Which is better 6pt or 12pt sockets?

Both 6 point and 12 point sockets have their advantages and disadvantages when it comes to use in automotive repair and maintenance. Professional mechanics have strong opinions on which type they prefer, with good arguments on both sides. Here we’ll look at the key differences between the two and the pros and cons of each socket type.

What is the Difference Between 6pt and 12pt Sockets?

The main difference between 6 point and 12 point sockets is in the shape of the interior drive hole. A 6 point socket has 6 splines or lobes that fit onto the 6 sides of a fastener head. A 12 point socket has 12 rounded splines to grip the fastener head. This contrast in spline shape and quantity is what gives each socket type its characteristic pros and cons.

6 Point Socket

A 6 point socket, also called a hex socket, has a hexagonal shaped interior drive hole. It grips the 6 sides of a hex fastener head, like a bolt head or nut, providing maximal contact and a tight fit. The 6 splines are designed to perfectly match the hex shape.

12 Point Socket

A 12 point socket has 12 rounded splines in the drive hole. This allows it to fit onto the 6 sides of a hex fastener from 12 different angles or contact points. The rounded splines provide more gripping angles but a slightly looser fit compared to 6 point sockets.

Pros and Cons of 6 Point vs 12 Point Sockets

Now let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of each socket type for mechanics and DIYers.

Pros of 6 Point Sockets

• Precise fit – The 6 splines are engineered to perfectly match hex fastener heads for maximum contact.
• Less fastener rounding – The tight 6 point fit minimally rounds off fastener heads over time.
• Less wear and wobble – The precise fit also means less wear on the socket and less wobbling on the fastener.
• Better torque – The close-fitting 6 point socket provides enhanced torque capability and is less likely to strip or round fasteners.

Cons of 6 Point Sockets

• Limited start positions – Must be perfectly aligned with the fastener to fit, so accessing some fasteners in tight spaces can be difficult.
• No flexibility – The fixed precision of 6 point sockets leaves no margin of error if fasteners are worn, damaged or inconsistent.

Pros of 12 Point Sockets

• Flexibility – The 12 splines allow fasteners to be gripped from 12 different angles, making it easier to start them in tight locations.
• Forgiving – The rounded splines can still effectively grip damaged, rusty or worn fastener heads.
• Reduced fastener damage – The 12 point socket is less likely to further damage problematic fastener heads.
• Faster tightening/loosening – The flexibility of start positions makes it quicker to engage fasteners for both tightening and loosening.

Cons of 12 Point Sockets

• Rounding of heads – The rounded splines will gradually round off sharp fastener head corners over time.
• Less precise fit – More looseness and wobble makes them less suitable for high torque applications.
• Potential to strip – Loose fit increases the chance of stripping soft or damaged fastener heads.
• Increased wear – Both the socket and fastener receive more wear over time due to the looser fit.

6 Point vs 12 Point Sockets Comparison Table

Here is a summary table comparing the key differences between 6 point and 12 point sockets:

Characteristic	6 Point Socket	12 Point Socket
Drive Hole Shape	6 hexagonal splines	12 rounded splines
Precision of Fit	Very precise fit	Moderate precision fit
Ease of Starting Fastener	Must be aligned correctly	Multiple starting angles
Torque Capability	Excellent	Moderate
Suitability for Rounded/Worn Fasteners	Not suitable	Fairly suitable
Fastener Head Wear Over Time	Minimal	Moderate rounding
Socket Longevity	Maximal	Moderate

When to Use Each Socket Type

Based on their respective strengths and limitations, here are some general guidelines on when to choose 6 point or 12 point sockets:

When to Use 6 Point Sockets

• Very high torque applications like lug nuts or other critical bolts
• Precision applications where minimal fastener damage is crucial
• Applications requiring maximum grip like oil drain plugs
• Tight, hard to reach spaces where precise alignment is feasible
• New or undamaged hex fasteners

When to Use 12 Point Sockets

• General everyday moderate torque applications
• Fasteners in locations where starting is awkward
• Rounded, worn or rusty fasteners
• Quick jobs where speedy wrenching is needed
• High risk of damaging fragile fasteners

Combining 6 Point and 12 Point Sets

Many mechanics prefer to have both 6 point and 12 point sockets available when tackling automotive repair jobs. Here are some ways that combining both socket types can provide advantages:

• Start difficult fasteners with 12 point then switch to 6 point for tightening to final torque spec
• Use 12 point for rounding prone fasteners to reduce further damage
• Keep 6 point sockets for precision torque wrenching procedures
• Use 12 point for speedy removal of fasteners then 6 point for reinstallation
• Apply 6 point sockets to new or critical fasteners and 12 point to problematic ones

Having both 6 point and 12 point sockets along with knowledge of when to use each allows mechanics to take advantage of their respective strengths for different fastening needs.

6pt vs 12pt Sockets: Which is Better for Impact Drivers?

There is debate around whether 6 point or 12 point sockets are better suited for high torque impact wrenches and drivers. Here are some things to consider:

• 6 point sockets allow maximal torque transfer and are less likely to round fasteners.
• But 6 point may crack or shatter impact socket sets if not properly matched grade-for-grade.
• 12 point is more likely to round fasteners but provides flexibility for starting position.
• Pros often recommend 12 point for battery powered high torque impact drivers to avoid damage.
• With pneumatic impacts, either 6 point or 12 point can work if properly impact rated.

For most DIYers, it is advised to stick to quality 12 point impact rated socket sets to avoid issues. But professionals often use impact rated 6 point sockets for the tightest critical fasteners to get optimal torque transfer from their industrial strength pneumatic impacts.

How to Choose Between 6pt vs 12pt Sockets

When deciding between 6 point and 12 point sockets, keep these tips in mind:

• 6 point for stuck, rounded or high torque fasteners
• 12 point for speed, flexibility and reducing damage
• Get impact rated sockets if using power tools
• Combine socket types to maximize advantages
• Consider workflow – tight spaces, precision needs, etc.
• Use the right socket for damaged or new fasteners
• Chrome is for appearance – impact is for durability
• splurge on 6 point for critical tasks, 12 point for utility

Both socket types have a role in the mechanic’s toolbox. Understanding their inherent strengths and weaknesses helps determine when to use 6 point vs 12 point for auto work success.

Conclusion

6 point and 12 point sockets each offer distinct advantages based on their different drive hole spline designs. 6 point sockets provide a tight precise fit ideal for high torque situations but require proper fastener alignment. 12 point sockets allow flexibility in start positions and are more forgiving for worn or damaged fasteners but don’t grip as tightly. Most mechanics recommend keeping both types available, matching the socket design to the specific demands of the fastening task. Combining 6 point and 12 point sockets makes it easier to successfully tackle a wide range of automotive repair jobs.