On Sun, 18 Feb 2018 09:00:02 -0800, ultred ragnusen
> wrote:

> wrote:
>
>>>First question is what is the practical difference between these three 21mm
>>>(13/16ths) "sockets" for the lug bolts on the car I was working on today?
>>>http://wetakepic.com/images/2018/02/17/socket_ends.jpg
>>>1. The standard lug wrench (green) has 6 points, each at a sharp angle.
>>>2. The impact socket (black) has 6 points, each at a semicircular angle.
>>>3. The standard socket (chrome) has 12 points, each at a sharp angle.
>>
>> The impact socket is superior for that application - whether using an
>> impact driver or not. A 12 point socket is better in situations where
>> fine motion is required.
>
>This is good to know that the impact socket is superior, probably for two
>reasons, right?
>1. It has those radius corners (someone said it reduces stress on both the
>nuts and the socket itself).
>2. It is stronger overall (presumably)
>
>Since there is always a drawback, I think the drawback might be:
>3. They're "fatter" it seems, than my normal sockets
>4. They don't seem to come in 12-point sizes (at least mine aren't)

That's because 12 point sockets are not the best to use on an impact
- as discussed previously.

And yes, they ARE fatter - because they REALLY need to be.