Ratchet Sockets 6 pt vs 12 pt

[Mike Flannery]

Considering a purchase of 3/8 ratchet and sockets. What should be considered in selecting a 12 pt set versus a 6 pt set?

[Mike Flannery]

Considering a purchase of 3/8 ratchet and sockets. What should be considered in selecting a 12 pt set versus a 6 pt set?

[Mike Flannery]

Considering a purchase of 3/8 ratchet and sockets. What should be considered in selecting a 12 pt set versus a 6 pt set?

[hikingchrs]

6 point are better, they strip fewer bolts.
Chris

[hikingchrs]

6 point are better, they strip fewer bolts.
Chris

[hikingchrs]

6 point are better, they strip fewer bolts.
Chris

[Gresham CA]

12pt. work fine for new nuts and bolts. 6pt. work MUCH better when there is any rust or wear. Since most everything I seem to work on is rusty or worn, I buy just 6 pt. sockets.

[Gresham CA]

12pt. work fine for new nuts and bolts. 6pt. work MUCH better when there is any rust or wear. Since most everything I seem to work on is rusty or worn, I buy just 6 pt. sockets.

[Gresham CA]

12pt. work fine for new nuts and bolts. 6pt. work MUCH better when there is any rust or wear. Since most everything I seem to work on is rusty or worn, I buy just 6 pt. sockets.

[marwesmed]

Mike,
If you want to apply more torque a 6 point will do that. But it can sometimes be difficult to get a 6 pt. on rusty or painted nuts/bolts.
A 12 pt. is good but if your not seated on the nut it will round off the corners of the nut/bolt.
Your choice. Wes

[marwesmed]

Mike,
If you want to apply more torque a 6 point will do that. But it can sometimes be difficult to get a 6 pt. on rusty or painted nuts/bolts.
A 12 pt. is good but if your not seated on the nut it will round off the corners of the nut/bolt.
Your choice. Wes

[marwesmed]

Mike,
If you want to apply more torque a 6 point will do that. But it can sometimes be difficult to get a 6 pt. on rusty or painted nuts/bolts.
A 12 pt. is good but if your not seated on the nut it will round off the corners of the nut/bolt.
Your choice. Wes

[htom]

What they said. You can use a 12-point on square nuts and bolt heads, if those come your way.

[htom]

What they said. You can use a 12-point on square nuts and bolt heads, if those come your way.

[htom]

What they said. You can use a 12-point on square nuts and bolt heads, if those come your way.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

If you are buying cheap - go six point.
IF (you are buying quality) AND (you always use the correct size) then twelve point is fine.
IF you are the sort of person who uses a cheap 13mm in place of &frac14 whit, may the lord have mercy on your soul.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

If you are buying cheap - go six point.
IF (you are buying quality) AND (you always use the correct size) then twelve point is fine.
IF you are the sort of person who uses a cheap 13mm in place of &frac14 whit, may the lord have mercy on your soul.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

If you are buying cheap - go six point.
IF (you are buying quality) AND (you always use the correct size) then twelve point is fine.
IF you are the sort of person who uses a cheap 13mm in place of &frac14 whit, may the lord have mercy on your soul.

[Gresham CA]

That would be 13mm in place of 1/2 inch. smile.gif

[Gresham CA]

That would be 13mm in place of 1/2 inch. smile.gif

[Gresham CA]

That would be 13mm in place of 1/2 inch. smile.gif

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

THe spanner game is much more fun than any sane man needs.
I stand by my &frac14

For example, a 3/16 BSW spanner, a 1/4 BSF spanner, and a 7/16 AF spanner are EXACTLY the same size. But although a 1/4 BSW spanner is the same as a 5/16 BSF, it is a bit bigger than 1/2 AF. A 1/8BSW spanner is the same as a 3/16BSF, and is very nearly the same as 2BA - close enough not to be a problem if the nut's in a reasonable condition.
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/whitworth.html

[ 02-07-2005, 12:04 PM: Message edited by: P.I. Stazzer-Newt ]

