I know that 6 point sockets are supposed to grip the fastener better. Why would you even want 12 point sockets other than if you had a fastener that was 12 point?
Is there some other difference besides the # of points?
2006-12-02 16:10:42 · 10 answers · asked by David 2 in Cars & Transportation ➔ Maintenance & Repairs
Six point grabs better, But a twelve point can sometimes get onto a bolt head that has been stripped a little and really the main reason is it goes onto the bolt in more positions so it works better in tighter spots,
2006-12-02 16:19:20 · answer #1 · answered by Todd F 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
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.)
2006-12-02 16:26:04 · answer #2 · answered by Scott F 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Two reasons:
12-pt sockets generally have a thinner wall thickness compared to a 6-pt, and therefore can fit on fasteners in tighter spaces.
The 'throw'* on a 12-pt socket is only 30 degrees, while the 'throw' on a 6-pt socket is 60 degrees. That lets you use the socket wrench in a tighter space.
And the 6-pt/12-pt grip difference Is a base canard.
*Throw is the amount of turn on the wrench required to put a new facet of the wrench on the fastener.
2006-12-02 16:23:34 · answer #3 · answered by Bob G 5 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Can't be sure about this but maybe less weight cause you know the front of an aircraft engine called the intake cowl is fastened by this say a 100+ and the exhaust or the (turbine rear frame) is also fastened with around 200+ or less (don't take my figures accuracy) 12 points titanium fasteners, so the only reason I can think of is the weight factor of the fastener head.
2006-12-02 16:32:40 · answer #4 · answered by Erase Program Read Only Memory 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
When you use a ratchet there is no difference, except the grip. When you use a flex handle you need twice as much travel to get another hold with the 6 point versus the 12. Also there are some capscrews with 12 points that have a better grip than 6 point capscrews.
2006-12-02 16:22:42 · answer #5 · answered by Canuck Guy 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
A 6 Pt. Has Less Chance Of Slippage, And A 12 pt. Is Easier To Get On & Off In Tighter Spaces
2006-12-02 16:19:01 · answer #6 · answered by RonsTime 1 · 2⤊ 0⤋
i own a repair shop,and if you have ever used a 12 point socket ,and had it slip on a bolt,and bust your knuckle you,ll know the real answer to this question,,six point sockets wont slip like that unless the bolt is stripped off already,,and they wont strip bolts as easy as a 12 point will if you run across a real stubborn bolt a 12 point will strip the head of it sometimes before it will bring it out,,i wish i had a dollar from every busted knuckle i have gotten from cheap sockets,,but that's the reason why,,good luck i hope this help,s.
2006-12-02 16:32:30 · answer #7 · answered by dodge man 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The main difference is in the number of points,the more points you have the better grip you have on the nut or bolt your turning,and less lible you are to strip it
2006-12-02 16:35:53 · answer #8 · answered by driver 4368 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
12 pt sockets allow you to get the socket on the bolt or nut in tight restricted places
2006-12-02 16:19:39 · answer #9 · answered by carldc3 2 · 1⤊ 0⤋
depend on the type of nuts or bolt heads most are 6 points but some have 12 points to them. you never know when you may come across one or two :)
2006-12-02 16:20:41 · answer #10 · answered by John B 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