Question about mechanic hand tools. sockets and ratchet wrench questions.?
Im a weekend mechanic, I had 90% of my tools stolen a few weeks ago and Im working on replacing them. When looking around for a good socket sets or sockets in general I thought of something that may turn out better for me since im on a budget.
So here is my questions:
Why buy 12-point sockets, when you could have all 6-point? Is their a reason to use 12-point sockets vs 6-point sockets? I understand how a 12-point wrench could be better then a 6-point when working in tight spots, But for sockets I don’t see a good reason the use 12 point sockets. Am I missing something about 12-point sockets?
Question two:
Can impact sockets also be used with a ratchet as well? This question goes with the first question. Since Ive got to buy new sockets anyway, Im thinking I will just buy one very good set of 3/8″ & 1/2″ impact sockets and use them with hand ratchets when needed. instead of buying a set of impact and normal sockets. But since ive never realy used impact sockets with a ratchet I dont know if their are any downsides or not. I guess what I realy want to know is, Will an impact socket porform just as good as a normal reguler socket?
Question three: Anyone have any input on northern tool’s brand “Titan”?
I had a nice set of blue-point ratchet wrench sets that where stolen that took me 3 years to get.
A few years ago I got a small set of the Gearwrench’s for christmas, Not needing them, I only used them when I had a hard bolt to break loose and did not want to damage my blue-point wrenchs (I know blue-point is lifetime also, But the truck is so hard to track down) And to my surprise they held up very well. I never had one break ever. When I went to northern tool to pick up my new air compressor, I was looking at the gearwrench brand to replace my stolen blue-point’s and I found the Titan brand to offer a very nice complete sets of 13, vs only 8pc for grearwrench. I looked over and they look nice, they feel nice and for $120 for a 13pc SAE set and $89 for the 13pc metric set, the price is fair. Anyone ever used them? How do they hold up? and issues when returning broke one’s?
That about does it for now, Thanks for taking the time and helping me out!
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1 I use 6pt all the time unless the bolt/nut is damaged and the socket doesn’t fit well, then the 12pt comes in handy.
#2 yes you can use impact sockets with regular ratchets.
# 3I’ve never used Titan, but I won’t use anything that does not have a warranty. You have to watch craftsman anymore, they are trying to weasel out of the warranty on some of their sockets.
I have had very good results with the gearwrench brand tools.
The only thing I can help with is the impact socket question; they will work, but are bulkier than standard sockets, so it may be difficult to use in tight spots. There are good brands that don’t cost a lot, and if you can wait until after Christmas, there will be sales. You can also look at thrift type stores and garage sales
The only reason to use a 6 point over a 12 is because your less likely to strip it and can put more force on the bolt. So i guess you could own all 6 point but sometimes 12 points just work better in different situations.
Yes you can use impact socket on normal ratchets, they just have thicker walls and wont fit in tight
places like normal chrome sockets do. Thats the only downside to them. However i use my chromes on my impact all the time and havnt broke one. Thats not to say you wont but chromes are a lot cheaper and fit in many more places since your on a budget.
As for the gearwrenches, i havnt used titan ones before but do own the gearwrench brand and like them. When it comes down to it just make sure you get one with a warranty if you can.
Also, you can go to sears and get like a 200 or 300 piece set of tools now for under 200 if you catch them on sale on the weekends, which include 1/4,3/8, and 1/2 drive sizes, theyre great for the money
Chrome on an impact is dangerous ass hell them things shatter and can cut your hands er whatever’s in the way of it up or in-bed little shrapnel’s.. It ain’t even pretty!
about the the 12 point socket. they make some bolts on cars with a 12 point head.
1. You are correct. 12pt are made for tight spots where you can’t turn the ratchet too far. 6pts are stronger and less likely to strip the head. I have mostly 6pts.
2. Impacts are thicker, heavier, and cost more. It being heavier, gets tiring after a while. It being thicker won’t fit in some places. It being costlier is unneccessary cost. Most of the time you’re using 10mm to 17mm(3/8 to 5/8). You don’t need impact for those sizes.
6 points havbe a false reputation for being stronger because they hold all across the side of the bolt, but all the torque is transmitted at the corners.
12 points are easier to fit, having a point every 30^ instead of the 6′s 60^.
Yes you can use impact sockets on a ratchet but they are slightly thicker walled reducing the spaces they fit.
1. Some bolts have a 12 point head on them. 6 points seem to be a little stronger. 12 points are better in tight spots.
2. No problem at all using impact sockets on a ratchet. They are thicker walled than normal sockets and may not fit in some spots. Do NOT use regular socket on an impact wrench, they are very hard and may shatter, those shards will cut you.
3. Sorry, can’t help you on the Titan brand of tools, never used them. If they’ve got a lifetime warranty on them, try them. If they don’t, go get some Craftsman tools from your local Sears store, easiest replacement program on the market.
Hate to hear about your tools getting stolen, hope they find whoever did it and string him up by his balls. Good luck with your new tools.