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

THe spanner game is much more fun than any sane man needs.
I stand by my &frac14

For example, a 3/16 BSW spanner, a 1/4 BSF spanner, and a 7/16 AF spanner are EXACTLY the same size. But although a 1/4 BSW spanner is the same as a 5/16 BSF, it is a bit bigger than 1/2 AF. A 1/8BSW spanner is the same as a 3/16BSF, and is very nearly the same as 2BA - close enough not to be a problem if the nut's in a reasonable condition.
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/whitworth.html

[ 02-07-2005, 12:04 PM: Message edited by: P.I. Stazzer-Newt ]

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

THe spanner game is much more fun than any sane man needs.
I stand by my &frac14

For example, a 3/16 BSW spanner, a 1/4 BSF spanner, and a 7/16 AF spanner are EXACTLY the same size. But although a 1/4 BSW spanner is the same as a 5/16 BSF, it is a bit bigger than 1/2 AF. A 1/8BSW spanner is the same as a 3/16BSF, and is very nearly the same as 2BA - close enough not to be a problem if the nut's in a reasonable condition.
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/whitworth.html

[ 02-07-2005, 12:04 PM: Message edited by: P.I. Stazzer-Newt ]

[Ed Harrow]

Ahhh, we get to BA. What could be finer!

6 point. Always 6 point. If you are dealing with some square stuff, go for 8 point.

I got a small collection of 1/2" drive (well, I'm working from memory here, they could be 3/8 drive), 12 pt. Craftsman stuff. Free* to good home.

*I ain't paying to ship them tongue.gif

[Ed Harrow]

Ahhh, we get to BA. What could be finer!

6 point. Always 6 point. If you are dealing with some square stuff, go for 8 point.

I got a small collection of 1/2" drive (well, I'm working from memory here, they could be 3/8 drive), 12 pt. Craftsman stuff. Free* to good home.

*I ain't paying to ship them tongue.gif

[Ed Harrow]

Ahhh, we get to BA. What could be finer!

6 point. Always 6 point. If you are dealing with some square stuff, go for 8 point.

I got a small collection of 1/2" drive (well, I'm working from memory here, they could be 3/8 drive), 12 pt. Craftsman stuff. Free* to good home.

*I ain't paying to ship them tongue.gif

[Gresham CA]

I learned enough about Whitworth when I was working on my TR3 and that's all I care to learn about it. I'll stand by the 1/2".

[Gresham CA]

I learned enough about Whitworth when I was working on my TR3 and that's all I care to learn about it. I'll stand by the 1/2".

[Gresham CA]

I learned enough about Whitworth when I was working on my TR3 and that's all I care to learn about it. I'll stand by the 1/2".

[Alan D. Hyde]

Ahhhh... Whitworth... :D

http://www.sportscarrentals.com/images/tr31960.jpg

:D :D :D

Alan

[ 02-07-2005, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: Alan D. Hyde ]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Ahhhh... Whitworth... :D

http://www.sportscarrentals.com/images/tr31960.jpg

:D :D :D

Alan

[ 02-07-2005, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: Alan D. Hyde ]

[Alan D. Hyde]

Ahhhh... Whitworth... :D

http://www.sportscarrentals.com/images/tr31960.jpg

:D :D :D

Alan

[ 02-07-2005, 02:53 PM: Message edited by: Alan D. Hyde ]

[Gresham CA]

Alan, If you put spokes on it, that's my car.

[Gresham CA]

Alan, If you put spokes on it, that's my car.

[Gresham CA]

Alan, If you put spokes on it, that's my car.

[Paulyboy]

Originally posted by P.I. Stazzer-Newt:
THe spanner game is much more fun than any sane man needs.
I stand by my &frac14

For example, a 3/16 BSW spanner, a 1/4 BSF spanner, and a 7/16 AF spanner are EXACTLY the same size. But although a 1/4 BSW spanner is the same as a 5/16 BSF, it is a bit bigger than 1/2 AF. A 1/8BSW spanner is the same as a 3/16BSF, and is very nearly the same as 2BA - close enough not to be a problem if the nut's in a reasonable condition.
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/whitworth.htmlNo wonder things are the way they are mechanically all about the anglo saxon empire........

