Why are 12 point sockets so common?

4 Answers. They sell 12-point sockets for two reasons: 1) because 12-point socket engage with the bolt head every 30° instead of every 60° so if you’re in a tight spot you don’t have to turn the socket or ratchet handle as much. 2) Because then you’ll go out and buy 6-point sockets.

What are 12 point sockets used for?

The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.

Is spline or 12 point better?

Spline do not grip on the corners of the nut/ bolt. So there is less chance of rounding the nut/bolt compared to a 12 point. Spline is somewhat similar to Snap-On flank drive, which also do not grip on the corners of the nut/bolt, so there is less chance rounding.

Do you really need 12-point sockets?

Is this really necessary? Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners.

Can you strip 12-point sockets?

As long as you are capable of holding the socket on the nut or bolt head, a 12pt socket will not strip the nut or bolt head any faster then a 6pt socket. The 12pt socket will give you 6 more positions to start from in tight places. Some will say yeah but what about impact sockets.

Do you really need 12 point sockets?

Can you strip 12 point sockets?

How many points does a spline socket have?

Proto® spline sockets are suitable for use on 4 point, 6 point and 12 point fasteners.

Are 12 point bolts better?

A 12-point bolt design offers the same bearing surface as a hex head cap screw of comparable size. It’s much better to use a 12-point bolt in this application. The 12-point is also a bit smaller than the flat of the hex; therefore, a smaller socket can be used to get down inside.

What are 8 point sockets for?

Proto® 8 Point Impact Sockets are ideal for use on stubborn or damaged fasteners, and also on fasteners made from soft materials. Made from high-strength steel to help minimize wall thickness and provide access to fasteners in recesses and where nuts and bolts protrude.

Why are impact sockets black?

First and foremost is the metals that are used. Rather than a chrome vanadium finish as found on most hand sockets, impact units are made out of chrome molybdenum, which is then carbonized, giving them a flat black look.

Will a 12 point socket work on 6 points?

Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners.

Which is better 6 Pt or 12 pt sockets?

You will strip bolts and nuts off with 12pts. You will twist the bolt into with a 6pt. Both are better, depending on the situation, in places where both work,I prefer 6. If I had to go with one it’d be a 12 point.

How many points are in a 12 point socket?

And a 12 point socket is going to go over the same nut or bolt in twice as many positions so much easier to use in tight spaces. A 12 point end is a double-hexagon —it has 12 points, or vertices, evenly spaced at 30-degree increments around a circle. This geometry will also fit on a 6-point fastener.

Which is better 6 point or 12 point socket wrench?

12-point sockets do have their advantages, such as having a better range of movement, but on a socket wrench you want a solid grip on the bolt. 12-point box-end wrenches are better than 6-point wrenches, but for sockets, the 6-point variety is superior due to its better grip and preservation of the bolt head.

Which is better a 6pt or a 12pt fastener?

6pt being less likely to round the fastener is the “old” conventional wisdom that has fallen, and scientifically proven, that a modern 12pt from a quality manufacturer is just as good and more versatile than a 6pt because it will drive the flats of a fastener just like a 6pt will. someone needs to invent 69 point sockets.