You need both for sockets.Use the 12 point on 12 point bolt heads,the box end will work for either one though. On a six point bolt you are much better off using a 6 point tool.The grip faorce is greater.Also you will not get a six point onto a 12 point bolt without damaging the fastener head.

 

12 point sockets are really good at rounding off nuts and ruining the heads on tight bolts. Use a six point whenever possible which is most of the time. This is one area where a pro tool line will put the cheapos to shame, even the Craftsman, and it is a good example of where a top of the line tool will work when the cheaper tool will let you down and could cost you big time if you are working on a paying job. Never use a 12 point with an impact wrench except when it is the only way such as with a 12 point fastener.

 

As every one says 4x4, 6x6, 12x12 and don't put your chrome sockets on an impact wrench. You'll ruin them and sooner or later do a pretty good job on yourself when they shatter. Use only sockets designed for an impact wrench.

 

They both have their place and both need to be in a tool box. I agree, do not use regular sockets with an impact wrench.

Vince

 

6 point, 12 point, short, long, flex, impact.......standard, metric.................you will need them all eventually. There are more specialty sockets than you can shake a stick at.........all usefull. I bought some of those sockets that are supposed to grab in the middle of the bolt face, but havn't tried them yet.

Personally, I find that 6 points break easier, but 12 points round off the bolt head easier.

 

I agree with Poncho62 as your skills grow so will your tool collection

 

Watch EBAY. You can buy both styles pretty reasonable. Keep an eye on the sales flyers for Sears too. Husky & Coblat is another decent tool line for a "financially challenged" budget.

 

I would start with a set of 6 point deep sockets, they cover the majority if repairs. Like ever one has said as your skill's grow so will you tools. Also depending what you are working on will determine if you go standard or metric sizes. I started out with Craftsman tools IMO they are the best for the bucks.

Steve :welcome:

 

there are sockets on sale in the current craftsman club ad.
12 points are useful when you have limited access/clearance and using a breaker bar. you can move 1 point at a time. i hope that makes sense.

 

are 12pt bolts common? i never seen one. are they used in like trannies?

 

are 12pt bolts common? i never seen one. are they used in like trannies?

No they are not that common. Some Ford drive shafts yolks have them. ARP bolts use them if you like. I'm sure there is more but??? just not that common, If you are looking for tools I say E bay is the best (just be careful of what you buy) A good set of Metric and ASE in deep or short are a great starting point. Like I said ebay, I have 2 tool trucks, Snap On & Matco come to my shop every week, so I find what I want and then go to ebay to get a better price. Tool guys still warranty them for me if they break. I still spend in the area of 2-5k a year on the tool trucks. :spank:

Steve :welcome:

 

6 point will only grab a six point head which is the most common and it will grab it best to help stop stripping but a 12 point while weaker will grab 8, 6 and 4 point bolt heads. While 4 and 8 point heads are not common they are out there.

 

The timing was about right for this one-A guy stopped by the shop today and wanted me to burn off two bolts on his 92 Ranger exhaust, the two spring loaded bolts that hold the pipe to the catalytic converter. I probably would have had no reason to ask before but remembering this thread I asked what he used that had rounded off the heads and sure enough it was a 12 point socket. I still could could have removed them with a 6 point I think but he would not give me a chance to try so I just burned them off. Things like this are the reason my 12 point sockets are relegated to the back of the box where they are very seldom used.

 

so `12pt bolts are like the one in the picture:
http://autozone.com/images/cds/jpg/small/0900823d80144130.jpg

 

I can barely make out the picture,but a 12 point is exactly that.12 points,looks like a star,or an inverterted torx fastener.The few things that may be 12 point on an automotive application are Head Bolts,and rear end straps for the pinion yoke.Pinion youke straps can be removed with the box end of a 12 point wrench,head bolts will have to be removed with a socket.If you run into a position where you need a 12 point socket,go and buy the one you need.I work on trucks for a living and there are so few applications for them,I could not justify the green to buy a whole set,so I bought the few I would use.If I run into a situation where i need one,I will borrow one from the other techs and buy one when Snap-On shows up.

 

I use 6 point most of the time but 12 point has its place. I have heard only bad things about electric impact wrenchs

 

so air impacts are better than the Craftsman Amp 7.5 e. impact?

 

Buy "fair" quality tools.

Hi

In addition to everyone else's comments, my advice is to buy your tools locally, where they offer a lifetime warranty, and have replacement stock on-hand. This should be someplace that you shop frequently and is open "off-core" hours, in order to avoid having to make a special trip to get a replacement ... or worse ... having to buy another brand of the same tool just to get the job done.

I still have most of the Craftsman tools that I bought 25 years ago, and that is the only complaint I have against them is the inconvenience of having to drive 30 miles to the city (we live in a small town of 8,000) to get warranty ... if they're open.

Ask about thier replacement policy.
Most companies DO offer a lifetime warranty on basic HAND tools, with exceptions (i.e. hacksaw blades, punch/chisels, etc) so ask what is covered before making the purchase in order to avoid a confrontation later.

Other questions to ask include:
Is it a "free on-the-spot replacement" or a "repair and return" arrangement? Do you have to keep track of and present invoices? Are they going to "hassle" you and blame the broken / worn tools on abuse? Get a business card from the person selling you the tools, and ask him to note the warranty period on the invoice.

Be honest ... and build a good relationship with the retailer. If the 3/8" ratchet has snipe marks on it or a bent handle, it's going to be obvious that you were abusing it.

Think a bit (use common sense) when selecting a tool for the job at hand ... as a general rule, the size of ratchet being used should not be much smaller than the thread diameter of the fastener that you are removing.

Use heat and/or loosen-all on stubborn fasteners.If you use an adapter to accomodate a larger drive in order to provide more leverage (brute force) ... usually one of two things happens: either the fastener or the adapter will fail!

Most air/power tools have a much shorter warranty period, and are often NOT a "free on-the-spot replacement". Most tools of this type will be a "repair and return" warranty. Do they offer a "loaner" or "exchange" unit? Can you afford to be without this tool for several weeks if it "craters"?

I work at a NAPA store, and all of the advice above is what I give to my customers who are considering an INVESTMENT in hand tools. Being a "DIY kind of guy" also gives me a bit of a viewpoint from the consumer side as well.

HTH,
Don

 

so air impacts are better than the Craftsman Amp 7.5 e. impact?

The air one seem alot better, but I have never personnaly used and electric impact, I have just heard this from friend that have them

 

ok! thanks!

 

I used to use electric impact a lot, the big problem is their size. For tires and such the work great.