Anybody have experience with Grey Pneumatic impact sockets

[cgrutt]

Looking for a new set of metric impact sockets. Would love to get Snap-on but 15 pc set 10-24 is $575 ouch. Looking at Grey Pneumatic master set 10-36 for $215 (I think it skips one socket). Most of my metric impacts are cheap auto parts (Duralast?) or Harbor Freight with a few truck brands thrown in. Noticed my 17mm seems to be worn out lugnuts keep getting stuck figured I'd buy a new set.

Another option is 10 pc Snap on 10-19 for $200 and I can fill in a few larger sizes that I seem to use 22, 24, 27 etc.

Are the Grey Pneumatics any good? Any other recommendations? Oh, not a pro just DIYer.

 

[nadogail]

Where are Grey Sockets sold? I have not seen them available locally.

 

[j3rf]

Love my Grey Pneumatic 3/8 impact socket set. I did break my deep 19mm, upgraded it with a Snap On version. Very good bang for the buck Taiwan CR-MO sockets.

 

[cgrutt]

Where are Grey Sockets sold? I have not seen them available locally.

Amazon?

 

[cgrutt]

Love my GRAY Pneumatic 3/8 impact socket set. I did break my deep 19mm, upgraded it with a Snap On version. Very good bang for the buck Taiwan CR-MO sockets.

How did you break it if you don't mind me asking. Have an aversion to tools that break from bad experience years ago. That's actually why I started buying Snap-on. Did it explode or just crack?

 

[joel_400]

I've got Grey Pnuematic and Sunex impact sockets at work can't remember which is standard/metric. But I will say I've had them for over 15 years and have only broken a handful of them over the years. Either one in my opinion are good quality. Actually with a half inch impact I think I've broken more "better" name brand sockets than those two sets. I personally would stay away from the harbor frieght cheapies after seeing a coworker wear them out constantly over the years, but he never broke them. They just got really sloppy on both ends. 18mm would fit 19mm lugs...that kind of wear. Made it nice when you had the old capped lug nuts that had swollen though! Haha
Joel

 

[FSUwelder1212]

It seems it’s pretty hard to screw up impact sockets so even harbor freights offerings are solid. That said, you could do what I did and buy Williams USA, Snap on quality at a much more affordable price.

 

[Gebirgekind]

I've been using the 3/8" semi-deeps from Grey Pneumatic in metric and SAE for a couple years and they've been great, they're a really good value for what you get. It's nice too that the sizes are both laser etched and stamped so they don't wear off.

 

[j3rf]

How did you break it if you don't mind me asking. Have an aversion to tools that break from bad experience years ago. That's actually why I started buying Snap-on. Did it explode or just crack?

Just cracked the 19mm end wall about an inch down into the broach. No pieces were thrown. Only noticed when my gun wouldn't loosen a lug nut.

 

[Wrench97]

I have a GN set for well over 10 years now only broke 2 the 19 and 22, I've worn out several more Snap On's in the same time frame.
You tend to see them at Truck part stores.

 

[gizardlizard]

I just bought the grays master 1/4” drive set. It’s awesome. Wish I would have bought it sooner. Seems like decent quality to me but time will tell.

 

[nadogail]

My question of where are the Gray branded tools sold has not been answered. What stores sell this brand of tools?

 

[dnschmidt]

My question of where are the Gray branded tools sold has not been answered. What stores sell this brand of tools?

Yes, it has AMAZON. See post #4

 

[cgrutt]

Yes, it has AMAZON. See post #4

Google can actually be useful at times like these lol...

 

[yellowbox]

Looking for a new set of metric impact sockets. Would love to get Snap-on but 15 pc set 10-24 is $575 ouch. Looking at Grey Pneumatic master set 10-36 for $215 (I think it skips one socket). Most of my metric impacts are cheap auto parts (Duralast?) or Harbor Freight with a few truck brands thrown in. Noticed my 17mm seems to be worn out lugnuts keep getting stuck figured I'd buy a new set.

Another option is 10 pc Snap on 10-19 for $200 and I can fill in a few larger sizes that I seem to use 22, 24, 27 etc.

Are the Grey Pneumatics any good? Any other recommendations? Oh, not a pro just DIYer.

There ain't a socket set made worth 600$ lol

 

[nadogail]

Are Gray brand tools sold in a store that I can walk into and handle the merchandise prior to leaving my money and walking out with the goods?

 

[cgrutt]

There ain't a socket set made worth 600$ lol

OK. How about eye sight? Had a universal joint blow up and nearly took out my best friend's eye years ago. He underwent several surgeries but didn't lose eye. $600 sounds like a bargain...

 

[yellowbox]

OK. How about eye sight? Had a universal joint blow up and nearly took out my best friend's eye years ago. He underwent several surgeries but didn't lose eye. $600 sounds like a bargain...

Need more info , could happen even with snap on

 

[LXCam]

I’ve had the same set you’re after for close to ten years. The 15, 18, 21, 22 & 36 get beat on allll the time and I ain’t broke nothing yet. I’ve also got the 3/8” set too without any problems

 

[2ndGearRubber]

I have some 3/8 impact hex from them. They've worked well, I think I replaced two with snap on after twisting them. They never broke though.

 

[yellowbox]

Need more info , could happen even with snap on

I have broken many snap on. Tools , they are not infallible

 

[plinker]

I've got a few GP sockets, no issues, I prefer Sunex though. Easier to acquire and warranty (Napa/Carlyle rebrands them). I've broken a few in 3/8 drive, heavy use split the side, but never one in 1/2 drive. I have broken some of the thin wall lug nut sockets but those are a bit different (also split the side).

From what I've seen the Snap-on are pretty malleable/soft, compared to other brands (easy to wear out regular use), so having a reliable dealer is a plus to swap them out.

