6 vs 12 point sockets: when to use either?

[XC92]

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.

 

[pauleyman]

And every new tool purchase is an opportunity to come up with new projects.

Boy thats the truth.
I don't wish this upon anybody but after the tornado and armed with an insurance check I literally went to the tool store and filled a shopping cart. I bought every single item i wanted and then some. Yet still i find more tools i need.

 

[NWHTanK]

Lol 30 + years of buying tools here. I think I need a tubing bender and a machine lathe.

 

[XC92]

Funny, today I spent several hours trying to get a broken bolt out of one of the exhaust pipe hanger brackets. Broken a drill bit and used all sorts of drill and bolt removal bits but it just wouldn't come out. Finally drilled right through it and it still wouldn't budge. It got dark so I called it a day. Tomorrow I'll try to break it up and remove it that way. When a bolt seizes, it basically galls and becomes one with the hole or nut. I've had this happen 5 or 6 times already on this car. What do you expect after 28 years where most of these bolts never got removed.

Glad I bought a tap and die set recently. I'll be using it tomorrow.

 

[XC92]

Boy thats the truth.
I don't wish this upon anybody but after the tornado and armed with an insurance check I literally went to the tool store and filled a shopping cart. I bought every single item i wanted and then some. Yet still i find more tools i need.

Without getting into the politics of it, let's just say I have some ideas about how to use that stimulus check (if and when it comes). Actually, it's for new tires. The old ones are so dry rotted, it would fail inspection as soon as I drove it onto the inspection station driveway. I just hope there's enough life in the old tires to get me the 7 or so miles to the tire place.