Saturday, March 19, 2011

is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



recently was looking for any cheap and working 1/2'' metric socket set and noticed that all I found (shallow, not deep wall) are 12-point sockets, so I picked up this from local HFT:



http://www.harborfreight.com/16-piec...set-67988.html







$29.99

Description of Pittsburgh 67988

High visibility markings for easier, faster socket selection. Comes with ratchet driver, 14" breaker bar and 5" extension.

  • Triple chrome plated

  • Rugged chrome vanadium construction

  • ANSI certified

Sizes: 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm and 28mm Drive: 1/2" Points: 12

The brand is Pittsburgh Pro.



is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



Last time I was doing 5s-fe timing job I could barely do that with 3/8'' socket set and with cascaded (daisy chained) combo wrenches. cannot imagine doing it again without 1/2'' ratchet (longer) and shallow sockets (also longer than 3/8'' ones).



thanks for opinions.

Reply 1 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



I've always used 12-point sockets on engine work. 90% of my set are 12 point, just because. I'm curious to see if anyone says this is bad.

Reply 2 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



12 point sockets are fine for low torque/small bolts, but not good enough for the higher torque requirements of larger bolts. If I had a choice between a set of 12 point or 6 point, Id take the 6 point every time.

Reply 3 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?




Quote:








Originally Posted by 71Corolla
View Post

12 point sockets are fine for low torque/small bolts, but not good enough for the higher torque requirements of larger bolts. If I had a choice between a set of 12 point or 6 point, Id take the 6 point every time.



thanks, exactly my point. I tried but couldn't find 6-points sockets in shallow version. only deep walls are 6-point. I prefer 6pt actually, no risk of rounding at higher torques, IMO.



anyways, seems I will be fine with 12pt set. I only need to buy a single 15mm one (Monroe strut mounts) and it should be good



hoping it fits the purpose around 5s-fe engine timing and power steering area.

Reply 4 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



I would stay away from the 12 pt sockets.

Only use them when need, ie headbolts on Tercels, Corolla, or the 12mm Ford driveshaft bolts, or like honda uses 12pt in their engines/clutches

more info in from http://www.garagejournal.com/

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=34696


Quote:








Originally Posted by Adam McLaughlin
View Post

AGREED. Six point is the way to go. Use 6 point on a 6 point bolt, and a 12 point socket on a 12 point bolt.



Otherwise, you get a 12 point socket on a 6 point head and when you go to really put some torque on something, the socket slides off, you slip and smash your finger on something hard and get a blood blister under your nail, requiring you to drill the nail to let the pressure off, meanwhile screaming like a 6 year old girl....



( Don't ask! )



I think I can count on one hand the number of 12 point sockets that I have. 3/8" deep by 3/8" drive for the TH-400s center support bolt is just one of the few, and the only one that I can think of right now.



Adam




Reply 5 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?




Quote:








Originally Posted by Mr.Nutcase
View Post

I would stay away from the 12 pt sockets.

Only use them when need, ie headbolts on Tercels, Corolla, or the 12mm Ford driveshaft bolts, or like honda uses 12pt in their engines/clutches

more info in from http://www.garagejournal.com/

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/s...ad.php?t=34696



thanks for your opinion.



I will keep them anyways and see how it works for me.



for high torque stuff I have a set of 1/2'' metric deep wall impact sockets (6-point of course), but I need shallow sockets too and for some reason it's almost impossible to find an inexpensive (or actually any) 6-point socket set with shallow design.





Amazon Amazon

Reply 6 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



That's a versatile set (I have an earlier version with rubber cushion breaker bar handle), but now comes with a slightly shorter 14" breaker bar. It's also missing a 21mm for the lug nuts. Just pick from HF's individual socket rack. I think it's $1.99 each for the standard size ones, $2.99 for deep sockets.



The 6-point is supposed to have more contact area and less of a chance to round the bolt head. The sides of the 6-point socket are actually not flat but curved to allow for higher torque application. But IME I prefer the 12-point because it's easier in tight places.



I use 1/2" more often than the 3/8" (only when I need more clearance). I'd say go for it. Wait for a sale or get a 20% off coupon that shows up in AAA or car magazines.






Quote:








Originally Posted by fenixus
View Post

recently was looking for any cheap and working 1/2'' metric socket set and noticed that all I found (shallow, not deep wall) are 12-point sockets, so I picked up this from local HFT:



http://www.harborfreight.com/16-piec...set-67988.html







$29.99

Description of Pittsburgh 67988

High visibility markings for easier, faster socket selection. Comes with ratchet driver, 14" breaker bar and 5" extension.

  • Triple chrome plated

  • Rugged chrome vanadium construction

  • ANSI certified

Sizes: 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 22mm, 23mm, 24mm, 25mm, 26mm, 27mm and 28mm Drive: 1/2" Points: 12

The brand is Pittsburgh Pro.



is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



Last time I was doing 5s-fe timing job I could barely do that with 3/8'' socket set and with cascaded (daisy chained) combo wrenches. cannot imagine doing it again without 1/2'' ratchet (longer) and shallow sockets (also longer than 3/8'' ones).



thanks for opinions.




Reply 7 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?




Quote:








Originally Posted by fenixus
View Post

thanks for your opinion.



I will keep them anyways and see how it works for me.



for high torque stuff I have a set of 1/2'' metric deep wall impact sockets (6-point of course), but I need shallow sockets too and for some reason it's almost impossible to find an inexpensive (or actually any) 6-point socket set with shallow design.



http://www.amazon.com/dp/B000256S5Y/ref=pe_54110_19229490_pe_vfe_t1




Gearwrench has some sets, I bought some a set at sears a few years ago on sale...

This is the set I have, I bought on sale, it wa 19.99, added a Ratchet that bought from swapmeet/flee market





http://www.sears.com/shc/s/p_10153_1...block Type=G1

I would wait for good deal...

oh since you are buying from HF, dont forget the 20% coupon......



I bought tools online, check Amazon, Tooltopia.com,



If I were to start 1/2 set, I would buy that set from HF, and buy a 6pt set of sockets

Dont forget a 1/2 to 3/8 socket adapter

Reply 8 : is it a good idea to use 12-point 1/2'' sockets around engine?



thanks JohnGD



I actually bought them already yesterday hehe

though I made a decision to pick it up while being there so I paid regular $29.99 price ... probably the only item I bought from them at full price haha



for lug nuts I use the deep wall socket from the other set I linked (I have those too since a long time).

since strut mounts have protruding studs (even longer in rears) I think I will just keep using the deep wall 15mm socket on those bolts. I was in need of having 1/2'' ratchet and shallow sockets for it.






Quote:








Originally Posted by JohnGD
View Post

That's a versatile set (I have an earlier version with rubber cushion breaker bar handle), but now comes with a slightly shorter 14" breaker bar. It's also missing a 21mm for the lug nuts. Just pick from HF's individual socket rack. I think it's $1.99 each for the standard size ones, $2.99 for deep sockets.



The 6-point is supposed to have more contact area and less of a chance to round the bolt head. The sides of the 6-point socket are actually not flat but curved to allow for higher torque application. But IME I prefer the 12-point because it's easier in tight places.



I use 1/2" more often than the 3/8" (only when I need more clearance). I'd say go for it. Wait for a sale or get a 20% off coupon that shows up in AAA or car magazines.




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