While 6 point sockets are better suited to high-impact applications, 12 point sockets are more versatile. 12 point sockets can be used on hexagonal, and 12 point fasteners and are ideal for work in confined spaces. 6 Point Socket A 6-point socket wrench is a wrench that has six corners and sides, at 60° angles, in a socket well.
What is the advantage of a 12 point socket?
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 an advantage of a six point socket?
Better Grip, Less Likely to Strip Bolt That said, 6-point sockets are less likely to strip bolt heads, making them ideal for situations that require lots of force. A high-quality 6 point socket makes contact with the nut or bolt on its entire wall, offering greater grip.
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.
Are 12 point sockets necessary?
4:359:38So it's really not necessary anytime you can use a six point to use a six point. But you will comeMoreSo it's really not necessary anytime you can use a six point to use a six point. But you will come across those twelve point fasteners on specific areas of vehicle. So for home use I suggest. Just
Are 6 point wrenches worth it?
The six-point wrenches were the best yet, and for good reason. There is the most engagement with the fastener on the flats rather than only the corners. This makes it a lot harder to round off the edges even if the bolt is already damaged or very soft material.
Which socket size is best?
Drive Size½-inch drive size sockets are for high-torque applications like automotive wheel replacement and when you are using a breaker bar. ... ⅜-inch drive size sockets are the most common and most available. ... ¼-inch drive size sockets are ideal when you are in tight spaces or when you are working with recessed nuts.
What type of socket is stronger?
Impact socketsImpact sockets normally offer stronger rust resistance and life span, as well as being stronger. Whilst regular sockets are used mainly for manual light-duty work, impact sockets can be used for both light-duty work and impact driver heavy-duty work.
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.
Do I need both 6 and 12 point sockets?
If your fastener is 12-point, which is somewhat uncommon, then you must use a 12-point tool. For 6-point fasteners, a 6-point tool is your best choice. Matching up the points between the tool and fastener means that you will maximize the surface area of steel in contact, making the tool less likely to slip or fail.
What sockets do mechanics use?
⅜” drive sockets are the most practical sockets for most automotive jobs. If you can only pick one drive socket set — you want a ⅜” drive set. However, these still won't let you complete any job. ½” drive socket sets are the largest drive sockets that most mechanics need.
Can I use a 12 point socket on a square nut?
yes, and no. usually you can find a 12pt socket that will fit over a square nut, but thats not something they are designed for. if the nut is very tight, you will likely round it off. the reason is the angle of those points.
Is a 6-point socket best?
Sockets are commonly made in both 6-point and 12-point styles. For the best fit, choose a 6-point socket for a 6-point fastener and a 12-point socket for a 12-point fastener.
What advantage does a 12 point socket have over a 6-point socket?
0:496:54Now these can be used in multiple different applications. But the main topic that comes aboutMoreNow these can be used in multiple different applications. But the main topic that comes about whenever we're talking about a six point versus a 12 point is the amount of torque that can be put on a
What are the advantages of sockets?
Sockets are flexible and sufficient. Efficient socket based programming can be easily implemented for general communications. It cause low network traffic. Socket based communications allows only to send packets of raw data between applications.
What is a 6-point socket called?
hex socket setA hex socket set, also called a 6-point socket set, is designed to fit over a standard 6 sided hexagonal shaped nut or bolt head. These are the most common type of socket.
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.
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.
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.
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 is it important to strip a bolt?
Improved surface coverage. Though it may not be something that jumps out to novice handymen, the improved surface coverage is important. Stripping a bolt is the last thing you want to do. With more contact surface area, there is less likelihood of slipping. No slipping means no stripping. Which tends to mean that the job is easier to pull off.
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.
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.
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.
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
Is a 6 point socket better than a 12 point?
But in case you won’t slide out an obstinate attachment or circle over the edges, then 6-point sockets are the right match for you. So, as you can see both of them has different agenda and therefore they perform differently to fulfill various requirements of the users. This is why we can’t just declare one of them better as their functionality is different.
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.
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, ...
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.
What is a 12 point end?
A 12-point end is a double-hexagon (sometimes called “double-hex”)—it has 12 points, or vertices, evenly spaced at 30 degree increments around a circle. This geometry will also fit on a 6-point fastener. Your tool will work best when it fits precisely onto the fastener. If your fastener is 12-point, which is somewhat uncommon, ...
What is the best box end for a Tekton ratcheting wrench?
Most tool companies use 12-point box ends on their ratcheting wrenches, but Tekton uses a 6 point box end for a better fit.
Why is it important to match up the points between the tool and the fastener?
Matching up the points between the tool and fastener means that you will maximize the surface area of steel in contact, making the tool less likely to slip or fail. This is important when you’re applying a lot of force, especially if the fastener is damaged or rusted.
Why do you need a 12 point box end?
On a ratcheting wrench, there is a lot less benefit to a 12-point box end because the box end can be rotated by hand to an unlimited number of positions. The 12-point box end is more versatile, but better for lighter applications.
What is a non-ratcheting box end?
Non-Ratcheting Wrenches. On a non-ratcheting wrench, 12-point box ends benefit from having more positions for engaging the fastener. This can be helpful, especially in situations with limited access. However, the tool is more likely to slip or fail when used on a 6-point fastener, especially if you apply a lot of force.
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.
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.
Do motorcycles have tight corners?
Motorcycles have a lot of tight spaces and corners, so ultimately you are going to want a well rounded set of tools that allow you to pick the right tool for the specific job. If you like this post, please be sure to share it on social media. The website is new and the sharing does help! Happy Wrenching!
What is the difference between 12 point and 6 point?
Twelve Points can strip more easily as Six Points can turn fasteners farther back from the corners. Combination of both is nice to have. As far a Phillipss head stuff I get to use Straight Slot, Phillips, Posi-Drive, Torx, Tamper Torx, Inverted Torx, Torx Plus, Tamper Torx Plus, Pipe Plug, 6 Point, 12 Point, Line Wrench, Crows Feet, 12 Point Crows Feet, Square Drive, Allen Head Lets see, seen but not used or used in a while triple square, pin spanner, face spanner, Reed and Prince, Torx was used because the patent owner of TORX provided GM with tooling and stuff to make fasteners and tools to install them.
What grade are 12 PT nuts?
For all you or I know, 12 pt fasteners might start at grade 9.9 and the aircraft people use those so a cheezy auto-grade part doesn't accidentally get substituted. ARP makes nice head studs for head bolt apps, that also include 12 pt nuts. The automakers invented/popularized phillips heads in the 40's just because the screwdriver doesn't slip off on the assembly line. Bet the torx has similar speed/ease of assembly considerations.
Why did the Phillips head come out?
The automakers invented/popularized phillips heads in the 40's just because the screwdriver doesn't slip off on the assembly line. Bet the torx has similar speed/ease of assembly considerations.
What is the difference between 6 point sockets and 12 point sockets?
6 point sockets put pressure on the flat of the fastener, where you can apply the most force. 12 point sockets put the pressure on the corners. A 12 point can be easier to get on a fastener in a tight spot. I try to use 6 pointers as much as I can.
How to offset a socket?
If you're using a cheater bar or torque wrench, pull the socket off and put it on the square peg 90 degrees off. This will offset the 60-degree hex 30 degrees from where you started.
What bolts are used on Jeep drive shafts?
Older Jeep Driveshafts are held in with 12 point bolts also. I used to like 12 point till I found out (the hard way) that they strip bolt heads easier.
Do 6 point sockets round off?
I prefer 6 point sockets myself, They tend not to round off stuff as easily.
