logical

[enthada]

. Why is it better to have round manhole covers than square ones? This is logical rather than lateral, but it is a good puzzle that can be solved by lateral thinking techniques. It is supposedly used by a very well-known software company as an interview question for prospective employees.

[satpam]

People tend to be round

replace more easily

[satpam]

it can be rolled into position

[LotusEater]

It won't displace so easily should grit get in where the cover is placed. A square has four planes/edges; a circle only one.

[Quizmonkey]

The answer is that a round cover can't fall down the hole - any other shape can!

[LotusEater]

I was almost there! Do I get the job!

[poorclare]

I liked Satsams answer. Quizmonkey uum a square peg in a round hole

[Vimto]

Wouldn't equilateral triangle covers have the same virtue? Being slightly larger than the hole, as in the case of circular ones, I can't see how they would fall into it.

[razza]

There are 2 reasons why they are round.1 A round one is stronger.2 They use less metal than square ones.