XC92
Proven Member
- 1,573
- 362
- Jul 22, 2020
-
Queens,
New_York
Sorry for the age-old question, and I'm pretty sure I know by now when each is preferable, but I just wanted to do a sanity check and make sure, or at least see what others thought and did.
And I'm not even going to get into impact vs. non-impact or deep vs. shallow as I assume most here already know when to use each.
My understanding is that you should always try to use a 6 point socket unless the access angle requires a 12 point. But what about situations where the angle isn't much of an issue if at all? I suppose that one should still try to use 6 point if possible, but what if all you have is a 12 point?
To what extent does the socket size, required torque setting, and even bolt hardness matter? Is 12 point ok with smaller bolts that require lower torque settings, even if their hardness is lower?
All of my 12 point sockets are 10mm or smaller. Everything 12mm and larger is 6 point, whether 3/8" or 1/2", deep or shallow, impact or non-impact (I have both 6 and 12 point in the 8mm-10mm range). Is this ok, so long as I'm careful?
Btw the 12 points are from an old "Companion" Craftsman set I bought nearly 20 years ago, so they're lower-end, but it's a good set for my needs.
And I'm not even going to get into impact vs. non-impact or deep vs. shallow as I assume most here already know when to use each.
My understanding is that you should always try to use a 6 point socket unless the access angle requires a 12 point. But what about situations where the angle isn't much of an issue if at all? I suppose that one should still try to use 6 point if possible, but what if all you have is a 12 point?
To what extent does the socket size, required torque setting, and even bolt hardness matter? Is 12 point ok with smaller bolts that require lower torque settings, even if their hardness is lower?
All of my 12 point sockets are 10mm or smaller. Everything 12mm and larger is 6 point, whether 3/8" or 1/2", deep or shallow, impact or non-impact (I have both 6 and 12 point in the 8mm-10mm range). Is this ok, so long as I'm careful?
Btw the 12 points are from an old "Companion" Craftsman set I bought nearly 20 years ago, so they're lower-end, but it's a good set for my needs.
Last edited: