When deciding between 6 and 12 point sockets, it really depends on the job you are performing and the type of bolts or nuts you are using. Six point sockets generally have deeper broaching and are most commonly used for hexagon, or standard, fasteners.
They provide better grip and more enhanced torque; however, they can strip or bind on nuts or bolts with rounded corners. Twelve point sockets, on the other hand, are great for fasteners with rounded corners; however, they may lack the grip and torque needed for standard fasteners.
Generally, 6 point sockets are the preferred type for most professionals as they work best on standard fasteners, are less likely to strip or bind and provide better overall power. However, many professionals keep a range of both 6 and 12 point sockets in their toolbox in order to be prepared for any job that comes their way.
Ultimately, the decision of which type of socket is better depends on the need and type of bolts or nuts you are working with.
Do mechanics use 12 point sockets?
Yes, mechanics can use 12 point sockets depending on their needs. 12 point sockets are often used in situations where a traditional 6 point socket may prove too bulky or slow. 12 point sockets provide greater accessibility in tight spaces or around obstructions.
They can be available in both shallow and deep designs to fit applications. 12 point sockets offer greater flexibility because they can fit a variety of nut and bolt heads including square, butterfly, 12 point and spline.
Do I need both 6 and 12 point sockets?
In many cases, having both 6 and 12 point sockets can be beneficial. 6 point sockets are ideal for use on fasteners with fewer points or smaller corners, while 12 point sockets are much better for use on fasteners with more points or larger corners.
Some fasteners may have severe angles or corners that 6 point sockets can’t perfectly fit, while 12 point sockets can provide a more secure grip. If you’re working on applications involving larger sizes, 12 point sockets might be a better choice due to their higher contact points and ability to fit more complex shapes.
Additionally, 12 point sockets usually come in more sizes, so if you require a more obscure and specific size, it can be beneficial to have both 6 and 12 point sizes on hand just in case.
Can I use a 12 point socket on a 6-point nut?
No, it is not recommended to use a 12-point socket on a 6-point nut. Different types of sockets and wrenches are designed for different types of fasteners, and 12-point sockets are primarily designed to be used on 12-point nuts and bolts, while 6-point sockets are designed to be used mainly on 6-point nuts and bolts.
Using a 12-point socket on a 6-point nut could cause excessive wear and tear on the edges of the nut, as well as damage to the socket, which may make it unusable. It is safer to use the right size and type of socket and wrench based on the fastener you are using.
Why are 12 point bolts used instead of hex bolts in some applications?
12 point bolts are used instead of hex bolts in some applications because they provide an advantage in terms of reduced bolt head height and also require less torque when being tightened. 12 point bolts are generally used in areas where there is limited head height, such as in automotive engine bays, as well as to join heavier objects.
The twelve point design provides twice as much surface area contact than a conventional hex head bolt, allowing the bolt to be firmly seated in the joint despite limited head height. They also require less torque to achieve the same level of pre-tension as a hex bolt, reducing the risk of thread or material damage.
Finally, 12 point bolts are much easier to install in tight applications, making them the ideal choice for use with limited or restricted access areas.
Can a 12-point socket be used on a hex bolt?
Yes, a 12-point socket can be used on a hex bolt. A standard 12-point socket is designed to fit 12 different points around the circumference of a bolt or nut head. This makes it versatile enough to fit many different kinds of fasteners, including hex bolts.
The 12-point socket will fit over the six points of the hex, giving you better leverage than a traditional hex socket would. Be aware, however, that the 12-point socket will not provide as much torque as a hex wrench, so be sure to use the appropriate spanner or torque wrench when tightening a hex bolt.
Can I use impact sockets as regular sockets?
Yes, it is possible to use impact sockets as regular sockets. Impact sockets are made from stronger and more durable materials than regular sockets, and typically have a deeper design to accommodate the higher torque output of an impact wrench.
However, impact sockets tend to be thicker and heavier than their regular counterparts and may not always fit into tight spaces, so it is important to make sure that you choose the right size and style for the job.
Additionally, impact sockets should never be used by hand as the handle of an impact driver can cause the socket to become loose. Instead, you should use a ratchet wrench for any manual operations.
What is the most common socket drive size?
The most common socket drive size is 3/8″. Socket drives come in a variety of sizes, ranging from as small as 1/4″ all the way up to 1″. The most commonly used size, however, is 3/8″ due to its balance of power and accessibility.
The 3/8″ drive has a powerful output and is able to fit into areas that 1/2″, 3/4″, and even 1″ drives may not be able to access. This makes it the ideal choice for both professionals and experienced do-it-yourselfers when dealing with a variety of projects.
