12 point versus 6 point wrenches

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: dubie2003
The final straw was the 10mm nuts on my fan clutch. That caused me to use a vise grip to remove the rounded nut and then make an last minute trip to Home Depot to get a new nut so that I could put the pulley back w/o fan and run my new electrics. From that point forward, 6-pt whenever possible and 12-pt if I absolutely have to.


Which brand was that 12-point wrench that rounded off the corners ?

 

[dlundblad]

Granted I don't even consider myself a shade tree mechanic, but I dont think i have ever had a wrench round a bolt from proper use.

In desperate situations, I have used very cheap wrenches, but they are usually what gets rounded. I am talking to very soft dollar store tool kit stuff.

I dont have enough experience with HF wrenches to know how they handle the tight stuff nor do I want to try it. Lol.

 

[dubie2003]

Originally Posted By: Trav
Originally Posted By: dubie2003
The short is that the cost of Proto is the same as Craftsman and believe it or not, Craftsman tools outlast the Protos in my case.


Ok if you say so. Even if you add a 20 and 21 to the craftsman its not even close.
I don't now what kind of Proto you ave been using but they superior to Craftsman in every way, if there was something wrong with them you should have contacted Proto they have great CS.

http://www.toolup.com/Proto-J1200F-MASD-15-Pc-Metric-Combination-ASD-Wrench-Set-12-Point

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-professional-13-pc-metric-12-pt-full/p-00945964000P


You are missing the point completely. OP asked 6pt or 12pt. I provided my experience. You then took that and decided to go on a pilgrimage to convert me to drinking the koolaid.

Again, my situation is not the same for everyone so take this and everything else you read on the world wide internet with a grain of salt.

Originally Posted By: Merkava_4
Originally Posted By: dubie2003
The final straw was the 10mm nuts on my fan clutch. That caused me to use a vise grip to remove the rounded nut and then make an last minute trip to Home Depot to get a new nut so that I could put the pulley back w/o fan and run my new electrics. From that point forward, 6-pt whenever possible and 12-pt if I absolutely have to.


Which brand was that 12-point wrench that rounded off the corners ?


There were 2 wrenches used for that. The first was a HF whatever followed by a stanley. I believe HF did the majority of the damage and Stanley was unable to salvage it.

In the end, I have decided that it is best for me to stick with 6pt whever possible and thru dumb luck, my craftsman wrenches (and sockets) are working. Maybe I got a higher quality batch..... lastly, items that require specialty tooling, SnapOn/MAC/MATCO/etc.. get my business.

 

[jcwit]

Have never rounded the head of a bolt or a nut using any wrench other than a Cresent wrench.

 

[jcwit]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
Have never rounded the head of a bolt or a nut using any wrench other than a Cresent wrench.


But then I'm not a mechanic, only work on my own vehicles, found out early on in life it was much easier to tell others what to do, AH the life behind a desk.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: jcwit
Have never rounded the head of a bolt or a nut using any wrench other than a Cresent wrench.


You obviously know how to use your tools properly. A decent wrench turner knows better than to use a ill fitting tool regardless if its 12pt or 6 pt.
Fastener heads and nuts can erode from corrosion causing to wrench or socket not to fit well, in that case you just don't use it and hope it wont round off then curse when it does.

I have found that these multi style head sockets can work quite well in these situations. At first i thought they were just a gimmick and I still wouldn't use them in place of my regular 6pt but they are a good addition.

 

[Merkava_4]

Originally Posted By: dubie2003
There were 2 wrenches used for that. The first was a HF whatever followed by a stanley. I believe HF did the majority of the damage and Stanley was unable to salvage it.


Just as I suspected. I hope you're not judging all 12 points by your experience with one Harbor Freight and one Chinese Stanley.

 

[dlundblad]

Originally Posted By: Trav

I have found that these multi style head sockets can work quite well in these situations.


What brand do you recommend?

 

[Trav]

SK if you can still find them. Kobalt is okay, not USA made but unless you want to spend 300+ on Proto or other big name there is no USA made alternative in the $100-150 price range since the SK 45 pc set. The Kobalt fits better than the Craftsman.

 

[Chris142]

Originally Posted By: dlundblad
Originally Posted By: Trav

I have found that these multi style head sockets can work quite well in these situations.


What brand do you recommend?
Once you use a Snap on, williams,sk,Mac,Matco or Cornwell you will never use cheap tools again.

 

[Trav]

Originally Posted By: Chris142
Originally Posted By: dlundblad
Originally Posted By: Trav

I have found that these multi style head sockets can work quite well in these situations.


What brand do you recommend?
Once you use a Snap on, williams,sk,Mac,Matco or Cornwell you will never use cheap tools again.


True but for seldom used used tools like multi head sockets a middle grade like Kobalt is fine. I use the best tools in the business and wouldn't spend Snap-On or top shelf money for some things.
IMO there is zero return on a $70 plastic door clip removal tool, a $20 Listle will do the job longer than i will ever use it.

Buy the best regular sockets, bits, ratchets, extensions, wrenches, screwdrivers, pliers, torque tools, cutting tools, etc you can afford. The rest you can cheap out a little (not talking cheap Chicom junk).