What advantage does a 12 point opening have over a 6 point opening?

Is a 12 point socket better than a 6 point?

Answer: It’s true that 12-point sockets are fine for most lightweight repairs, but heavy wrenching calls for a six-point socket. A six-point socket is much less likely to slip off a stubborn fastener or round over the corners. Here’s why: (1) Six-point sockets have thicker walls, so they’re less likely to flew.

What is the advantage of a 12 point socket?

The additional points make these sockets easier to connect with the heads of fasteners. This is ideal if you are trying to work on a fastener that is hard to see or you cannot see at all. 12 point sockets are also great for use in tight spaces as they allow you to connect to a fastener at more angles.

Are 12 point sockets thinner?

12 point sockets are typically thinner walled to fit into tighter recesses and the 12 point feature ads to the ability of turning the fastener where there are limited arc swing conditions.

Can I use a 6 point socket on 12 point bolt?


Quote from video: Now these can be used in multiple different applications. But the main topic that comes about whenever we're talking about a six point versus a 12 point is the amount of torque that can be put on a

Do I need both 6 and 12-point sockets?

If your fastener is 12-point, which is somewhat uncommon, then you must use a 12-point tool. For 6-point fasteners, a 6-point tool is your best choice. Matching up the points between the tool and fastener means that you will maximize the surface area of steel in contact, making the tool less likely to slip or fail.

Are 12-point bolts better?

It’s much better to use a 12-point bolt in this application. The 12-point is also a bit smaller than the flat of the hex; therefore, a smaller socket can be used to get down inside. A lot of times, the 12-point bolts are used for a little higher clamp load.

What point sockets are best?

Better Grip, Less Likely to Strip Bolt



That said, 6-point sockets are less likely to strip bolt heads, making them ideal for situations that require lots of force. A high-quality 6 point socket makes contact with the nut or bolt on its entire wall, offering greater grip.

What size socket is best?

While 12-point sockets are fine for most light work, choose six-point sockets for larger hardware or applications that demand serious torque. Six-point sockets are less likely to slip in this situation.

What is the most popular socket size?

The most commonly used types are 8 mm, 10 mm and 14 mm sockets.

Is Triple square the same as 12 point socket?

8mm 12-point socket fits many fasteners found on VW, Audi & Porsche cars. This special 12-point size is also called Triple-Square or “XZN”.

Can you strip 12 point sockets?

You will strip bolts and nuts off with 12pts. You will twist the bolt into with a 6pt.

What is the most common ratchet size?

Should you be using 6 Point or 12 Point Sockets?

Are more points better on socket?

The more points a socket has, the more points of contact available. Compared with the 6-point socket, a 12-point socket has twice as many points, so it can more easily slide onto a hex nut. In other words, you would need to rotate only up to 30 degrees to fit a 12-point socket onto a hex nut.

Which socket size is best?

Drive Size

  • ½-inch drive size sockets are for high-torque applications like automotive wheel replacement and when you are using a breaker bar.
  • ⅜-inch drive size sockets are the most common and most available.
  • ¼-inch drive size sockets are ideal when you are in tight spaces or when you are working with recessed nuts.


What is the best socket set out there?

Top 5 Socket Sets

  • Best Accessories: DEWALT 168-Piece Mechanics Tools Kit and Socket Set.
  • Largest Set: DEWALT 172-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.
  • Best Basic Set: Neiko 65-Piece Socket Set.
  • Best Quality: Craftsman 135-Piece Mechanics Tool Set.
  • Best Labels: Stanley Black Chrome and Laser-Etched 69-Piece Socket Set.


What is the most popular socket size?

The most commonly used types are 8 mm, 10 mm and 14 mm sockets.

What size sockets do mechanics use?

⅜” drive sockets are the most practical sockets for most automotive jobs. If you can only pick one drive socket set — you want a ⅜” drive set. However, these still won’t let you complete any job. ½” drive socket sets are the largest drive sockets that most mechanics need.