The popularity of the 3/8″ drive size is further bolstered by the abundance of sockets, extension bars, and universal joints available in this size. While there are certainly times where one of the larger sizes is necessary, 3/8″ is often the first choice for tackling a job.
What is a spline socket?
A spline socket is a type of socket wrench used to turn a fastener such as a hex nut or bolt that has a polygonal shape with sloped sides. It works by having an internal splined fitting that fits over the fastener, allowing it to be turned without slipping or slipping off.
The splines of the socket also create friction, allowing it to grip the fastener tightly and prevent it from slipping off or being over tightened. Spline sockets are available in various sizes and configurations, such as deep sockets, metric, shallow sockets, and universal sockets, and are commonly used on automotive, marine, and industrial applications.
Which is better 6pt or 12pt sockets?
This is a matter of preference and there is no definitive answer as to which is better when it comes to 6pt or 12pt sockets. In general, 6pt sockets are better for applications where there is limited access or where you want a secure grip on the fastener.
The hexagonal shape of the 6ptsocket creates a tight fit on the fastener, preventing it from slipping off or rounding off the edges of the fastener when the torque is applied. 12pt sockets, however, provide more surface area contact to the fastener due to their 12-sided design, which helps to reduce slippage.
Also, because of the greater number of sides, the flats on the fastener are better spread out, which can be beneficial if there is corrosion on any of the flats. Ultimately, it comes down to personal preference and the condition of the fastener being used.
What are twelve point sockets used for?
Twelve-point sockets are used for tightening and loosening fasteners that have a 12-pointed head. These fasteners are commonly found in automotive and machinery applications and are used to secure various parts and components in place.
You’ll often find twelve-point sockets used in automotive applications like alternator brackets, distributor hold-downs, water pumps, fuel injectors, engine mounts, spark plugs, and more. They can also be used when repairing lawnmowers, replacing valve covers in small engine applications, and other similar tasks.
Twelve-point sockets are made from heat-treated alloy steel for strength and durability. They feature a large hexagonal body with a square drive for quick and easy turning. Twelve-point sockets transfer torque more efficiently than a 6-point socket and are less likely to cause rounding or slippage due to their larger contact area.
Because of the design, twelve-point sockets can provide greater access to fasteners in tight spaces and do not require as much clearance to fit in the right spot. This makes them ideal tools for jobs in hard-to-reach or difficult angles.
What is a 12 point box wrench?
A 12 point box wrench is a type of wrench that has 12-point openings on either side of the wrench head. This allows the wrench to fit more types of nuts and bolts, supporting a wide variety of applications.
The 12 points also promote a more secure hold on the nut or bolt, reducing the risk of slipping while applying the necessary force. 12 point box wrenches are typically made of either alloy steel or chrome-vanadium alloy and feature offset heads, allowing the user to work with bolts even in cramped or hard-to-reach spaces.
The 12 point style also reduces the risk of stripping the nut or bolt, making it suitable for nylon and softer fasteners.
What is the advantage of 12 point sockets?
12 point sockets offer significant advantages when compared to the more usual 6 point types. The 12 point design with its 12 sided shape and deeper throat enables more torque and better grip to be applied to the fastener without it slipping or damaging the nut or bolt head.
Another advantage is that the 12 point sockets can fit a nut or bolt head at multiple angles, meaning that clearance in tight spaces is improved. Finally, 12 point sockets allow for very fast removal and attachment of a nut or bolt in a fraction of the time compared to a 6 point socket, saving valuable time when performing a job.
When would you use a 6 point socket?
A 6 point socket is typically used to hold and remove nuts and bolts that have a hexagonal (six-sided) head. This type of socket is particularly useful when dealing with fasteners that tend to be highly rusted or corroded, as the 6 points of contact provide the the most secure and accurate grip possible.
Additionally, the 6 point socket will help to prevent rounding off the fastener head, thus making removal easier and ultimately saving time. 6 point sockets are also particularly useful in tight spaces where a large and bulky socket will not fit.
What sockets do mechanics use?
Mechanics use a wide range of sockets to perform repairs and other mechanical work. Socket sets are used to tighten and loosen nuts and bolts. Ratchets and torque wrenches are also used with sockets to ensure the parts are tightened appropriately.
Common sizes of sockets used by mechanics include ¼-inch, 5/16-inch, 3/8-inch, ½-inch, and ¾-inch. In addition, sockets come in a variety of types, including Standard (or ‘SAE’), Metric, Impact, and 12 point, among others.
Additionally, sockets may come in a variety of shapes, including shallow and deep, and also as an adapter, which allows different sized sockets to fit on the same ratchet. Overall, mechanics use sockets to work on a variety of mechanical tasks that require various levels of torque.