[Paulyboy]

Originally posted by P.I. Stazzer-Newt:
THe spanner game is much more fun than any sane man needs.
I stand by my &frac14

For example, a 3/16 BSW spanner, a 1/4 BSF spanner, and a 7/16 AF spanner are EXACTLY the same size. But although a 1/4 BSW spanner is the same as a 5/16 BSF, it is a bit bigger than 1/2 AF. A 1/8BSW spanner is the same as a 3/16BSF, and is very nearly the same as 2BA - close enough not to be a problem if the nut's in a reasonable condition.
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/whitworth.htmlNo wonder things are the way they are mechanically all about the anglo saxon empire........

[Paulyboy]

Originally posted by P.I. Stazzer-Newt:
THe spanner game is much more fun than any sane man needs.
I stand by my &frac14

For example, a 3/16 BSW spanner, a 1/4 BSF spanner, and a 7/16 AF spanner are EXACTLY the same size. But although a 1/4 BSW spanner is the same as a 5/16 BSF, it is a bit bigger than 1/2 AF. A 1/8BSW spanner is the same as a 3/16BSF, and is very nearly the same as 2BA - close enough not to be a problem if the nut's in a reasonable condition.
http://www.gomog.com/allmorgan/whitworth.htmlNo wonder things are the way they are mechanically all about the anglo saxon empire........

[Figment]

Occasionally one runs across a 12point bolt when doing automotive work, but I've yet to see one on a boat. 6-point every time for me.

[Figment]

Occasionally one runs across a 12point bolt when doing automotive work, but I've yet to see one on a boat. 6-point every time for me.

[Figment]

Occasionally one runs across a 12point bolt when doing automotive work, but I've yet to see one on a boat. 6-point every time for me.

[Stiletto]

I think you'll find that whitworth is only found on older vehicles.

It is interesting that the Brits denoted their spanners by the thread of the bolt, BSF stands for British standard fine , whitworth is for coarser threads, which are virtually interchangeable with UNC except in half inch.

It took the practicality of the Americans to make sense of it with AF (across the flats ) measurement, after all, its the heads of the bolts the spanner is dealing with.

Then of course, there is metric. :rolleyes:

The six point sockets I've seen are generally of lesser quality than the twelves.

[ 02-07-2005, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: Stiletto ]

[Stiletto]

I think you'll find that whitworth is only found on older vehicles.

It is interesting that the Brits denoted their spanners by the thread of the bolt, BSF stands for British standard fine , whitworth is for coarser threads, which are virtually interchangeable with UNC except in half inch.

It took the practicality of the Americans to make sense of it with AF (across the flats ) measurement, after all, its the heads of the bolts the spanner is dealing with.

Then of course, there is metric. :rolleyes:

The six point sockets I've seen are generally of lesser quality than the twelves.

[ 02-07-2005, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: Stiletto ]

[Stiletto]

I think you'll find that whitworth is only found on older vehicles.

It is interesting that the Brits denoted their spanners by the thread of the bolt, BSF stands for British standard fine , whitworth is for coarser threads, which are virtually interchangeable with UNC except in half inch.

It took the practicality of the Americans to make sense of it with AF (across the flats ) measurement, after all, its the heads of the bolts the spanner is dealing with.

Then of course, there is metric. :rolleyes:

The six point sockets I've seen are generally of lesser quality than the twelves.

[ 02-07-2005, 05:03 PM: Message edited by: Stiletto ]

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

I once owned a triumph bonneville 650V, and I don't think there were two nuts on it that took the same size of spanner. The only thing I found that would torque the barrel base nuts (twelve pointers) was a &frac14 whit crows-foot, I still have it and i've never seen another use for it.

On the original topic, do buy the best ratchet handle you can find, Britool are good so are snap-on. If you can find a zero backlash handle - bite the mans arm off.

Off topic has anyone used one of those one-size-fits-everything sockets?.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

I once owned a triumph bonneville 650V, and I don't think there were two nuts on it that took the same size of spanner. The only thing I found that would torque the barrel base nuts (twelve pointers) was a &frac14 whit crows-foot, I still have it and i've never seen another use for it.

On the original topic, do buy the best ratchet handle you can find, Britool are good so are snap-on. If you can find a zero backlash handle - bite the mans arm off.

Off topic has anyone used one of those one-size-fits-everything sockets?.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

I once owned a triumph bonneville 650V, and I don't think there were two nuts on it that took the same size of spanner. The only thing I found that would torque the barrel base nuts (twelve pointers) was a &frac14 whit crows-foot, I still have it and i've never seen another use for it.

