They both perform the same task. The 12 pt socket is a higher quality. It is less likely to slip or strip the nut.

A 6-point socket gets a better grip on the nut and so is less likely to slip and round off the nut corners.

The benefit of a 12-point box-end wrench was that it gave you a better range of movement, but that is unimportant on a racheting socket wrench. On a non-racheting socket wrench (i.e., a breaker bar), the 12-point socket might be useful.

Thanks people, but which is it? I suppose i could just find a nut and try to strip it! lol

Always happy to start a controversy on the boards. ;-)

In support of my position that 6-point sockets have better grip, I'll offer up page 177 of a Navy manual where they advise using 6-point sockets: http://www.nsgreatlakes.navy.mil/engineering/unitfour/4-1.pdf

To see for yourself, insert a nut into each type of socket and observe which has more metal-to-metal contact.

You could also ask your local auto mechanic to tell you how many times they skinned their knuckles using 12-point sockets before they learned their lesson.

I'll concede that for undamaged, non-rusted nuts that aren't torqued too tightly, a 12-point socket works fine.

I did remember one advantage of the 12-point socket, you can use it on square nuts.

This is a very controversial subject. Depends on the size of sockets you are acquiring about. for instance,1/4 inch drive sockets are found in most small sizes in 12 point. most 3/8 drive are 6 pt, and most 1/2 inch are 6 pt in vanadium chrome. If you are using impact tools, most shops use 6 pt for durability and less roundage on nuts. I sell thousands of sockets yearly, and records indicate that 6 pt are the most popular sales. howvever, both are excelent products that we cannot live without in the workplace. also, please dont use 12 point sockets on square nuts, they require 8 point sockets for a perfect fit.

Totally agree with "Spot". Hex (6pt) will grab the bolt head or nut much more securely than a double hex (12pt). 12pts will have a much greater tendency to round the head. I agree if it's a tough nut so to speak, always use a 6pt. The advantage of a 12pt is when you're working in a tight places and can only get the wrench in at certain positions the 12pt has twice as many positions it can secure itself over the nut or bolt vs the 6pt, but that's the only advantage it has over a 6pt.