I vote square.
Hey @YYCHM : it is designed that way so you can move it to the next pattern on a square nut. Basically to get it out of the way or allow you to get a bit more of a turn in a tight area - like your tailstock or tool post. I have a square end one if you need it?
Cripes, thats where it went! Thats from the latern tool post from high school 40 years ago! We could never find the damn things.....
Should this fit an 8 point nut or is it for square nuts only?
I vote both. Regardless of its original intent, it will work for both so why limit its use to only one of them?
Its not at all like using a Philips screwdriver on a Robertson screw.....
That said, I found lots of places that specifically identified this particular "Armstrong 585 1/2" inch wrench as a toolpost wrench for the old lantern style tool holder. I have a few of these wrenches with a square hole that fit the lantern tool post on my old F E Reed lathe.
I have 8 point sockets for use on square head plugs. So much nicer to grab one and an impact gun, than using an open end wrenchNo such thing as a 8 point fastener. A google search indicates they are for square head nuts, screws and plus.
No such thing as a 8 point fastener, and if they do, they sure aren't going to have a octagonal shape on them. A google search indicates they are for square head nuts, screws and plus.