> >
> > Can someone explain why 12 pts. are bad vs. 6 or 4 point?
> > I don't get it. TIA
> 
> 6 point sockets have a dramatically reduced tendency to round off stubborn
> fasteners.  
It's a simple matter of contact surface area.  12 point sockets give you
6 small patches of contact at each hex side, and the force is
concentrated nearer to the points, so it is much easier to displace the
metal on the bolt.  6 point sockets bear along most of each face of the
hex.  Plus, they typically are made out of this magic black,
indistructable steel.  Good stuff.
-- 
Patrick Washburn <washburn@dwave.net>
Wausau, WI     Land of Cheese
95 DS Neon
Moooooooooo.
 
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