Other than the obvious, what is the difference between 6 point and 12 point sockets? Is one better than the other for certain things, or is it just a matter of personal preference?

As far as I can tell the only difference is that a 12-point socket is easier to put on the bolt you're removing.

6-point sockets are supposedly less likely to strip/round off the bolt. I have no 12-point sockets. I don't miss them.

I prefer 6 point sockets myself, They tend not to round off stuff as easily.

All 6 points here. They make it almost impossible to round off a hex. Especially the shapes that Craftsman and Metrinch use. It also makes it more likely to grab a nut that is already rounded.

When I started wrenching on cars 30 years ago, within a year I replaced my hand-me-down 12-pts with 6-pt impact sockets and never looked back. I'm still using the same set this day.

Only rarely have I seen a 12-pt bolt head -- mostly on aircraft.

6 point sockets put pressure on the flat of the fastener, where you can apply the most force. 12 point sockets put the pressure on the corners.

A 12 point can be easier to get on a fastener in a tight spot. I try to use 6 pointers as much as I can.

If you can't get a socket on something, spin the wrench a little. If you're using a cheater bar or torque wrench, pull the socket off and put it on the square peg 90 degrees off. This will offset the 60-degree hex 30 degrees from where you started.

Kestas and Punisher are dead on. Originally break over bars were used a lot. 12 point allowed for more "bites" in tight spaces. With the widespread use of ratchets, need for 12 point is nil. With exception of above mentioned drive shaft bolts and wheel bearing bolts on late model Dodge PU's.

Bob

I concur with said info.
Coming from my vast experience.............:) Well lets just say I have been around the block enough to know what they say is good info from my experience.

I appreciate, too, the answers given.

With that in mind I would still pick up a 12-pt (quality; garage sale/pawn shop) in a size such as 9/16 where I seem to use it a great deal. I wouldn't go out of my way for it, but sooner or later that 12-pt socket will be handy.

ive only seen 12pt on Ford Driveshafts, the pinch bolts on some Ford Twin I-Beam bushings, and some dodge pickups. other then buying sockets for that specific reason, i have all 6pt. all my wrenches are 12pt though. i do alignments a lot, so i need to get into weird tight spaces on some really poorly designed suspensions.

Just to throw a "wrench" into this discussion.....the rounding of corners should be a moot point according to Snap-On, who I "think" first patented the 12 point socket that grabs the nuts (ouch) away from the corners. The patent must be elapsed because Craftsman and others now have this design.

Having said that, I also chose 6 point sockets on my last new tool set.

Older Jeep Driveshafts are held in with 12 point bolts also.

I used to like 12 point till I found out (the hard way) that they strip bolt heads easier.

Except for the Ford and Jeep driveshafts, I'm curious why the automakers don't use 12-pt fasteners more often like the aircraft industry does? It seems the auto industry prefers using torx heads for premium fasteners.