At 08:06 AM 6/13/2010, Max Wellhouse wrote...
>I guess one advantage of the 12 point socket in this case is that
>with a 6 point socket, you will only have 6 positions in which to set
>the initial angle of the breaker bar for loading; ie one every 60
>degrees.  With a 12 point, you would have 12 positions(one every 30
>degrees) in which to obtain the desired horizontal loading of the
>breaker bar and cheater pipe.

You'd think, but it doesn't work that way. The socket attaches to the
breaker bar with a square fitting. That gives you additional angles.
Considering a 6 point socket, the sides represent a 60 degrees change,
as you say, but you can also move the breaker in the socket, with is a
90 degree change. The result of doing both is a 30 degree change, same
as a 12 point.

For high torque fittings, a 6 point is definitely called for (unless
the fastener itself is 12 point, as some newer VW axle nuts are).