I always thought 12 pt were best because of the swing issue, but see many 6 pt at Sears and online they have sets. Maybe 6 pt is good to have but only if you already have a 12 pt set?
6 pt combination wrenches
- Thread starter Donald
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The 6point is real good for that little 'tick' when loosening those real tight maybe rusty fasteners in the confined aereas where sockets cannot reach. Then You can proceed using the 12pt with confidence not rounding the nuts/bolt heads. So yes, best to keep from both sets.
I really like the 6 pt. wrenches for small fasteners where a 12 pt. doesn't have much contact area and rounds bolt heads off easily if much pressure is applied. I have 6 pt. wrenches for most everything 3/8" and below.
A ratcheting 6 point is better . A 6 point wrench is rare and I never used one when I was in the trade , the only thing I used in a 6 point wrench were ones made for brake lines and the like .
Good to have for a tough nut or bolt but so limited due to space on these new cars .
Good to have for a tough nut or bolt but so limited due to space on these new cars .
I have a set of the 6pt and never used them, I hate them with a passion.
I my experience is the exact opposite of Trav. I rarely use my 12 pt wrenches.
The 6 pt box end works much better for breaking rusted fasteners loose. And, if you're working in a tight spot with limited swing angle, just use the open end.
I don't see the big advantages.
The 6 pt box end works much better for breaking rusted fasteners loose. And, if you're working in a tight spot with limited swing angle, just use the open end.
I don't see the big advantages.
While I use both, I reach for my 6-point wrenches nearly twice as much as the 12's.
Guess that a set of 6pt will be on my next-tool list. I am still in the negative with Sears. I have bought more tools recently than they have paid me to work in the tool area.
The best of the both world is a 6 point boxed end plus a ratcheting wrench. Obviously the only reason somebody would use a wrench is because of the clearance issue. So, once you break it off with a 6-pt wrench, switch to ratcheting wrench to take it off.
I understand Trav though. Any time I have used the 6-pt wrench as my only wrench, I hated it with passion.
I understand Trav though. Any time I have used the 6-pt wrench as my only wrench, I hated it with passion.
I think the 6-pt wrench only serves a purpose of breaking the bolt loose. After that, it becomes a burden to use IMHO.
I have a different view. I started my career as a mechanic at age 11 on long Island. I learned to use a 6 point wrench or socket first. Many of the fasteners on cars and trucks were badly corroded and already partially rounded off due to road salt and proximity to the ocean. The 12 points are used when limited access demands them. In over 45 years as a professional mechanic I have never rounded off a fastener. Part of that is due to always owning snap-on tools.
Of course this is only my opinion based on my experience.
Of course this is only my opinion based on my experience.
I only own three six point wrenches, in 14, 15, and 17. 14 and 17 being the common rusty, hard to reach nuts/bolts on my cars, and 15 for my bike so as to not round off the hub nuts.
Originally Posted By: Donald
Guess that a set of 6pt will be on my next-tool list. I am still in the negative with Sears. I have bought more tools recently than they have paid me to work in the tool area.
I'd recommend the basic set of 6pt wrenches. I use the 3/8, 1/2, 9/16, and 3/4 a lot. My most common uses for them are brake bleeders, tightening v-belts, and tie-rod ball studs.
Guess that a set of 6pt will be on my next-tool list. I am still in the negative with Sears. I have bought more tools recently than they have paid me to work in the tool area.
I'd recommend the basic set of 6pt wrenches. I use the 3/8, 1/2, 9/16, and 3/4 a lot. My most common uses for them are brake bleeders, tightening v-belts, and tie-rod ball studs.
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