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The 6pt grabs more on the flat area of a fastener whereas the 12pt grabs near the corner.
Where this becomes a problem is when you really need to apply some force to get it out you risk rounding it off (especially with cheaper tools that are a ‘sloppy’ fit) because all the force is on a small area. That’s why impact sockets are 6pt. The other thing that happens is if it’s already damaged (someone using the wrong size socket) it doesn’t take much force using a 12pt. to finish rounding it off.
If you look at good 6pt sockets they actually have space where the corner of the fastener is so that no force is actually applied there.
IMO – 6pt is the way to go but unfortunately when buying tool sets you don’t always get a choice.
+1 Johnzcar 6-pt grips better.
But this is what you really need to know. 6 pt sockets, you can position the socket for every 60 degrees (360/6). And for 12-pt sockets, you can align and position the socket ever 30 degrees (360/12).another thing is some fasteners are made for 12 point like in tight places, sometimes you need both styles. I just got some 12 pt wobbles and I have a set of 12 pt impact sockets. Star bits (Torx) and triple square for European cars are popular, just depends on the type of car these days.
I have a few 12 point impact sockets,all Matco for certain applications.One is a 12 point 12mm for Ford driveshaft bolts.The other are a 12 point 9/16 for 1994 to 2002 fullsize Dodge Ram 4×4 wheelbearing retaining bolts and a 1/2 point for Jeep wheelbearing retaining bolts.There are 12 point fastners which are special bolts.Includes the Jeep 4.0 inline 6,the headbolts are 12 point 1/2 also.
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