Why do they still make 12-point sockets?
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: near Philly
Why do they still make 12-point sockets? No one uses them, except some special machines. I've never even seen a 12 point bolt. I made the mistake of using a 12 point socket on a 6 point bolt some years ago and it stripped the bolt. Half the sockets in a Craftsman socket set are 12 point. Is this a joke?
Last edited by HotRodNeil; Oct 3, 2005 at 06:36 PM.
Depending on what you are working on, you may hardly ever see a 6 point bolt/nut, or hardly ever see a 12 point.
In aircraft, it's very UNcommon to have 6 point fasteners, in automotive it's un common to have 12 point, so it depends on what you work on
In aircraft, it's very UNcommon to have 6 point fasteners, in automotive it's un common to have 12 point, so it depends on what you work on
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If I didn't my 12points I wouldnt be able to take the studs out of my motor. Headstuds/Mainstuds... I use them all the time. ARP offers most of their products in 12 or 6 point. The ARP crank bolts the sponsers sell are 12 point... it was fun finding a socket for that sucker.
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Staging Lane
Joined: Apr 2005
Posts: 93
Likes: 0
From: Coastal NC
Originally Posted by slow
Try turning a square nut with a 6 point 
Ryan
Ryan
Or how about using visegrips that'll work. 
Of course someone could use an eight point socket that is made for square nuts, but that would be too easy,wouldn't it?
If you have a coarse-tooth ratchet the 12-point may
let you get onto nuts that are in inconvenient, arc-
limited locations. But I have a nice little fine-step
ratchet that makes that all a don't-care. Tough little
Craftsman, used flea market special, had it for 20 years
and all kind of hammer-dimples on the handle from
"poor man's impact wrench" duty and it still sounds
like a watch.
let you get onto nuts that are in inconvenient, arc-
limited locations. But I have a nice little fine-step
ratchet that makes that all a don't-care. Tough little
Craftsman, used flea market special, had it for 20 years
and all kind of hammer-dimples on the handle from
"poor man's impact wrench" duty and it still sounds
like a watch.
On a Larger bolt it is nice to use a 12 pt. it gives you a good chance to grab the bolt in between the click of the ratchet. some time the bolt is turned to a place that is a little further then you can get the ratchet with a 6 pt. In less it is a real tough bolt to get of I will always use a 12 pt. only time I don't use one is on the little bolts 6 pt is best to not strip it.
Thats easy, if there weren't any 12 pt sockets there would be no need to go buy mechanics gloves, band-aids®, or Bolt-Out® stripped bolt removers. That also would cut down on the number of visits to the emergency room for stitches. Johnson and Johnson and the American Medical Association would hate to loose their job security. 
Thread Starter
On The Tree
Joined: Jul 2005
Posts: 186
Likes: 0
From: near Philly
Originally Posted by tooquick2beslo
Um, What did you just say ? What does that title say ?
Just giving you a hard time.
Just giving you a hard time.
12 point nuts and bolts rule..... I use them on everything I can, never had a problem with anything used on suspension and drivetrain mostly, just use good judgement during assembly/disassembly maybe have the right tools and leave the impact for the lug nuts...
Originally Posted by SidewaysTA
So see, If you ever buy an aircraft, you'll be very glad Craftsman put those 12 pt. sockets in there for you.
Mike
Mike
Mec
the onlt 12 point bolt on my entire car is the 2 bolts 3/8" on the right side collector for my edelbrock headers... why this is there is beyond me but hey its a fasterner and it never is hard to get them out
As an Audi tech we have several 12 point fasteners so they are a necessity. All crank bolts are 12 point, Axle nuts on TT's 30mm 12 point, and to do clutch jobs you need a 12 mm 12 point. And let's not talk about all the triple squares and reverse torx head stuff, hehe.