12 point socket set
Discussion
Looking to buy a 170 piece halfords socket set on offer atm.
Main concern is apart from a couple of impact sockets the rest are all 12 point rather than 6 point.
Having not done much car work before im wondering how bad the 12 points are? Most websites are saying they round nuts off and you should stick with 6? Itll be used for the car.
Cheers
Main concern is apart from a couple of impact sockets the rest are all 12 point rather than 6 point.
Having not done much car work before im wondering how bad the 12 points are? Most websites are saying they round nuts off and you should stick with 6? Itll be used for the car.
Cheers
For a 6 point fastener you'll be better off with a 6 point socket. Much less chance of slippage if it's a bit corroded etc.
Given the choice I would go with a 6 based kit. You might need the odd 12 for some special bolts (some clutch and flywheels etc) but I just buy them in single sockets as and when I need them.
Given the choice I would go with a 6 based kit. You might need the odd 12 for some special bolts (some clutch and flywheels etc) but I just buy them in single sockets as and when I need them.
Most half decent sockets now are a wall/flank drive design, I rarely have an issue with a 12pt socket/spanner on a 6pt fastener, and to be honest, the times I do, they were so far gone I doubt that was the problem. My opinion is that the window of stuff that will round off with a 12pt driver but wouldn't with a 6pt one is very narrow indeed.
I do recommend a set of Irwin Bolt Grip sockets for dealing with rounded/crusty stuff, they often manage to get purchase on bits I really thought were already too far gone.
I do recommend a set of Irwin Bolt Grip sockets for dealing with rounded/crusty stuff, they often manage to get purchase on bits I really thought were already too far gone.
InitialDave said:
Most half decent sockets now are a wall/flank drive design
^^^^ Wot 'e said.There really isn't a problem, if there were all would be 6-point.
I have used 12-point all my working life, most of the old school Snap on sockets that I have from old are 12-point, the Halfords gear is an excellent set.
dieseluser07 said:
Looking to buy a 170 piece halfords socket set on offer atm.
Main concern is apart from a couple of impact sockets the rest are all 12 point rather than 6 point.
Having not done much car work before im wondering how bad the 12 points are? Most websites are saying they round nuts off and you should stick with 6? Itll be used for the car.
Cheers
If you are also keeping an eye on the 200 piece set. Im sure it usually drops in price to £140 ish on Black Friday.Main concern is apart from a couple of impact sockets the rest are all 12 point rather than 6 point.
Having not done much car work before im wondering how bad the 12 points are? Most websites are saying they round nuts off and you should stick with 6? Itll be used for the car.
Cheers
[quote=Emanresu]It always makes me cringe when I see Halfords tools recommended on this site. Must be an English thing. Halfords is cheap crap tools for people who know nothing about either cars or tools. [/quote
It also makes me cringe when you try and belittle others. I’m guessing you know nothing about cars and tools then...
It also makes me cringe when you try and belittle others. I’m guessing you know nothing about cars and tools then...
As others have said modern twelve point sockets are fine for any sort of hand use. I do have a set of six-point impact sockets for being more viscious with.
I've got a Halfords Pro set and they seem decent enough. They get used fairly hard by the standards of DIY tools and are all still in good condition; I have had one Halfords tool (not a socket) die and they replaced it without quibble. They have their limitations though - the ratchet is quite coarse which means they're not good when you have severely limited movement. If I was going more than maintaining a couple of cars I might invest in a new ratchet but the sockets are good.
The Halfords cases are a bit rubbish, mind. I dropped mine onto softish rubber tiles from about a foot off the ground and the clips snapped.
I've got a Halfords Pro set and they seem decent enough. They get used fairly hard by the standards of DIY tools and are all still in good condition; I have had one Halfords tool (not a socket) die and they replaced it without quibble. They have their limitations though - the ratchet is quite coarse which means they're not good when you have severely limited movement. If I was going more than maintaining a couple of cars I might invest in a new ratchet but the sockets are good.
The Halfords cases are a bit rubbish, mind. I dropped mine onto softish rubber tiles from about a foot off the ground and the clips snapped.
Edited by kambites on Saturday 3rd November 15:57
Emanresu said:
Halfords is cheap crap tools for people who know nothing about either cars or tools.
A lot of the car related accessories on sale at Halfords are overpriced tat, but their tools have a good reputation and are perfectly fine for a typical DIYer. Don't knock them until you've tried them.Emanresu said:
It always makes me cringe when I see Halfords tools recommended on this site. Must be an English thing. Halfords is cheap crap tools for people who know nothing about either cars or tools.
They really aren't. They're perfectly reasonable quality, the pricing with the regular sales/offers is very good, and they have a lifetime warranty. I've done all my spannering for 40 years including as a professional race engine builder using them most days with a 1/2" drive Draper socket set and a 1/4" drive Hilka one for sizes up to 12 mm. The Draper is 12 point and the Hilka 6 point. Nothing has worn out or broken on either although there's a bit of surface rust from where they've got damp a few times. I would say either of those makes plus Halfords are fine for most mechanics.
12 point are easier to get on a bolt and you'll need them for 12 point fittings like ARP big end bolts and some flywheel bolts.
12 point are easier to get on a bolt and you'll need them for 12 point fittings like ARP big end bolts and some flywheel bolts.
OK, I'm going to buck the trend here. I've pretty much retired all my 12 point sockets, and they live in a big box waiting for the inevitable VW 12 point engine bolts. (WTF is all that about).
6 point can be used with a ratchet, but not on a combination spanner. 12 point don't grip the bolt anywhere near the same as a 6 point.
For my money, get 6 point, and buy occasional 12 point as you need them, Teng are usually very good, and Sealey are OK. I've had a set of deep Bergen sockets too, and they have been very good.
6 point can be used with a ratchet, but not on a combination spanner. 12 point don't grip the bolt anywhere near the same as a 6 point.
For my money, get 6 point, and buy occasional 12 point as you need them, Teng are usually very good, and Sealey are OK. I've had a set of deep Bergen sockets too, and they have been very good.
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