Which 3/8 impact swivel?

[RVA-Jeff]

Want to get a set of SK swivel impact sockets for general use. Will get a set of metric and SAE. Would you go deep or standard? I'm leaning towards deep.

 

[BFHtime]

I suggest shallow with the swivels attached. Then I would get a regular deep set without the swivels attached, and use an impact swivel to interchange the deeps when needed. I think this would be the best compromise for your buck. Unless you used a swivel on the non swivel shallow sockets. The built in swivels do fit in tighter spaces, than a swivel inserted into a socket. Usually if you need to use a deep socket there will be room for a swivel, though not always.

 

[AV tinker er]

I suggest shallow with the swivels attached. Then I would get a regular deep set without the swivels attached, and use an impact swivel to interchange the deeps when needed. I think this would be the best compromise for your buck. Unless you used a swivel on the non swivel shallow sockets. The built in swivels do fit in tighter spaces, than a swivel inserted into a socket. Usually if you need to use a deep socket there will be room for a swivel, though not always.

I think this is a good idea, plus the more attachments added reduce the final impact as there is more slack that has to be overcome with each strike. SK makes great impacts and are USA made while the Pitts Pro at HF are decent also.

 

[mrjaw14]

built-in swivels are always better, but $$$, so I concer with the above advice. get a good set of metric swivel impacts, then get a swivel adaper to use with standard impact sockets. But remember to use safety glasses, I've heard of swivel adaperts slinging sockets accross the room

 

[firebox40dash5]

I suggest shallow with the swivels attached. Then I would get a regular deep set without the swivels attached, and use an impact swivel to interchange the deeps when needed. I think this would be the best compromise for your buck. Unless you used a swivel on the non swivel shallow sockets. The built in swivels do fit in tighter spaces, than a swivel inserted into a socket. Usually if you need to use a deep socket there will be room for a swivel, though not always.

X3. I did that, for the same reasons.

I'd rock Matco/Armstrong IMO. The Rzeppa style (pinless) are freakin' sweet. They hold up better, and you can run them at any angle they'll flex to without binding. The Matco, Armstrong, and Craftsman style all seem to be the same, though some have said the shallows are less shallow from Craftsman. I'd avoid the Craftsman version for fear of them being discontinued and possibly losing warranty support, although maybe Apex/Danaher would still stand behind them if Sears doesn't.

Matco has the best selection, but retail is ungodly expensive. You could always buy the Armstrong set and buy Matco for sizes they don't offer, but I think Armstrong goes up to 19mm anyway.

 

[AV tinker er]

The Rzeppa style (pinless) are freakin' sweet. They hold up better, and you can run them at any angle they'll flex to without binding.

I forgot to mention the above.

Also, I guess I should ask if the OP is using these professionally or at home? That would change my answer, if you are making money with these on a daily basis then get a shallow set with the swivels attached, if you are using them on the weekends a shallow set of a impacts with a separate swivel is much more budget friendly.

 

[Ruger_556]

I just use a Matco swivel and any impact socket I need... The rare times that I can't get away with that setup I just put away the impact and get out the hand tools. Even for Pro use like in the shop I'm at I can't justify a dedicated set of impact swivels when the swivel adapter works so well.

 

[BFHtime]

If you decide to get the swivels that you can put on the impact sockets, I suggest getting the pin lock kind. S the ball detent type. When using the impact at an angle they won't come apart and whack you. For extensions I prefer the locking kind with the quick release because taking apart the sockets with the pinlock takes more time and the quick release is much faster and more convenient than even ball detent style, but they are bulkier so there is some trade off. There is a little trade off with everything. If you could try some, may e borrow a friend's or something then you see what you prefer. This is just my preference for a place to start.

I would not cheap swivels, everything else there is some shades of gray. Even good ones break. Gloves can help reduce some shock too.

Good luck.

 

[RVA-Jeff]

Thank you for all the input. Going with the SK 33351 set for heavy DYI use.

 

[ken w.]

Here is a good deal on some Snap On on Ebay. Auction # 301063249739 .

 

[tshetter]

In the next few weeks I am going to place an order with Frank's Tools for:

Koken Double Universal Universal Joint 1/2dr, Model # 14772-P



Anyone use/have one of them? They seem really useful.

 

[Tuc04]

In the next few weeks I am going to place an order with Frank's Tools for:

Koken Double Universal Universal Joint 1/2dr, Model # 14772-P



Anyone use/have one of them? They seem really useful.

Did you get the double swivel? If so how do you like it? Anyone else have experience with the Koken 14772-p universal joint?

 

[cliftonbros89]

I have 3/8" SAE and metric SK. They've worked great so far. They're not terribly over priced either. I've been considering getting deepwell. But I think I may invest in a 1/2" set first.

I also have a SAE Matco set. 1/4". I think they're a cheaper rebranded set. I just hardly ever need them.

I'm sure Snap On would be great if they're in your budget. I personally don't bother with Craftsman anymore. Too many problems with the quality and with Sears. If Armstrong is good I'd maybe consider them if you could find them for a decent price. I'm not sure I'd bother with it though since Armstrong is pretty well dead now.