I to am self-employed with my own single member LLC for just over 15 years now. When a client requests I provide a W-9, is have always (and will continue to do so) used the EIN. Under no circumstances and with no exceptions will I ever give a client my SSN. They get the EIN or take their business needs elsewhere.
With my SSN, if it's used unscrupulously my entire financial life can be ruined. But with the EIN only the business is affected, and it's easier to invalidate an EIN.
Now I'm not saying one of your clients would abuse your EIN/SSN. But what if one of their employees is a bit on the unscrupulous side? Would you feel comfortable giving "me" your SSN? Of course not. In fact, since you and I have no business relationship, I have absolutely no legal need for your EIN either.
When it comes to the EIN, only two entities know what SSN that EIN is tied to; the IRS and the owner of the SSN it's tied to. Those are the only two that have any need to know what SSN the EIN is tied to.
If you will read what you posted from the IRS pub again, it makes it quite clear that you can use the EIN.
For federal income tax purposes, a single-member LLC classified as a disregarded entity generally must use the owner's social security number (SSN) or employer identification number (EIN) for all information returns and reporting related to income tax. For example, if a disregarded entity LLC that is owned by an individual is required to provide a Form W-9, Request for Taxpayer Identification Number (TIN), and Certification, the W-9 should provide the owner’s SSN or EIN, not the LLC’s EIN.
Note that your single member LLC does not have an EIN, and does not need one. The EIN is tied to you personally via your SSN, and that's what you use on the SCH C, W-9 forms, and for any other tax related transactions and informational exchanges, if you choose to do so.
