Sockets : 6 Tooth versus 12 Tooth ?
- Thread starter ChrisD46
- Start date
I have both, there are times when the 6 tooth come in handy, like the other day trying to help my neighbor's aide change a flat tire. The lug nuts were welded on with rust/rot. It laughed at both my battery impact guns and getting into my driveway to hit it with the big gun was not an option. 4' + of breaker bar and two of us working it along with a heavy dose of Gibbs Oil got it to surrender. 12 tooth sockets imo would have been a disaster imo. Having said that for most jobs 12 tooth are my go for numerous reasons.
4wd
$50 site donor 2026
I like 6 point long handle combi’s for tough breaks …
Impacts will tend to be 6 point anyway …
12 point sockets are fine otherwise …
Impacts will tend to be 6 point anyway …
12 point sockets are fine otherwise …
6pt every chance I get combo’d with high tooth count ratchets.
It depends on the job. Six for everything I can. Twelve when that’s all that will work — tight spaces on occasion, etc. The twelves almost always have thinner walls, and they are more likely to damage a fastener because less surface contact.
12 point chrome, 6 point impact.
Same. Also have combination and ratcheting wrenches that are 12, deep, shallow, and swiveling impacts that are 6. Depends on the job, fastener condition, or how much torque I have to use as to which get the nod. He who dies with the most tools makes for a helluva estate auction
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I had to start from scratch to build my tool collection. Whichever one of my sons ends up with it is going to get a massive headstart!Same. Also have combination and ratcheting wrenches that are 12, deep, shallow, and swiveling impacts that are 6. Depends on the job, fastener condition, or how much torque I have to use as to which get the nod. He who dies with the most tools makes for a helluva estate auction
Me too. Started worshiping at the alter, well steps of the Snap-On truck, since I was 17 and spun wrenches at a motorcycle shop. 64 now and have quite a collection of metal. Unfortunately, my son doesn't have the same desire to fix stuff as me, so hence the yard sale.
I can only imagine what your collection looks like! I hear ya on the boys with different interests. My oldest has no desire to do anything involving any physical work, which I’ve been working for years to change. My second is very intelligent and has a keen interest in how things work, are assembled (and how to disassemble them lol) and likes coming out to see what I’m doing and asks to help. He doesn’t help terribly long, but he asks questions and wants to try his hand at things. He or my third son are likely to get the goods. My youngest boy is still too young to gauge his interests yet.
They are nice to work with but can easily strip the gears. Even SnapOn.
Too right. I don’t use them for high torque apps, but any time I’m not trying to break something loose with cheater bars or impacts, they fit the bill nicely. I’ve tended toward my ratcheting box wrenches for a lot of things lately for some reason.
What's a 12 pt socket?
Likewise. I only own 6pt.
- Joined
- May 7, 2025
- Messages
- 40
Definitely 6 point for breaking loose and tightening fasteners unless I come across the odd 12 point bolt or nut, but I still use 12 point sockets on any job I'm using 6 points.
I like to have the 6 point on longest ratchet that will fit to break said fastener free and the corresponding size 12 point on a stubby ratchet to spin it off quicker.
The less fumbling around switching sockets I have to do while I'm crawling around under a car or shoulder deep in an engine bay the better.
I like to have the 6 point on longest ratchet that will fit to break said fastener free and the corresponding size 12 point on a stubby ratchet to spin it off quicker.
The less fumbling around switching sockets I have to do while I'm crawling around under a car or shoulder deep in an engine bay the better.
6 point is less likely to damage a fastener. Downside to 6 point, is less versatility in tight spaces. Like having a ratchet with a low tooth count, so there are more degrees between notches. Most well-equipped tool boxes have both. I reach for 6 mount most times, unless clearance is tight.
I have both.
I must be blessed, because I've never damaged a fastener with a 12 point wrench or socket.
Since I frequently encounter 12 point fasteners and since I've always been able to successfully use a 12 point hand tool on a 6 point fastener, I have concluded that 6 point sockets and wrenches are a waste of space in my box.
Since I frequently encounter 12 point fasteners and since I've always been able to successfully use a 12 point hand tool on a 6 point fastener, I have concluded that 6 point sockets and wrenches are a waste of space in my box.
