coyoteboy
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 01:15 PM |
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6 or 12 sided sockets?
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.
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iank
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 01:21 PM |
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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.
--
Never argue with an idiot. They drag you down to their level, then beat you with experience.
Anonymous
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balidey
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 01:24 PM |
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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.
Dutch bears have terrible skin due to their clogged paws
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nick205
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 01:25 PM |
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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.
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coyoteboy
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 01:25 PM |
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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!).
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pekwah1
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 01:50 PM |
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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.
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whitestu
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 02:25 PM |
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6 sided for me on anything a bit rusty. Lidl do some good value 6 sised sets from time to time.
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Strontium Dog
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 02:27 PM |
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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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MikeRJ
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 02:33 PM |
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quote:
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
As you don't (or shouldn't) use a ratchet for loosening or tightening large fasteners, but rather a breaker bar, indexing can be a
problem. You can take the socket off the square drive and turn it 90 degrees to get the same indexing as a 12 point socket, but it's a mighty
pain if you have limited movement available and have to do this multiple times.
Bottom line is that both types of sockets have their own advantages which can useful in different situations, I'd prefer to have both available!
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coyoteboy
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 02:45 PM |
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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]
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russbost
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 05:37 PM |
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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
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Daddylonglegs
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 08:30 PM |
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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.
It looks like the Midget is winning at the moment......
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Strontium Dog
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| posted on 16/9/10 at 10:31 PM |
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quote:
O have never really seen that a flank drive is better than a flat sided 6 point socket.
Flank drive has little advantage on a perfect nut but has a hell of an advantage (something like 70% more torque on even a good nut ) when the nut is
worn or damaged. I have been using Snap-on flank drives for nearly 30 years and I have never found anything to really compare. I've lost count
of the rounded fasteners that I've easily removed with them. Probably only worth the cost for professional use though!
Edit
Er, I've no idea why this is in italics?!!
[Edited on 16/9/10 by Strontium Dog]
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flak monkey
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| posted on 17/9/10 at 06:53 AM |
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6 sided for almost every job, unless its in a really tight spot then 12.
Sera
http://www.motosera.com
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greggors84
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| posted on 21/9/10 at 06:18 PM |
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Always 6 points sockets as I almost always use a ratchet with them and even if you have to used a breaker bar then as said you can achieve the same
effect.
As for normal spanners I have mainly 12 point as you can't just ratchet them and there is always the time when a 6 point spanner is going to be
in the wrong place, I do have a few 6 pointers for small stuff under 5/16 and 8mm.
Chris
The Magnificent 7!
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