FLANK wrenches and sockets

[Aqualab]

Hi - can someone please tell me what FLANK refers to? Thank You

[snapy64]

Flank drive was invented in the 1060's by Snap-on for the Navy to apply high torque to bolts on aircraft without stripping. It refers to applying the pressure to the flat side or flank of the bolt or nut, conventional tools applied the pressure to the point which caused stripping.

conventional-12-point (Small).jpg (21.12 KiB) Viewed 1544 times

[snapmom]

Flank Drive refers to the closed end of Snap-On wrenches (and sockets) and the shape directs the force away from the corner of the fastener, to help prevent rounding off.

"Flank Drive Plus" refer to the teeth on the open end. So, the Snap-On Flank Drive wrenches (without the Plus) have no teeth.

[Bill_Houghton]

...the shape directs the force away from the corner of the fastener, to help prevent rounding off.

Where's the fun in that? You never get to demonstrate your skills in removing nuts that have been destroyed that way.

[Aqualab]

Thank you guys - appreciate the replies and information!