On the original topic, do buy the best ratchet handle you can find, Britool are good so are snap-on. If you can find a zero backlash handle - bite the mans arm off.

Off topic has anyone used one of those one-size-fits-everything sockets?.

[yorgie]

I'll stand by Charles' 13 mm goes on 1/2" but I'll add that 12mm and 24oz ballpein goes on 1/2" just fine. :D

[yorgie]

I'll stand by Charles' 13 mm goes on 1/2" but I'll add that 12mm and 24oz ballpein goes on 1/2" just fine. :D

[yorgie]

I'll stand by Charles' 13 mm goes on 1/2" but I'll add that 12mm and 24oz ballpein goes on 1/2" just fine. :D

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

Old time hot rodder here. Busted my knuckles on many junky cars.
Choice of sockets depends on where you live and what you work on.
Cars that live in rust prone areas not only suffer body rot they suffer bolt and nut rot. Nut and bolt heads can get smaller as the years go by. Nuts and bolts also rust to the point that they are fused together. Six-point sockets are the trick for this situation. If you live where the humidity is 10% in the rainey season it doesn't matter what kind of socket is on the end of your extention.
Any place where you want to apply maximum torque to a fastener without stripping the hex a 6 point is the answer. If you want to hasten disassembly by snapping the bolts 6 point again. Impact wrentch-6 point.
Charlie

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

Old time hot rodder here. Busted my knuckles on many junky cars.
Choice of sockets depends on where you live and what you work on.
Cars that live in rust prone areas not only suffer body rot they suffer bolt and nut rot. Nut and bolt heads can get smaller as the years go by. Nuts and bolts also rust to the point that they are fused together. Six-point sockets are the trick for this situation. If you live where the humidity is 10% in the rainey season it doesn't matter what kind of socket is on the end of your extention.
Any place where you want to apply maximum torque to a fastener without stripping the hex a 6 point is the answer. If you want to hasten disassembly by snapping the bolts 6 point again. Impact wrentch-6 point.
Charlie

[Cuyahoga Chuck]

Old time hot rodder here. Busted my knuckles on many junky cars.
Choice of sockets depends on where you live and what you work on.
Cars that live in rust prone areas not only suffer body rot they suffer bolt and nut rot. Nut and bolt heads can get smaller as the years go by. Nuts and bolts also rust to the point that they are fused together. Six-point sockets are the trick for this situation. If you live where the humidity is 10% in the rainey season it doesn't matter what kind of socket is on the end of your extention.
Any place where you want to apply maximum torque to a fastener without stripping the hex a 6 point is the answer. If you want to hasten disassembly by snapping the bolts 6 point again. Impact wrentch-6 point.
Charlie

[BrianW]

Ed Harrow,

I'm an aircraft mechanic and have recently been buying a lot of tools via E-Bay. I especially prefer 12 point sockets and would gladly pay shipping plus for your sockets.

They will be used on Cessnas, Pipers, De Havilands, etc. Or, on a 1943 wood fishing boat. smile.gif

[BrianW]

Ed Harrow,

I'm an aircraft mechanic and have recently been buying a lot of tools via E-Bay. I especially prefer 12 point sockets and would gladly pay shipping plus for your sockets.

They will be used on Cessnas, Pipers, De Havilands, etc. Or, on a 1943 wood fishing boat. smile.gif

[BrianW]

Ed Harrow,

I'm an aircraft mechanic and have recently been buying a lot of tools via E-Bay. I especially prefer 12 point sockets and would gladly pay shipping plus for your sockets.

They will be used on Cessnas, Pipers, De Havilands, etc. Or, on a 1943 wood fishing boat. smile.gif

[Ed Harrow]

Brian, I'll check the box and let you know what's in store. If interested, I'll get to the PO in the next day or two to determine the shipping cost.

Oh, in your case, there will be an additional charge - an open door should I ever manage to get up your way. ;)

[Ed Harrow]

Brian, I'll check the box and let you know what's in store. If interested, I'll get to the PO in the next day or two to determine the shipping cost.

