6 Point vs 12 Point Sockets and Wrenches | What is the Difference

What is the difference between 6 point and 12 point sockets and wrenches? What makes one better than the other? In this video you will learn just that.

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[mastershredder]

Thank you for not blathering on for 15 minutes before getting to the point like all of the other tool videos on youtube.

[ericalearyatl]

Super informative and I love the close ups so I know what you are talking about!

[maximechevalier]

Hello, for a bolt tightening with a black nut on the other side and you have to hold the 2 sides, what should you take to tighten properly without removing too much paint please?

[zartan]

Thanks I have been building a craftsman tool kit . I buy used tool from flea markets and have run into extra socksts and that question did come up. Six or 12 points I believe mostly I pick 6 point . Good video thanks again

[BikerGirlTraveler]

Left out so much information.

I use 6 point sockets and wrenches. Even though bow days it’s getting harder and harder to find 6 point wrenches, unless you buy the top of the line tools. Like Snap-On or Craftsman Pro Series (not the stuff you buy at Sears.

The design of the 6 point is much superior. Walls are thicker and also don’t wear off as fast. Most people don’t realize that sockets and wrenches do wear off over years. Specially the 12 point. Of course how fast depends on whether you abuse them, use the wrong size for the job, and how often. If you are a mechanic your tools are going to wear off faster than someone at home with not much use.

If you are experiencing issues with routing bolt heads or nuts, then that could be an indication that is time to replace your tools.

Here is the thing about the 6 point that most don’t know. Back in the day the walls (in the inside) of the socket or wrench box end were straight/flat. All six walls. Then in the late 80’s or early 90’s someone realized that was a mistake. So they rounded off the corners (where one side meets the other) and rounded a little bit the flats sided in the middle of the walls.

Why? That takes the pressure off the corners of the bolt’s head and places it in the middle away from the corners. Huge improvement compared to the old design.

Initially only the top end tools at the professional level had that design. I think Snap-On was the first manufacture to use that design.

If you see a socket or wrench without those rounded corners and ‘bellies, ” they are either really old, pre mid 1990’s or cheap chinese tools. Well, I think even the chinese cheap junk now days comes with the rounded corners.

My suggestion is this, if you can use a six point to get the job done, use the six point every time. If you have to get in a tight in space then the 12.

I sometimes use a 12 to drive the bolt or nut in and then if possible I finish tightening it with a six point. I trust it way more. Specially on old bolt and nuts that have seen plenty of action.

If the bolt or nut is showing signs of wear (you can see it at the corners) I use a 6 for sure. They don’t need to be rounded off already to start giving you problems. In my personal vehicles if I see a bolt or nut like that and I need to use a 12 point, I install a new bolt or nut. It’s easier to replace it with a new one than having to deal with a rounded head.

But, what can I say, I was an Aviation Technician for many years and in Aviation the standard of craftsmanship is far superior what most people do. I carry that over to my car’s and motorcycle’s maintenance. Every bolt or nut that the manual gives me a torque spec, well, it gets tighten with a torque wrench. No exceptions. Even the oil drain plug and oil filter. Everything! If the manual gives me a spec, then that is what it will be.

In aviation, the manuals and FAR (Federal Aviation Regulations) are our bibles and you follow then blindly. The FAR states that when you perform routine maintenance, repairs, or alterations on an aircraft, it aircraft’s as to end up as good as new or better. So good tools and skills are a must in that field.

[corygriffiths]

One really isn’t better than the other because it all depends on what you are working on Aircraft mechanics mostly use 12 point sockets because Jets mostly have 12 point fasteners every vehicle has some 12 point fasteners also mostly 6 point but some 12 point if you know that you are going to be just working with 6 point fasteners then obviously you use 6 point sockets but if you’re working with 12 points fasteners then you use 12 point sockets every tool serves it’s purpose.

[magincap]

12 points are handy if you have a breaker bar but, you only use a breaker bar when something is stuck. Problem is a 12 point will round a bolt or nut way easier than a 6 point.

6 points are better overall but, 12 points have their uses.

[monlisimon]

I don’t get the point of being torn between 6 or 12 point if you are gona use a ratchet anyways.

[anocri]

I will clap on your cheek just like that, 0:08.

Nice video, btw.

[randellgribben]

everyone trys to be funny, facts are better than funny