1/2" 12 pt sockets

[Romer]

I bought a set of Craftsman 12pt 1/2" drive sockets and love them. In fact I am getting ready to dump my Harbor Frieght Pittsburg sockets and upgrade. The harbor freights have worked well.

I am wondering why I ever would want anything other than 12 pt sockets.


My question is there a real reason to have both 6 pt and 12 pt sockets? There are a few jobs that really need a 12 pt, are there any that require a 6 pt?

 

[Romer]

There are some threads here recomemmending 6pts and 12 pts. Cruiserdrews belief that 12-pts suck. Saw those

I just did a complete rebuild on my front axle including removing the front diff to replace the seal. Other than the 54MM hub socket, all I used where the 12 pts. In what situatiuon does a 12-pt not work and a 6-pt does

 

[KLF]

A 12-pt socket will round off a rusty bolt/nut very easily. I hate them, I have very few left.

 

[Romer]

A 12-pt socket will round off a rusty bolt/nut very easily. I hate them, I have very few left.

Thanks

Thats what I was looking for.

 

[fj40charles]

In what situatiuon does a 12-pt not work and a 6-pt does

You will find bolts with 12 points on them. Only a 12 pointed socket will fit.

You really need a set of 12 and 6 point sockets.

 

[Romer]

Thanks, the 12pt craftsman set I have now will handle those jobs. I will replace the Pittsburg sockets with 6 pts

 

[Cruiserdrew]

I've only found 2 12 point bolts on an 80--the head bolts and the nut that holds the gear on the power steering pump.

I do not like the tendency of the 12 point sockets to round off bolts. I don't even use 12 point combination wrenches unless I have to. 6 point sockets are just better for every day use.

On the Craftsman sockets-the newer ones with the etched size markings are really nice. I've been buying new ones in the common sizes to get those nicer markings.

I've broken several Harbor Freight impact sockets-I think buying the better quality stuff is worth it.

 

[CruisinGA]

80 series connecting rod studs and main bearing cap bolts are also 14mm 12pt.

I hope you never have the pleasure of messing when them.

I also never use 12 pt sockets if avoidable, for the reasons listed above.

 

[Romer]

Thanks Guys. I used the 12pt set on my front axle rebuild and I think the reason I really liked them is the rachet and sockets were quality vs the normal HF Pittsburg set I used. Great points on the 12 pt. I will upgrade to all 6pts and yes what I bought has the laser etching for old eyes like mine that have a problem reading the size when the lighting conditions are not perfect.


I have found myself over the last few years using mostly half inch sockets unless the access is small or the head size is below 10 MM.

Since we are discussing this, If you have a 14mm bolt, other than access for the wrench when would you chose a 3/8" over a 1/2"

 

[ducktapeguy]

I'd only use 12 point if I couldn't find my 6 point, and then I'm really careful not to apply too much torque and round off the bolt head. With the 6 point I can slap them on and not worry.

I use the 3/8" ratchet 75% of the time just because it's easier to handle around an engine comparment or underneath. Anything less than 10mm and I might even go down to 1/4". I don't like using a large ratchet on small bolts just because it's easy to overtorque them or break them, you really shouldn't need that much leverage on them.

 

[Romer]

Just ordered a set of 1/2" and 3/8" 6pt standard sockets to start upgrading. I'll do 1/4" later . I got the laser etched craftsman off of ebay for my old eyes.

Thanks for your inputs. Now the harbor freight stuff will become trail tools for the daughters trucks.

 

[cruiser88]

I buy all Harbor Freight hand tools now...and all 6 point...never broke a one and I am well known for breaking/bending rackets and open end box end wrenches.

 

[kulangot]

Romer,

I use 6 pt for almost everything...less rounding off. The only time I find 12pt easter is on a breaker bar and that is the last thing you should use them for - it's only easier because you don't have to worry about indexing it as much with 12pt.

For 10mm and 12mm I use a long handled 1/4 ratchet.

For 12 and 14mm I use a long handled 3/8 ratchet

For 17 and up, I generally use 1/2

I think using 1/2 drive on smaller than 17 is bulky and cumbersome. Just my preference - but having the long handled drivers makes it work for me. More leverage and less weight.

It's a slippery slope man. Wait until you discover flex impact sockets...

-Stumbaugh

 

[Cruiserdrew]

It's a slippery slope man. Wait until you discover flex impact sockets...

-Stumbaugh

That is the truth. Once you start using air, you start avoiding jobs where you can't use air, and doing even simple jobs with air tools. I will admit I even use my chrome sockets with the impact, but at ToolsRus recommendation, I use a 1 inch impact extension on the anvil to protect it.

 

[Romer]

Thats funny you should mention it. After I completed the axle job I looked at my big air compressor and air tools and wondered "what was I thinking?" I didn't even think to use them

 

[kulangot]

Much like I use 6pt for almost all work, I also use impact sockets for most everything as well. In fact, I use chrome regular sockets for "clean work" like building a motor, working stuff where the fasteners need to look nice and then I use impact sockets for "dirty work" where there is rust, grease ect.

Same thing for flank drive wrenches - I use them for dirty work and where the marks they leave on stuff don't matter and regular wrenches on nice stainless or zinc fasteners where I don't want mar the surface or leave a mark like on a motorcycle for example.

Flank drive wrenches are nearly as amazing as impact swivels - an open end flank drive is nearly as good as a box end wrench on a healty fastener so they are great for tearing down parts trucks.

-Stumbaugh