Oh, in your case, there will be an additional charge - an open door should I ever manage to get up your way. ;)

[Ed Harrow]

Brian, I'll check the box and let you know what's in store. If interested, I'll get to the PO in the next day or two to determine the shipping cost.

Oh, in your case, there will be an additional charge - an open door should I ever manage to get up your way. ;)

[BrianW]

Ed,

I've made the 'open door' offer here before, but you can have a special invite. We get cruise ships, Inside Passage cruisers, and sportfishing folks in here all summer. Hope to run into some nice WBF members this summer.

Take your time with the sockets, as the offer was very nice and I don't want to inconvience you.

Let me see if the PM's work on this new server...

[BrianW]

Ed,

I've made the 'open door' offer here before, but you can have a special invite. We get cruise ships, Inside Passage cruisers, and sportfishing folks in here all summer. Hope to run into some nice WBF members this summer.

Take your time with the sockets, as the offer was very nice and I don't want to inconvience you.

Let me see if the PM's work on this new server...

[BrianW]

Ed,

I've made the 'open door' offer here before, but you can have a special invite. We get cruise ships, Inside Passage cruisers, and sportfishing folks in here all summer. Hope to run into some nice WBF members this summer.

Take your time with the sockets, as the offer was very nice and I don't want to inconvience you.

Let me see if the PM's work on this new server...

[Ed Harrow]

LOL, things are never quite as remembered...

They are 1/2" drive, and all are 12 pt.

13, 14,15, 19, and 22 mm

15/16 and 1"

Ed

Oh, and they are Craftsman and look to be unused

[ 02-08-2005, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: Ed Harrow ]

[Ed Harrow]

LOL, things are never quite as remembered...

They are 1/2" drive, and all are 12 pt.

13, 14,15, 19, and 22 mm

15/16 and 1"

Ed

Oh, and they are Craftsman and look to be unused

[ 02-08-2005, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: Ed Harrow ]

[Ed Harrow]

LOL, things are never quite as remembered...

They are 1/2" drive, and all are 12 pt.

13, 14,15, 19, and 22 mm

15/16 and 1"

Ed

Oh, and they are Craftsman and look to be unused

[ 02-08-2005, 07:18 PM: Message edited by: Ed Harrow ]

[BrianW]

Ed,

Sent ya a PM, but since most the sockets are metric, maybe someone else could use them more than me. I've actually got a bunch of metric sockets sitting unused in my toolbox too. smile.gif There's always the chance of a Aerospatiale A-Star popping in from Juneau, but I rarely ever use metric.

So if I may, I'd like to graciously back out and leave your kind offer to somebody who may find more use for the sockets.

Thanks again!

[BrianW]

Ed,

Sent ya a PM, but since most the sockets are metric, maybe someone else could use them more than me. I've actually got a bunch of metric sockets sitting unused in my toolbox too. smile.gif There's always the chance of a Aerospatiale A-Star popping in from Juneau, but I rarely ever use metric.

So if I may, I'd like to graciously back out and leave your kind offer to somebody who may find more use for the sockets.

Thanks again!

[BrianW]

Ed,

Sent ya a PM, but since most the sockets are metric, maybe someone else could use them more than me. I've actually got a bunch of metric sockets sitting unused in my toolbox too. smile.gif There's always the chance of a Aerospatiale A-Star popping in from Juneau, but I rarely ever use metric.

So if I may, I'd like to graciously back out and leave your kind offer to somebody who may find more use for the sockets.

Thanks again!

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

BrianW wrote I'm an aircraft mechanic and have recently been buying a lot of tools via E-Bay :eek:
Please tell me this doesn't include precision stuff; torque wrenches, micrometers 'n such.

Seek out Wierd Al's Ebay song - a classic.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

BrianW wrote I'm an aircraft mechanic and have recently been buying a lot of tools via E-Bay :eek:
Please tell me this doesn't include precision stuff; torque wrenches, micrometers 'n such.

Seek out Wierd Al's Ebay song - a classic.

[P.I. Stazzer-Newt]

BrianW wrote I'm an aircraft mechanic and have recently been buying a lot of tools via E-Bay :eek:
Please tell me this doesn't include precision stuff; torque wrenches, micrometers 'n such.

Seek out Wierd Al's Ebay song - a classic.