Why are 12 point sockets much more common than 6 point sockets?

Question

For years I have used a set of Halfords (UK company) Advanced sockets for my home DIY jobs. I have always been impressed with the set, but the majority of the sockets are 12 point. It's only the deep sockets that are 6 point but I never really use them.

Up until recently I had never really considered the difference between 6 point and 12 point sockets. The more I learn, the more I think that I should replace my 12 points with 6 points as I have rounded off the occasional bolt in the past. I'm finding that I'm struggling to wade through the countless 12 point sets when browsing as they seem much more common.

My question is why do 12 point sockets seem so more common? Especially in typical DIY sets. I don't really see the point of 12 point sockets when they are much more likely to round of a bolt. Are they cheaper to produce or something?

Answer 1

They sell 12-point sockets for two reasons: 1) because 12-point socket engage with the bolt head every 30° instead of every 60° so if you're in a tight spot you don't have to turn the socket or ratchet handle as much. 2) Because then you'll go out and buy 6-point sockets.

Comments

2) lol...thanks for the humor.

Answer 2

Good quality 12-points will engage enough of the fastener not to round it.

I personally find that I reach for my 6-point deep sockets first unless I don't have room to swing it, then I go for the (usually 12-point) shallow socket.

Answer 3

Halfords recently changed their sets to 6 point. It's all nice and cute when you are working on new car parts. But the moment you get any rust 12 points become useless.

6 points simply hold better as there is more metal to shift on bolts head to round it off. You will shear the bolt before rounding off (notice all impact sockets are hex). Buy 6 points everything and maybe in the future a rail of 12 points when you decide to go deeper in to the engine or to do your clutch.

Also, 12 points are a bit cheaper to make, stampung (broaching) is easier.

Answer 4

12 point sockets are actually meant for use on 12 point bolts or cap screws that have twelve points, 6 point sockets are meant for use on 6 point bolts. There are also square bolts that either an eight point socket or a four point socket can be used on. As far as your question it is because a twelve point can also be used on a six point bolt typically without rounding it off so it is cheaper for the consumer to buy a socket set that works with more bolts.

Comments

ha, that doesn't even make sense.. a 12 pt socket/wrench/whatever is made because it can be used in tighter spaces than a 6 pt due to the multiple points of contact that can be used. they can also be used on about 6 types of fasteners.. you got me curious now though, so imma go look for a 12 pt fastener..lol..

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12 point fasteners(bolts) are very common as header bolts here in the States at least.  The aluminum valve cover on Detroit Diesels and Caterpillers in boats have them on top and Ford uses them in the their engines as well.