6 point vs 12 point sockets – a question people are asking for ages. So, we guess you also get confused and are looking for an answer. Therefore, in this article, we’ll discuss everything about both of these sockets’ uses and benefits. And then pick a winner.
A six-point socket is of hexagonal shape. It has six vertices or points, and they have an even space between them, which is 60° angle.
On the other hand, a 12 point socket is double hexagon-shaped, including 12 vertices or points. However, the increment space around the circle here is 30° each. Though this one also fits with 6 point sockets, it’s better to fit with their dedicated tools.
Uses of 6 Point Sockets
Six points sockets have multiple uses. And to be honest, for most of their jobs, people use a six-point socket rather than others. However, the following are some uses of six-point sockets:
- It’s best for fitting tools that require a massive amount of force. That’s because due to its thicker wall, it’s less likely to slip.
- Moreover, if your strip bolts are slipping, then you can use a six-point socket as a solution.
- For any fasteners that require a six-point socket.
Advantages of 6 Point Sockets
Every material has its own benefits. And a six-point socket is no different. However, it has a lot of benefits, which is why even experienced people recommend using this socket over others. So what are the advantages? Let’s find out:
- Six-point sockets have a very thick wall. Therefore, it’s able to handle pulling up anything heavy. While other sockets get flown in massive weight, a six-point socket has less chance of doing that. Hence, if you have a job that requires massive force, you can go for this socket to get excellent output.
- However, while slipping, often bolts get stripped. It’s a common problem for everyone. Besides, a stripping bolt is tougher to remove. Therefore, you would never want that to happen to you. So, you can use six-point sockets as the solution. That’s because a six-point socket has less chance of stripping the bolt. Hence, it protects you from facing such difficulties.
- The six-point sockets also have greater surface coverage. It helps you to get rid of multiple problems.
- Moreover, six points sockets have excellent durability too. As you already know, it won’t fly or slip while getting heavy force; it also won’t get damaged. However, if you put high pressure on something, it should be able to carry that pressure. And the six-point sockets have that ability. So, you can trust it with heavy work.
Though six-point sockets have some more benefits, these few are major ones.
Uses of 12 Point Sockets
Like six-point sockets, 12 point socket has its unique usage too. And there are some works where you can’t replace 12 point sockets with anything else. Nonetheless, the following are some common uses of a 12 point socket:
- While working, you will find some spaces tough to reach. However, people call these spaces trouble areas. And 12 point sockets are excellent for working with these areas.
- Twelve-point sockets are also great for working with tighter areas. They have more vertices or points than 6 point sockets. Therefore, 12 point sockets are easier to work with and tighten faster. Hence, people like to use them in tighter areas.
Advantages of 12 Point Sockets
As it has multiple uses, so the advantages are. There are a lot of works where people prefer using 12 point sockets. That’s because of their advantages. However, the following are some benefits of using a 12 point socket:
- The major benefit of a 12 point socket is it is easier to connect with the fastener. That’s because it has higher points. So, it easily finds its way into the fastener. This makes your job effortless.
- Though there isn’t much use of 12 point fasteners, some work still requires them. Therefore, you must have a 12 point socket. And these sockets can be really helpful in such moments.
- If you’re working in a tight area, then a range of motion is an essential factor. And in these cases, a 12 point socket offers greater value than others.
Comparatively, 12 point sockets don’t have many usages. However, because of its few benefits, people still use 12 point sockets.
6 Point vs 12 Point Sockets: Which One Should You Use & Why
Now it’s time for the final judgment. Between these two, which one would you pick for your work? You already have read the advantages of both of these sockets. Therefore, it should be easier for you to make a decision.
However, both of these sockets have their own advantages and disadvantages. Besides, you can work with both of them. Nonetheless, if we’ve to pick an overall winner, we will select the 6 point sockets. They have numerous benefits over the 12 point sockets. Therefore, 6 point sockets are the clear winner, and here’s why:
- Six-point sockets have thicker walls than 12 point sockets. Thus, 12 point sockets often come out of the fastener due to its thinner material. On the other hand, there’s no such problem with the 6 point sockets.
- Then the 12 point sockets often slip out, which is an irritating situation. And more annoying is to fix them. Therefore, again 6 point sockets get extra marks. That’s because they have very few chances of slipping.
- The number of angles in 6 point sockets is less than 12 point sockets. Therefore it allows them to have more contact inside the socket.
- Six-point sockets also can carry higher pressure than 12 point sockets. This is another reason to use 6 point sockets over the other one.
These were some of the significant reasons to choose 6 point sockets as the winner over the 12 point sockets.
Final Thoughts
We’ve explained everything to answer your curiosity about 6 point vs. 12 point sockets. Therefore, now it should be easier for you to pick your socket for work. However, you can use both of them in some situations. But we prefer to use the 6 point socket due to its durability and other advantages.