What socket are best Mac Edge or Flank Drive

[Esoxhunter46]

I am looking to buy a new set of 3/8 deepwell sockets. What is the best sockets for working on older bolts. I do alot of work on older motorcycles and I need a set of sockets that will not round of (or make worse) bolts like my current set of C'mans. I do not know much about Snap-on flank drive or Mac edge sockets this will be my first big investment. If anyone has some info about Mac, Snap-on, or even cornwell sockets let me know.

 

[eschoendorff]

Both have their followers. I would spend my $$$ on the Snap On flank drive before I would pay for imported MAC sockets. But that's just me.

I know a few mechanics who have Snap On tools older than me - who also work on old rusted **** and they have spent years removing bolts and nuts without MAC edge sockets.

 

[Merkava_4]

The latest MAC catalog I have has a 2004 race schedule on the inside back cover; when did this Edge line of sockets come about?

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I used some of these Mac sockets where i used to work. They're just a gimmick, this while ribbed socket wall thing is a load of ****. It makes no difference at all, they still slipped on rusty exhaust bolts, and bolts that had been rounded.

I know i'll get the "Snap-on follower" comments, but i found my Snap-on sockets took the rusty bolts off that the Mac sockets wouldn't. Their leaflet states that they're something like 70% more effective at removing rounded nuts/bolts than competitors' products. I'm guessing that 70% in question are the ones found in their testing shop.

 

[Merkava_4]

I'm thinking everything that says "MAC Edge" on it is a new low end line of tools they're having made in Taiwan to compete with Blue-Point; but I'm just guessing on that.

I've got a few of the USA made MAC sockets with the MACDRIVE flutes and they are excellent quality!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Wait, are Macdrive the ones with the three "ribs" on each wall/flat?

Those are the ones i used. I thought they sucked.

 

[Merkava_4]

Wait, are Macdrive the ones with the three "ribs" on each wall/flat?

Hell no . . .

MACDRIVE sockets are just like SO's Flankdrive.

PROTOs are MACDRIVE sockets "in drag."

 

[eschoendorff]

Here's a shot of the Mac Edge sockets:

You'll see taht they have the recesses like flank drive with serrations on the flats. Looks like they could easily mar a fastener.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

They ****.

Like i said earlier, i wanted to see if they worked like their tag/leaflet said. They didn't, yet my Snap-on flankdrive (?) did, on the same rusty exhaust bolt.

 

[speed bump]

I would go for either the Wright or Sk spline drive.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

Hell no . . .

MACDRIVE sockets are just like SO's Flankdrive.

PROTOs are MACDRIVE sockets "in drag."

I have to say, one thing that really puts me off Mac is the names they come up with. "Mac Edge" and "Macsimizer" etc..


OH COME ON!!!

Flank Drive.. It makes sense, drive off the flanks. Simple. These flashy names just make me think they're just trying to tart up something that's nothing special. I know it's just me being really picky and **** about it all, but that's just because i'm completely insane.

 

[Merkava_4]

I have to say, one thing that really puts me off Mac is the names they come up with. "Mac Edge" and "Macsimizer" etc..

I like MACSIMIZER and MACDRIVE.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

And i thought you were another ******** die hard Snap-on fan like myself.

Oh well..

 

[a390st]

Hey, Mac has had some really good products over the years. They may not be Snap On, but they were always right there. Their warranty was second to none. It kills me to see them head overseas with the Stanley thing, but they are still pretty good.

 

[Merkava_4]

And i thought you were another ******** die hard Snap-on fan like myself.

Oh well..

Oh. . . I'm still very much a ******** Snap~On fan alright, but I still appreciate the high quality in some other makes too. Having said that, my collection of MAC tools are all U.S. made and you'll never catch me buying any Taiwanese made MAC hardline tools.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

As much as i love Snap-on, some of it i can't bring myself to buy. Pliers, some of which are rebranded Knipex, i buy Knipex. Although, my Stanley pliers are VERY good.

Wrenches, i'd like Snap-on, but the cost is insane.

 

[Merkava_4]

As much as i love Snap-on, some of it i can't bring myself to buy. Pliers, some of which are rebranded Knipex, i buy Knipex. Although, my Stanley pliers are VERY good.

Wrenches, i'd like Snap-on, but the cost is insane.

I don't have a problem buying private labeled tools; just as long as they don't cost more than their host mfg. tools. As far as their wrenches go, I don't think they charge enough!

 

[Moose-LandTran]

As far as their wrenches go, I don't think they charge enough!

Isn't the 25-piece metric set like $2,500?

My 22-piece Elora set (which i love.) cost me ~$250.

 

[joenero]

From PERSONALLY using both.

Ok, so Jag 8mm timing cover bolts/water pump bolts are easy to strip if the socket is just a tiny bit off. S/O sockets won't grab them and pull them out. However, the Mac Edges grab them and performed miracles. I was using S/O and kept borrowing the guy that was next to me's Mac Edge to get them. Finally I bought my own. Note though, they are definitely weaker then S/O, they don't take stress too well. And they're made in Taiwan. If you've got ones where a bolt out is a debate then the Edge sockets might be worth while.

 

[tatra]

much as i don't care for westward, i did have a set of their metri-inch sockets and these became my first choice when i would work on something with mixed fasteners [80's]...........also had a set of flare nut wrenches that worked better than the snappys..............although my grays never let me down............after my tools got stolen the ins. co. wanted me to deal with just one supplier so s/o it was

 

[eschoendorff]

much as i don't care for westward, i did have a set of their metri-inch sockets and these became my first choice when i would work on something with mixed fasteners [80's]...........also had a set of flare nut wrenches that worked better than the snappys..............although my grays never let me down............after my tools got stolen the ins. co. wanted me to deal with just one supplier so s/o it was

What brand were those line wrenches that you liked better than Snap On?

 

[wrenchr]

Here's a shot of the Mac Edge sockets:

You'll see taht they have the recesses like flank drive with serrations on the flats. Looks like they could easily mar a fastener.

They do not mar, but they do grab!! I do not work on a show car anyway's!!

 

[tatra]

oops sorry, they were gray..................and in all fairness to sanpon , i did have the ones that had an indetation in them first, then had them replaced with the newer smooth style and really don't care for them as much.....