Seems like a lot of 1/2" sockets are 12-point, why?

[cptbarkey]

Somehow I have avoided 12 point 1/2 sockets, but only bought my first set on crazy clearance at AAP. Just haven’t had the need for them. 3/8 has always been good enough.

 

[Chris142]

For most cars built in the last 20 years or so, I haven't found a bolt I had to have a extremely thin walled socket for. Maybe just lucky, or maybe since everything is put together with automated tooling now the designers pay closer attention to it?

Now growing up it seemed I often had to go looking for thin walled sockets on all kinds of things - cars, farm equipment, etc. Of course I worked on a lot more things back then so who knows.

Spark plugs on euro cars.A reglar socket is too fat

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Can use 12 pt sockets on more fastener types too, like a 4 point or an etorx.

 

[PF52]

I think I have few if any 12-point 1/2" sockets. I'm sure that's 50% my own doing (choosing, say 6-point Craftsmans at the store) and 50% just the way they came - such as all the Wright stuff I have which is all 6-point if I remember right.

The relatively-few 3/4"-drive sockets I have are all 12-point though.

 

[wavinwayne]

Can use 12 pt sockets on more fastener types too, like a 4 point or an etorx.

Didn't realize they worked on etorx. Or is it one of those "you can use one in a pinch" type deals?

 

[Hootbro]

The smaller the bolt head the more likely you are to round it off with a 12 point socket. Most nuts and bolts that require a 1/2 drive are pretty large so a 6 point isn't needed.

That is the way I always understood it.

 

[brages]

The relatively-few 3/4"-drive sockets I have are all 12-point though.

3/4" is very commonly 12-point -- pretty hard to find 6-point chrome in 3/4" drive.

 

[camrydriver111]

I recently needed to buy a thin walled spark plug socket. It was 6 point.

Are 12 point supposed to be thin walled by default?

 

[drtyler]

I recently needed to buy a thin walled spark plug socket. It was 6 point.

Are 12 point supposed to be thin walled by default?

No, not by default.

Some engines require thin walled spark plug sockets. They are available in 6 or 12 point. The 12 point are required at times due to the use of spark plugs with 12 point instead of the usual 6 point center section.

 

[HoosierJeeper]

Didn't realize they worked on etorx. Or is it one of those "you can use one in a pinch" type deals?

Probably depends on the quality of the 12 pt- something with flank drive is probably better.