Opinions vary? Most of my sockets are all 6 point (by choice) but for combo wrenches, I feel that 12pt is the way to go. Reason is, typically if I'm using the closed end wrench its often because I'm working in a tight spot with limited access. A 12pt gives you 2x as many angle options as a 6pt and if the "swing" room is limited, a 6pt may not even work is some really tight spots that a 12pt would.
NOOOOO!!
6 point sockets are great but, not so much in wrenches unless you're talking about brake bleeding wrenches.
You have to move the wrench too far to reposition it with a 6 point. Get the 12pt. they feature off corner engagement and will work much better in confined spaces.
I like 6-point in the smaller sizes, and 12-point in the larger sizes.
The dividing line for me is around the 1/2" wrench size.
Given enough money, I'd have all 12-point, plus up to 9/16 or 15mm in 6-point.
All three of the above postings are good advice!! Personally, I have four primary sets of combo wrenches .... two sets in metric and two in SAE. One set of each is 6 pt. (for the nasty bolts) and the other is 12 pt. (for more flexible access). Same with my sockets, but 6 pt. sockets make more sense. Also, have a couple sets of 8 pt. SAE sockets for the really old stuff.
For small bolts with heads <7/16, the 6 pt. combos are much less likely to slip that 12 pt.
Much of my work is on older agricultural equipment maintenance and tractor restoration so I encounter a lot of big, old, rusty, worn, nuts and bolts .... lots of big iron to crank. Very little work on new, more sophisticated, autos.
