[s-cars] Stripped hex head on Koni Strut! Any help?

[jpb3]

All,
Unfortunately the hex portion on top of the Koni strut has been pretty much
stripped away and I need to hold it so I can R&R the 2B spherical bearing.
I was using a 6mm Craftsman hex socket, the same used to install the
suspension system initially but it seems as though the metal used in the
strut is pretty soft.  I started rounding it out when I tried to tighten it
up to see if it cured the noise, it turns out that 2B just sent me a new
bearing assembly b/c that did not work.  I stopped tightening it as soon as
it started slipping but when I went to loosen it it was already too late and
the hard metal of the socket just chewed through the strut.

I do not want to purchase a new strut(or 2) so does anyone have a suggestion
on how I can hold this thing in both directions? ( ie...loosening and
tightening) I have visited Sears tool dept and most extractors only "bite"
to remove such a problem and do not grip for the tightening portion.  I have
considered welding a nut on top of the strut but forsee problems with that
solution as I only have a stick welder and it's not too precise!  Gripping
the shaft of the strut seems improbable as it would lead to a scored strut
and seal failure I would think.  Any suggestions out there?  TIA

John B