that bolt in my truck. Apparently spline bolts are more commonly used in aircraft because of their high torque capabilities, which some are saying can be twice as high.

Which is better, a 6-point socket or a 12-point socket?

The 12-point socket is capable of connecting at more angles faster than a 6-point may. When access is not easy, connecting the socket should be. And using the 12-point socket, it tends to be much easier than using a 6-point socket.

Why use a 6 point socket?

The 6-point socket is generally used in jobs that require more force than usual. You may use a 6-point socket for removing lug nuts from a tire, for instance, because of the tremendous force involved. Less likely to slip. One important feature of 6-point sockets is that they have additional contact surface.

What are Sockets Used for?

Sockets can serve a wide range of tasks. Generally, they are a tool (a bit) that attaches to either a socket wrench, torque wrench, ratchet, or some other type of turning tool. They are meant to loosen fasteners like bolts or nuts by turning them.

What is a socket wrench?

Sockets can serve a wide range of tasks. Generally, they are a tool (a bit) that attaches to either a socket wrench, torque wrench, ratchet, or some other type of turning tool. They are meant to loosen fasteners like bolts or nuts by turning them.

Why are 6 point sockets important?

Less likely to slip. One important feature of 6-point sockets is that they have additional contact surface. Along each of the flat edges of the socket is an additional contact surface that makes the socket less likely to slip. Stripping. Slipping while using a socket can strip a bolt.

What is an impact socket?

That is where an impact socket comes in handy. Impact sockets are meant to handle vibration caused when using an impact tool. Impact tools are generally used to remove seized bolts and nuts and generally from vehicles. It is important to note that impact sockets are not meant to be used with standard fasteners.

Can you strip a bolt with a socket?

Stripping. Slipping while using a socket can strip a bolt. When a bolt gets stripped, it becomes infinitely more difficult to remove. Using a 6-point socket lessens the chances of stripping the bolt and having to deal with that nightmare. Added strength.

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