Do 6 point sockets have less risk of rounding than 12 point sockets?

Answer 1

6 point are better than 12, 6 point flank drive is better yet. 12 point still plays a big role in certain situations like a 12 point fastener or a tight clearance where you cant get a six point to work. In cases like removing a driveline yoke on some Ford cars you need a 12 point 12mm socket or wrench and it will have to be an impact socket if it has never been removed previously. I have broken wrenches and sockets on those particular applications but a 6 point will not work as it is a 12 point bolt head. Keep your 12 points, you can never have too many tools in your box. If you run out of room get a bigger box.

Answer 2

Two reasons -- 1 - A 12-point socket can be used on a square-headed bolt or nut. There aren't many of those any more, but you occasionally find them. 2 - A 12-point socket allows you a little more "fiddling room" when you are lining up your ratchet. If it's a really tight space, a 12-point socket can make the difference between getting enough grip to turn the fastener or not. Argument #2 is really more appropriate for a box-ended wrench, though -- if there's not a lot of room to swing the opposite end of the wrench, having 12 points means you can reposition the wrench every 30 degrees instead of every 60. But if you've got a clunky ratchet with only a limited number of "clicks," a 12-pointer makes it easier to get the socket lined up with the fastener. Still, you're correct -- if you really have to lean on something, use a six-point socket. It transmits torque to much more of the face of the nut or bolt, and is far, far less likely to round off the fastener. (For a good time, check out the Snap-On "flank drive" sockets. They are modified six-pointers that are bowed somehow -- I haven't used them in years, but they REALLY transmit torque to the sides of the fasteners instead of the points. Just the thing for stripping the rusted suspension off an old British sports car -- which is what I was helping a friend do the last time I played with Snap-Ons.)

Answer 3

Definately the 6 points are better. From an engineering point of view, the 6 point socket matches the shape of the nut and the contact with the nout or bolt head is at the sides of the socket and distributed along the edge, rather than at the point of the bolt/nut as would happen in a 12 point socket. Practically, the concentration of the stress tends to strip the corners of the hex if the metal is weak.

Answer 4

i own a repair shop,and yes 6 point sockets are the best to own ,i have about throed away all my old 12 point ones or give them away to some people,i wouldn't use any thing other than 6 point socket on any bolt.they are the best ,good luck i hope this help,s

Answer 5

yes and do not throw your 12 point sockets away. Some fasteners are 12 point and you will regret getting rid of your 12 point sockets when you run into those fasteners

Answer 6

6-point are best for that reason, but 12-point are good for tight spaces where you don't have "click room."
The deal is, get really good 12-point sockets that have a good snug fit and are made of really hard steel.
You need both.

Answer 7

Yes

Answer 8

6 points are better but don't "throed" away your 12 points they will come in very handy in certain instances.