Most sockets seem to be 12 sided, even halfords "professional" ones. And they work fairly well on most items, but I have had issues on older/rusted bolts/nuts so I tend to prefer 6 sided when I can get them, I can do with smaller sizes in 12 as they tend to require lower torque anyway. Problem is I was faced with NEEDING a 21mm 12 point due to a 12 point bolt head on the other half's suspension, so off I trot to halfords (don't know too many other places round here selling tools cheaply) and they have the one tool I need for £7. or a set of 21-32 for £22. As I need some large sockets I thought "might as well" and bought the set. The set come with a little note "12 sided for better torque transfer". Now this only applies to a 12 sided head surely, and even so the difference will be fairly minimal as most force occurs at the edges of the flats, not near the centre of them. So I'm in 2 minds.

Do you find 6 sided work better or 12? I'm never really too bothered with indexing problems as my ratchet has smaller increments than the 12 sided socket allows anyway, so I'm thinking for moving those stuck/rusty nuts/bolts. I've bought them now, but I figured I might as well ask to see opinions.

I've only ever come across 6 sided impact sockets. Can't see how you'd get better torque transfer from a 12 sided socket.

Deep sockets are generally 6 sided too.
For general work I use 12, but only as thats what my usual set it. If I need a tight fit onto a rusted nut then I always go for my 6 sider.

No real preference myself for general spannering.

If tackling a corroded/stubborn bolt I might be inclined to use an impact driver which in my experience are always 6 sided.

Me neither, that's why I found Halfords claim interesting (and possibly a little unfair unless you are using the sockets for only 12 sided heads!).

I have the biggest halfords socket set they offer. It has a combo of 6 side and 12 sided sockets.

I personally prefer the 6 side. Yes the 12's go on the bolt much easier, but on very tight applications, mainly on smaller sockets, i have found times that the 12 sides slip on the head of the bolt. Even with these newly rounded heads, the 6 sided's whip the bolt off a treat.

6 sided for me on anything a bit rusty. Lidl do some good value 6 sised sets from time to time.

6 sided flank drive every day of the week! More torque than any 12 sided socket could ever apply, I wonder why they are called HalFrauds?

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Originally posted by coyoteboy
I'm never really too bothered with indexing problems as my ratchet has smaller increments than the 12 sided socket allows anyway

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I've never managed to break a ratchet mechanism I have to admit, despite abusing them! I didn't look closely, but I think the ratchet mechanism (replacement parts) in 'frauds is identical between the normal 1/2 driver and the 1/2 250nm torque wrench. Assuming I can't break the torque wrench ratchet with 3ft of leverage, I certainly won't break it on the normal 12" handle!

[Edited on 16/9/10 by coyoteboy]

I've seen hundreds of nuts/bolts rouned off with 12 sided sockets, never seen it happen with a six sided one tho' - have never really seen that a flank drive is better than a flat sided 6 point socket. I would say nearly all professionals use 6 sided unless there is a specific purpose for the 12 point variety

6-sided wins for me everytime. Get a much better grip and they can handle a slightly smaller 'in-between' type size (i.e. metric socket on an imperial bolt etc).

I find the 12-sided seem to round of really easily unless you spend a fortune on them.

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O have never really seen that a flank drive is better than a flat sided 6 point socket.

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