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Did you know that 100% of impact sockets are 6-point? But why? And why do people have to invent hundreds of socket variations? Just for you to suffer the confusion of which one to choose? Well, you may have the answer to those questions when you know how many types of fasteners are out there. So, get back to the problem “6-point vs. 12-point socket”. Yes, they have their own applications. However, as a mechanic, 6-point is 99% what I need. Let’s dive in to know why! 6-Point vs. 12-Point Socket – Basic DifferencesTo start you off, here are the basic differences. Differences ExplainedI can see the smile on your face after knowing the simple differences between the 6 and 12-point socket fasteners. This segment encompasses a deeper explanation of the basics for a better understanding. DesignSeveral factors determine why the designs differ from each other. The 6-point sockets
On the other hand, the 12-point sockets have
Torque transferFor this factor, you have to take into account what fasteners you’re working with.99% of the nuts and bolts you’ll encounter are probably 6-point. In that case, 6-point sockets have a higher torque transfer because of 2 reasons
Comparatively, the 12-point sockets are more likely to slip under high pressure. And when it slips, it’ll round off your fasteners, which is something you never want to happen. Trust me, removing a rounded bolt is absolutely a nightmare, even for a mechanic. However, when you’re trying to open a car’s engine, 12-point bolts are what you may deal with. That’s when the 12-point sockets come into the game. It allows maximum torque transfer on 12-point fasteners. On the other hand, 6-point sockets are useless when you’re working with 12-point fasteners. ApplicationIf you’re a DIYer, 6-point sockets should be everything you need. It can work perfectly on 6-point fasteners. You also can use it on an e-Torx bolt (not really ideal, but a decent choice if you don’t have the right e-Torx socket). 12-point sockets can fit onto more types of fasteners:
Because 12-point sockets can get on bolts more easily, they are often used for hard-to-see bolts or some tight spots where you can’t rotate the sockets. Different tasks require different socket contact points. Below is what you may encounter: 6-point variationsE-TorxYou can find e-Torx bolts in many German cars. They fasten or open these starlike with precision and less wear. Society of American Engineers or SAE codes these gadgets with an E, with E4 being the smallest on the chart and a progression to E44 as the largest. E-Torx plusIt is an advanced variation of the e-torx, with the ability to fasten easier with longer working life. You will have a better torque transmission and precise fastening. Spline – a 12-point variationOne advantage that you will always have is the ability to fit into any type of socket shape with ease. The narrow vertical star-like threads make gripping easy on any spline bolt. 4-point (square socket)This robust socket is ideal for square fastening with a perfect 90-degree four-sided shape. It fits on the 4 and 8-point fastener providing a powerful grip. Significantly, it comes with a cheaper price tag and is widely affordable. You will find it with the automobile, construction, and airplane technicians. Despite its powerful torque, it is less flexible to fit on most fasteners. 8-point (double square socket)You can call it the latest upgrade variation of the 4-point version. It comes with double square, 8-point contact points which is good for both the 4 and 8-point fastening. Ideally, it is the most robust socket of choice for heavy to light heavy-duty fastening work. 5-point (pentagon socket)Most people refer to it as the utility socket fastener and for good reasons. The 5-point or pentagon socket is common on water, oil, electricity, and other utility installations in the field. They have a versatile range spreading from 1/3” to 13/16”. 10-point (double pentagon)It is a 10-sided socket version with a wide drive range. This socket is popular with light-duty mechanical work such as automobile clutch, and seat fastening. It is the socket of choice for Honda and Mitsubishi mechanics. Conclusion – Are 12-Point Sockets Useless?If you’re a DIYer, then yes, they are useless. And 6-point sockets are everything you need to make the job done. 12-point will do nothing but round off your fasteners. On the other hand, if you’re working on an engine bay, you’re going to miss those 12-point sockets at some points. So, yea, they are not useless at all. FAQs1. Can I use a 6-point socket on a 12-point nut?The answer is no. Many people may try to use a 6-point socket on a 12-point nut in their daily work. The problem comes with the depth of the nut since the 12-point nut tends to be deeper from the surface than where a 6-point socket can reach. If the nut is reachable, then the 6-point socket may work for the emergency without the user applying greater pressure on the nut. 2. Can a 12-point socket be used on a hex head bolt?Yes, it can but with some considerations. The 12-point socket can fit on the hex head bolt without any problem. With less socket to head bolt surface area contact, the socket may not be convenient for the larger torque performance that comes with the hex bolt. That may lead to the socket slipping and wearing the bolt head. 3. Why is the 12-point box wrench more common than the 6-point?Well, it is not significantly better than the 6-point wrench, but most people use it because of the convenience. A 12-point box wrench serves better where you have a worn or damaged bolt head since it fits well with its numerous side contacts. The reason being, a 12-point box wrench makes it easier to put the wrench on the fasteners. What is the advantage of 12 point sockets?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.
Can I use a 12 point socket on a 6 point nut?A 12-point end is a double-hexagon (sometimes called “double-hex”)—it has 12 points, or vertices, evenly spaced at 30 degree increments around a circle. This geometry will also fit on a 6-point fastener.
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