What's with the triple square socket head on my gearbox
 

Like almost everyone else it seems, I am pulling my gearbox to change the clutch. I barely got that one triple square socket head cap screw off. It seems that someone had previously buggered it up with the wrong tool, or an air wrench.

So, I was thinking about replacing with a standard allen type socket head cap screw - any negatives to this other than being unofficial P-car OEM standard?

Triple square? Duodec point? ;)

I got the bit in a 4 pack at Northern Tools. It was called a '12 Point Bit Set'. I found it entertaining Porsche used it, kind of like they didn't want just anybody pulling the transmission. I'm sure there is some other reason for using it, maybe someone on the forum knows. It is only torqued to like 33ftlbs or something.

I was wondering the same thing you were, why not just replace it with something a little more common. I'll ask my parts guys tomorrow see if he has any theories.

Just put mine back together Saturday, I thing it's a clearance issue. Really tight against the trans, may not be enough room for hex head and socket to fit. I had to buy a '12 point' kit to get it apart.

Agreed, but it looks like a socket head cap screw would fit just fine.