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Tool Talk Discussion Forum

Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt.

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Quebec Bob

02-04-2008 05:24:28




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Can someone please explain the difference between the number of points on an impact socket? When do you use a 12 point and when a 6 point? Does it matter? If you were only getting one set, which is the better one for general work on tractors and equipment? Thanks




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RobMD

02-04-2008 20:29:10




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 6 pt. for ALL impact use. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
6 point is the best way to go to get that maximum surface area to beat that nut off without rounding corners.

12 pt. will round corners, and will often split sockets.



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John - OH

02-04-2008 19:08:59




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
6 pt. only way to go



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Spook

02-04-2008 18:40:57




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
I have never seen any 12 impact sockets, but I can tell you that using the regular chrome sockets can be hazardous, since they split. I cut a finger when I had my hand on the socket when it split. SOB bit me!! That chrome is sharp! I like 6 points when working on just about anything, but sometimes 12 points allow better access in tight spots.



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Kentb of SWMO

02-04-2008 18:30:29




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
I have never seen any 12 point impact sockets. I do not believe they are built. The main reasonn for 12 point is on an boxed end wrench when you turning a bolt or nut in a tight place, the angle you have to turn the bolt is less before you can get another bight. Also most 12 points are thinner and can be used in places where the bolt head or nut is in a tight spot. Another place you need a 12 point wrench, is some bolts have a 12 point head.

Kent

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shannon from ohio

02-04-2008 15:30:41




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
I would NOT use a 12 point socket PERIOD!! Not even with a ratchet.. They are nut rounding off JUNK!!!!! !



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rockyhawaii

02-04-2008 13:06:56




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
The absolute best impact sockets I've used are the Metrinch impacts. I've removed rounded-off bolts and everything in between with them. It's and added plus not to have to guess if a bolthead is metric or standard.



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Oldoaky-2

02-04-2008 08:12:51




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
Should be self explainatory, its like having half grip on a handle, six point has a full grip on the nut.



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old

02-04-2008 07:18:01




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
6 point is the only way to good other then those few odd bolts. If you look 90% of impact sockets are 6 point and thats for a reason, the reason is 6 points will out last a 12 point 3 to 1



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John T

02-04-2008 10:10:01




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to old, 02-04-2008 07:18:01  
Rich, I cant recall if Ive ever seen any so called impact sockets in 12 point unless maybe some ultra cheap Chinese junk which will round off or crack if over 20 ft lbs of torque lol

John T



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CWL

02-05-2008 04:18:00




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to John T, 02-04-2008 10:10:01  
I know Apex makes 12 point impact sockets and they are far from cheap. They are used in aircraft production. I'm not sure of other uses though.



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John T

02-04-2008 07:09:57




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
For use on an impact wrench theres NO WAY Id use anything besides a 6 point socket cuz the 12 can slip much easier andf/or round off the bolt/nut hex. I dont think one hardly sees 12 point impact sockets for that reason. For square heads you need an 8 point socket as they are designed to n fit square heads. A 12 point may well fit some sizes of hex bolts/nuts but they are NOT sized or designed for that use.

John T

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John T

02-04-2008 07:09:35




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
For use on an impact wrench theres NO WAY Id use anything besides a 6 point socket cuz the 12 can slip much easier andf/or round off the bolt/nut hex. I dont think one hardly sees 12 point impact sockets for that reason. For square heads you need an 8 point socket as they are designed to n fit square heads. A 12 point may well fit some sizes of hex bolts/nuts but they are NOT sized or designed for that use.

John T

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edj856

02-04-2008 05:52:22




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
12 pt. impact sockets are designed for use only on 12 pt. fasteners and will strip out much more easily when used on 6 pt. fasteners. Buy the 6 pt. and if you want to take off square head bolts, buy a set of 8 pt. sockets. Just make sure you buy impact socket if you plan on using your impact gun, as chrome sockets can shatter and not just split.



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SBMinAJ

02-04-2008 05:35:07




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
I use twelve point sockets because they work on square head bolts which I have a lot of on the old farm equipment that I'm working on.



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Glenn FitzGerald

02-04-2008 05:33:14




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 Re: Impact sockets: 6pt. vs 12 pt. in reply to Quebec Bob, 02-04-2008 05:24:28  
I have not looked seriously at impact sockets, but if I were buying it would be 6 point for sure. While 6 point afford you less position options, they have much more contact with the bolt, greatly reducing the chance of rounding off the head.

Glenn



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