Anything can break given the right circumstances/situation.

 

[WagonHo!]

Got my set thru Tool Discounters online. Great set metric and standard stubby and tall with 2 wobble extensions and 3/8 ratchet- impact ready. Only thing is the black sockets are easy to lose, especially the 10mm rascals. I use them almost exclusively for everything. No breakage going on 10yrs.

 

[cgrutt]

Need more info , could happen even with snap on

Yep. Could of happened with any brand. It was Craftsman back in 1983ish. I started buying Snap-on and had no other near catastrophic failures since. Falling on hard times sold alot of my Snap-on and been replacing with cheap ****. Trying to rebuild and would prefer USA tools but money is an issue at the moment. I think I'm going with the Snap-on 10-19 and will backfill over time.

 

[speed bump]

My SAE 1/2" sockets are Gray pneumatic. Seem like decent sockets, but they don't get that much use.

Personally if it's a socket we have to beat on I would go with a Proto. I've watched guys run them until the socket is so hot you can't hold it for multiple days and they hold up decently well.

 

[ThePostman]

You will have no problem with GN. I don't have full sets, but I have bought various sockets from them, to include impact swivels, and never had a problem, in a pro, sometimes hellish environment

 

[ronkz650]

I have tons of them. The 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive hex standard length sets in mm/in, the master 1/4 drive socket set, the metric 1/2 drive standard length sockets, the Torx set, the 6" length hex metric driver set. Some I've had for 30yrs. I have never had a problem with any of them. Some talk of warranty problems. I never warranty a tool. If it breaks, I throw it away. I have never broken any of the Grey impact.

 

[cgrutt]

^^^ 30 years? Wow. Didn't realize they have been around that long.

 

[dchawk81]

OK. How about eye sight? Had a universal joint blow up and nearly took out my best friend's eye years ago. He underwent several surgeries but didn't lose eye. $600 sounds like a bargain...

No eye protection?

 

[cgrutt]

No eye protection?

Ha, 1983, we didn't wear sunscreen or masks either lol...

 

[dchawk81]

I have a 1/2" drive 1-7/8" hex Grey Pneumatic impact socket.

Never really thought about whether it was good or bad. It did its job.

 

[dchawk81]

For what it's worth I also have some Harbor Freight in 1" drive, Armstrong USA in 3/4 drive, random can't remembers in specialty sizes, and the master sets in 1/2 from Sunex. Oh and an axle set from Alltrade aka Powerbuilt.

None of it really stands out to me to go oh don't buy that, or definitely buy this.

I just know 1/2" drives wallow out faster with these new high torque impacts, especially when you push their limits. My 1/2" 33mm especially from all the lug nut lugging. So you should probably get into bigger drive sizes even if the impact can technically do it. 3/4 and 1" will basically last forever doing the same job.

Also remember the more wallowed your drive gets, the more torque you lose. Kinda like using an extension.

 

[j3rf]

My question of where are the Gray branded tools sold has not been answered. What stores sell this brand of tools?

Little bit of a far drive for you but right around the corner from me. In stock, on the shelf. Walk in buy it, walk out.

https://www.ohiopowertool.com/brands/grey-pneumatic-sockets/grey-pneumatic-duo-socket-impact-socket-sets

 

[NFH2740]

The warranty procedure *****; one must submit the broken socket to GP for review and if approved a replacement will be sent.

Several of my 1/4 drive metric magnetic impact swivels had magnets fall out in the first few uses. I fixed them JB weld. The magnet inserts are too long and leave too little head engagement.

Very disappointing for a $130 (2018) set of ten.

I often bent or broke pins in impact swivels and switched to SK and Snap On.

The regular sockets have been fine. The blue colored cases are superior to black or red.

Are Gray brand tools sold in a store that I can walk into and handle the merchandise prior to leaving my money and walking out with the goods?

Yes.

 

[bubinga]

Amazon?

You can certainly get them at amazon!
Keep in mind however,
Gray pneumatic will not warranty there sockets purchased from Amazon

 

[bubinga]

It seems it’s pretty hard to screw up impact sockets so even harbor freights offerings are solid. That said, you could do what I did and buy Williams USA, Snap on quality at a much more affordable price.

I have a William set of deep well impact sockets. I would not hesitate to buy again!

 

[bubinga]

I've been using the 3/8" semi-deeps from Grey Pneumatic in metric and SAE for a couple years and they've been great, they're a really good value for what you get. It's nice too that the sizes are both laser etched and stamped so they don't wear off.

I don't like sockets that are laser etched only!

 

[cgrutt]

I have a William set of deep well impact sockets. I would not hesitate to buy again!

Thanks. So $404 less 20% approx $320 10-36. Want to check COO if they're USA I might just go for these. Thank you.

 

[bubinga]

For what it's worth I also have some Harbor Freight in 1" drive, Armstrong USA in 3/4 drive, random can't remembers in specialty sizes, and the master sets in 1/2 from Sunex. Oh and an axle set from Alltrade aka Powerbuilt.

None of it really stands out to me to go oh don't buy that, or definitely buy this.

I just know 1/2" drives wallow out faster with these new high torque impacts, especially when you push their limits. My 1/2" 33mm especially from all the lug nut lugging. So you should probably get into bigger drive sizes even if the impact can technically do it. 3/4 and 1" will basically last forever doing the same job.

Also remember the more wallowed your drive gets, the more torque you lose. Kinda like using an extension.

Yes it vibrates around too much!

 

[bubinga]

Thanks. So $404 less 20% approx $320 10-36. Want to check COO if they're USA I might just go for these. Thank you.

I'm pretty sure they are USA made.
That looks like the set I have!