|
|
West-Central IL | What is the difference in 6, 8, and 12 point sockets - other than the obvious shape of the socket itself. In other words, what application would you grab a 6 point socket out of your toolbox instead of a 8 or 12 point socket and vice versa? |
|
| |
|
| 8pt is either square, or special bolt. I like to use 6 pt on bolts that are stuck, or turn hard all the way off, or on say a combine, where the head is partly worn down. |
|
| |
|
| 6 point gives the best grip in high torque applications
8 point is used for old school 4 sided nuts
12 point used for the most versatile since you can rotate the socket a small amount to get on another face of a hex nut |
|
| |
|
Ne Iowa | I only use 12 point on bolts with a 12 point head. They round off the heads of 6 point bolts too easy. |
|
| |
|
Wi | baler brian - 12/4/2016 15:42
6 point gives the best grip in high torque applications
8 point is used for old school 4 sided nuts
12 point used for the most versatile since you can rotate the socket a small amount to get on another face of a hex nut
In the past 12pts were popular for that reason, now that you can get high strength fine tooth ratchets just about anywhere, they're really only needed for 12pt fasteners. If you buy them all in a kit, it's also handy having the extra socket for when you can't find the 6pt lol. |
|
| |
|
So. IL | 6 points cover 99 percent of what we work on, I'm not a big fan of 12 points for 6 point bolts. We have very few 12 point bolts on the farm. It seams like all the stores want to sell is 12 for some reason? |
|
| |
|
| alneiowa - 12/4/2016 15:48
I only use 12 point on bolts with a 12 point head. They round off the heads of 6 point bolts too easy.
X100
Only a cheap set of 12 points in my box for the occasional time I need one. 6 points all the rest of the time.
INDY |
|
| |
|
west central Iowa | 8 point, or even special 4 point sockets from Snap On, are great for square headed set screws, drains for small engines, or square headed gearbox plugs. A set of 8 points is not used very often, but real handy when you do need them! |
|
| |
|
| 6 point fits only hex but applies pressure at least half the width of each flat. Most 12 points fit only hex but apply pressure only near the corners and high torque rounds off the fasteners. 4 point fits squares like a 6 point fits hex. 8 point for squares can take off corners. Most all impact wrench sockets are 6 or 4 point.
There have been 12 point fasteners made with three squares so the recesses in an external socket or in a hollow drive bolt would have 90 degree corners, not 120 degree for hex, and so aren't exactly interchangeable. I remember my '80 VW pickup used tri square fasteners that the wrenches were hard to find.
There has been a 10 point socket that fits hex and square decently. I have one somewhere from McMaster-Carr probably bought 20 years ago and they don't sell them now.
Gerald J. |
|
| |
|
| I really dislike using 12 point sockets for anything but 12 point fastners. Most times i find them on starter bolts and u-joint straps to hold the cup in place. |
|
| |
|
oregon | We use the 8 point for the square headed set bolts that are on some of the john deere clamps.
6 and 12 are interchangeable in our operation except taking apart the hydraulic motors you might need a 12 to perfectly fit the 12 sided bolt. |
|
| |
|
West Union, IOWA FLOLO Farm 52175 | Nicest thing for for 4/8 point..... Tapping threads.... |
|
| |
|
Wi | Gerald J. - 12/4/2016 18:14
6 point fits only hex but applies pressure at least half the width of each flat. Most 12 points fit only hex but apply pressure only near the corners and high torque rounds off the fasteners. 4 point fits squares like a 6 point fits hex. 8 point for squares can take off corners. Most all impact wrench sockets are 6 or 4 point.
There have been 12 point fasteners made with three squares so the recesses in an external socket or in a hollow drive bolt would have 90 degree corners, not 120 degree for hex, and so aren't exactly interchangeable. I remember my '80 VW pickup used tri square fasteners that the wrenches were hard to find.
There has been a 10 point socket that fits hex and square decently. I have one somewhere from McMaster-Carr probably bought 20 years ago and they don't sell them now.
Gerald J.
In theory that's how 6 point should work, but real world testing of various brands shows that the contact area is less than ideal for some.
VW/Audi still use internal XZN/Triple Square extensively.It's an excellent design with huge grip strength. Rear wheel hub on MKV Jetta is held on with one bolt that requires M18 XZN and at least a 4' cheater pipe. Smaller XZNs are everywhere. They rarely strip out provided you clean out the head and make sure the bit/socket is inserted properly. Same applies for torx/torx plus. Internal hex/"allen" on the other hand, will still strip/round much easier. I feel like someone at Audi had a laugh or didn't want anyone to drain their oil (factory method is suction through dipstick tube, which has no dipstick BTW), to remove the lower panel on my A6 TDI, you need a Phillips, Torx and XZN. Then they put a tiny Allen head in the aluminum drain plug hoping you'll ruin it. |
|
| |
|
| I use 12-point sockets for most of my wrenching. They just seem to be a bit more user friendly when I am moving between fasteners. Also, I must be a lot weaker than everybody else on this forum because I do not seem to have the problem of rounding the shoulders off. If there is something that I need to grunt and cuss on, then the 6-point will usually come out. The eight-points usually come out on stubborn square plugs or where ratcheting action is desired.
Mav
|
|
| |
|
Fountain County | I prefer 6 and 4 as they make a 'perfect' fit. I have come to like the new spline style wrenches for several things but it's a slow growing urge. I almost think 12s should never have been made... |
|
| |
|
Missouri | Once in a while you'll need to use a 12 point where you'd wish you used a 6 because of clearance issues. Outside diameter is less on a 12. Otherwise I agree with all above
Edited by Rowcropcattleman 12/4/2016 20:42
|
|
| |
|
Snipesville, GA | Recently had Sears to warranty a 17mm I broke. They didn't have 6 pt deep well but gave me the new universal 6, 8, and 12 in one package. Looks really neat. Looks like a drive shaft collar to me!!!
 (IMG_1779.JPG)
Attachments
----------------
 IMG_1779.JPG (173KB - 121 downloads)
|
|
| |
6, 8, and 12 point sockets
