Cars House

I got a real nice set of a craftsmen 248-pc tool set from sears for xmas. I had a question regarding some of the metric size sockets. There are a bunch of duplicate sockets that range from lets say 4mm to 22mm that are the same size in height but only difference is one set is a 6 point and the other set is a 12 point. Whats the difference between the two except the top of the points. If i had to use a 14mm socket on my bmw is there a difference to use the 6 point vs the 12 point? When would i use one or the other.

that sounds like the same set i got last x-mas :)
there is a chance that the 12 point will slip and cause the nut or bolt head to become rounded. A 6 point will give you a much better connection with the bolt, since the entire side of all 6 sides are engaged with the head. as far as i know, the only thing you give up is the ease of placing the socket on the head. If its in a hard to reach area, a 12 point will be easier to slip over the head, you may have to rotate a 6 point a bit more so it fits.

Whenever you're breaking a bolt under heavy torque (e.g. wheels) try to use a 6 point socket.
Likewise, try to use a 6pt box ended wrench for breaking the initial torque. Then you can switch to an open ended wrench for faster work. When you have 6 sides as opposed to 2 under contact, it will be easier on the equipment.

In general always use the 6 point sockets because they reduce the possibility of rounding the bolts. There are also plenty of fasteners that have a 12 point head.

Just what was said above. The funny thing is though, hex bolts and allen cap bolts only use the corners for force. Not the entire surface of the flats. That is why torx bolts excell.

However the 6 point socket will allow more contact if and when a point starts to round off.

yep - what vml said...

use a 6pt when you can. Use a 12 pt when you have to...

sometimes in your bentley manuals it will say that a specific bolt needs a 12pt.