Dick in TN

If you were buying sockets, would you get 6 point or 12 point? Thanks.

Dudley

The 6 point version will prevent stripping the heads of the soft, stubborn German bolts. The 6 point version offers a lot more surface contact between the socket and the head of the bolt. The 12 point maybe be more convenient but you could cause yourself more headaches in the long run. IMHO.

Ray Calvo

They're 6-point nuts/bolts, right? So, 6-point sockets are appropriate. As Dudley noted, 6-point is much less likely to strip the nut/bolt head.

stedge

Look for garage sale stuff. I have all this craftsman gear, but went to a garage sale last weekend and got multiple sets of SnapOn and MAC tools as well as an old HO trainset for the kids (in great and complete shape) for 300 bucks. I may try to get the air tools and big MAC toolchest....

Robert Henriksen

When Sears started selling 'flank drive' or somesuch name sockets, six point, w. the laser markings on the side, I replaced all my sockets w. those. Have been very happy w. them.

Edward

FWIW, in over two decades of (lots) of backyard wrenching cars, motorcycles, and bikes, I have never stripped a fastener in at least halfway decent shape using a 12-pt socket or combo wrench. That's "never." Perhaps I'm lucky, but I prefer 12-point for the convenience. I think a few of my deepwell sockets may be 6-point, and am prettty sure the 1/4" drive ones are, too. But all my 3/8" and 1/2" drive sockets are 12-point Craftsman IIRC. BTW, never broke a socket, either. Broken a few wrenches and ratchets, but never a socket. Go figure. But whatever you choose, do not skimp on the quality of tools you buy. I'd say Craftsman at the minimum, IMHO. You can certainly buy better, but it's hard to beat having Sears in every neighborhood around you open 7-days.

Edward

Ray Calvo

Well, in over 3 decades, I have. And on a bolt that was stripped by a 12-point socket, a 6-point ne was able to remove the bad bolt. My knuckle-buster experience.

Edward

Ray,
You win

Ed

John H

The only advantage I see to the 12 point is when you are in a tight spot, can't see and can't get more than a click when turning the bolt. It is easier to get a 12 point on the bolt or nut.