Survey on hand tools 6pt vs 12pt for sockets and wrenches

Question:
Do you prefer 6pt or 12pt for your sockets and combination wrenches ? Please splain.

Choices:
I prefer 6pt most of the time
I prefer 12pt most of the time
Both depending on the application

 

I have both.

12pt will get you into just that spot, but not enough to matter.

On socket or wrenches I prefer 6 point. There is less of a chance of rounding the nut/bolt. A fine toothed ratchet and a 6 point socket will do it most times, but sometimes you have no choice but a 12 point.

I have both, but if I can I will go with the 6 point socket and/or wrenches.


ARman

Six point and 10mm. I always need a 10mm socket.

Electrical tape and 10mm sockets. I keep them stashed everywhere at this point because I always need one or the other and can never find them.

I like six point but use both. I still have the old Craftsman set I bought many many years ago. It has both.

I prefer 6 point as they don't slip off of the head as easily or strip the head.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
Six point and 10mm. I always need a 10mm socket.

Electrical tape and 10mm sockets. I keep them stashed everywhere at this point because I always need one or the other and can never find them.

Duct tape them to your can of WD-40

I have both; tend to think of six point as stronger,twelve point as a little more versatile. Why do you ask?

I prefer 6-point on my sockets and 12-point on my wrenches.

You can use a 12pt tool on a 6pt fastener but not the other way around. As a home user (although I have 5 vehicles) I have both because there are certain 6pt fasteners that I refuse to risk rounding off.

I have both, but reach for the 6-point first. The 6 gets a better grip on a very tight or slightly rounded off (often go together) fastener. For a very tight spot, sometimes it is easier to guide and start a 12-point into place. And sometimes you have no choice because the fastener is 12-point.

I use both, I prefer 12PT. Some nuts just need that extra torque to release so out comes the breaker bar 6PT thicker to stand up to jumping up and down on. Tractors and loaders bolts/nuts get rusty quick. Chris

Always 6 pt for sockets. Both for wrenches.

quote:

Originally posted by iron chef:
I prefer 6-point on my sockets and 12-point on my wrenches.

Except for some of those12 point high strength bolts. Fortunately as an industrial mechanic for 40+ years I have both types of sockets.

I have both but use 6pt 99% of the time.

quote:

Originally posted by cslinger:
Six point and 10mm. I always need a 10mm socket.

Electrical tape and 10mm sockets. I keep them stashed everywhere at this point because I always need one or the other and can never find them.

We must be long lost relatives!

quote:

Originally posted by iron chef:
I prefer 6-point on my sockets and 12-point on my wrenches.

This

 
I guess I've led a sheltered life, but I've never seen a 12 point nut or bolt. I do have a set of 8 point sockets for square nuts/bolts.
 

I prefer 6 point as almost everything I work on is weathered, rusted or butchered by a prior attempt to remove it. 6 point grip better, and are less likely to round over on a damaged nut or bolt head.

12 point are useful for positioning, especially with box end wrenches, and they can be used in a pinch for square nuts or bolts.

There are now 12 point bolts and nuts, but I haven't encountered any of those on my equipment yet.

quote:

Originally posted by thunderson:
I have both but use 6pt 99% of the time.

This. I hardly ever use 12 pt.