Pin-type vs. bolt-type universal socket joints?

[hifi_hokie]

Forgive the title if it's not clear, but I'm wondering what people's take on these are - I know the preferred way is a set of universal sockets for each size, but for universal joint adapters, is there a preference between the kind that are just set with pins vs. Torx or hex setscrews? Do pins get looser appreciably over time? Is this something to not even worry about?

Thanks!

 

[Jure]

you can't tighten the pin type after it get loose

 

[malykaii]

Only downside with screw type is they can back out and get lost. I learned to take them apart and reassemble with lock tite.

The best is Danaher's pin less design. (IMO)

 

[hifi_hokie]

Only downside with screw type is they can back out and get lost. I learned to take them apart and reassemble with lock tite.

The best is Danaher's pin less design. (IMO)

Do you have a link to an example of these?

I probably should have clarified that I'm looking for chrome universals, not impacts.

 

[Skin]

Quality pinned universals don't loosen up for quite awhile. Cheap sets will loosen up fairly quickly however if you're sticking it some place your hand cant go you can use a piece of tape or rubber band to keep the joint where you want it. Hardly anyone manufactures universal sockets with set screws anymore. I suspect its due to manufacturing automation and it probably causes a weak point in the joint.

Gearwrench are dirt cheap but reasonably reliable.
Snap-On makes the best but cost a small fortune.
SK have nice finishing but I was less than impressed with the joint friction.
USA Craftsman have poor finishing but use a nylon insert in the joint to hold friction so they work well.
Proto/MAC look excellent but no first had experience.

I think all the German companies still use set screws in their universal sockets. Koken (japan) as well and Koken make a style with a retaining ball in the socket to hold fasteners in place which is really nice.

 

[Jure]

Quality pinned universals don't loosen up for quite awhile. Cheap sets will loosen up fairly quickly however if you're sticking it some place your hand cant go you can use a piece of tape or rubber band to keep the joint where you want it. Hardly anyone manufactures universal sockets with set screws anymore. I suspect its due to manufacturing automation and it probably causes a weak point in the joint.

Gearwrench are dirt cheap but reasonably reliable.
Snap-On makes the best but cost a small fortune.
SK have nice finishing but I was less than impressed with the joint friction.
USA Craftsman have poor finishing but use a nylon insert in the joint to hold friction so they work well.
Proto/MAC look excellent but no first had experience.

I think all the German companies still use set screws in their universal sockets. Koken (japan) as well and Koken make a style with a retaining ball in the socket to hold fasteners in place which is really nice.

yep gedore,hazet,stahlwille and a few others

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I use Koken ones, no pin and they don't bind.

Much better than conventional universal joints.

 

[JonDick13926]

FWIW, I have several fairly worn out universal adapters and sockets in 3/8" and 1/2" drive. USA Blackhawk, SK, Proto, Snap On, Mac, Gearwrench, and Craftsman. I didn't buy a single one of them new, and most show signs of a lot of use. Yet, none of them are loose, at all. And every single one has a pin.

 

[Adam.C]

If you buy quality sockets, I would differentiate based on which ones would provide more clearance. The Snap Ons are very short and can reach tight areas. I would look into Koken's offerings if you can. I think Proto usually makes heavier duty, slightly bulkier stuff. I wouldn't worry about the design as much.

I have a small set of Snap On 3/8" drive with the most common metric sizes (10,12,13,14,15, 17?). I have a set of swivel torx. I would like to have 8, 10, 12,13, and maybe 14 in 1/4" drive.

 

[Jure]

If you buy quality sockets, I would differentiate based on which ones would provide more clearance. The Snap Ons are very short and can reach tight areas. I would look into Koken's offerings if you can. I think Proto usually makes heavier duty, slightly bulkier stuff. I wouldn't worry about the design as much.

I have a small set of Snap On 3/8" drive with the most common metric sizes (10,12,13,14,15, 17?). I have a set of swivel torx. I would like to have 8, 10, 12,13, and maybe 14 in 1/4" drive.

KTC makes the super short one if i remember correctly

 

[shockwave]

I prefer the screw type they hold up better

I know most truck brands use pin type except Mac that uses screw type

 

[1950mercury]

I have both styles and have never had a problem with either one. Ive been using wobble extensions more and more and hardly have to use universals

 

[dede2897234]

KTC makes the super short one if i remember correctly

Jure,

KTC does indeed manufacture super short universal sockets under their premium Nepros line. GJ member "Superautobacs" talks about Nepros universal sockets here: LINK.


Dave

 

[Jure]

Jure,

KTC does indeed manufacture super short universal sockets under their premium Nepros line. GJ member "Superautobacs" talks about Nepros universal sockets here: LINK.


Dave

yep that's it,Dave,is that the shortest universal currently available on the market? (in 1/4")

 

[efb16acrx]

Quality pinned universals don't loosen up for quite awhile. Cheap sets will loosen up fairly quickly however if you're sticking it some place your hand cant go you can use a piece of tape or rubber band to keep the joint where you want it. Hardly anyone manufactures universal sockets with set screws anymore. I suspect its due to manufacturing automation and it probably causes a weak point in the joint.

Gearwrench are dirt cheap but reasonably reliable.
Snap-On makes the best but cost a small fortune.
SK have nice finishing but I was less than impressed with the joint friction.
USA Craftsman have poor finishing but use a nylon insert in the joint to hold friction so they work well.
Proto/MAC look excellent but no first had experience.

I think all the German companies still use set screws in their universal sockets. Koken (japan) as well and Koken make a style with a retaining ball in the socket to hold fasteners in place which is really nice.

I remember seeing a picture of those on here once, but I can't find a link to them anywhere.

 

[Moose-LandTran]

I remember seeing a picture of those on here once, but I can't find a link to them anywhere.

http://www.kokenusa.com/products/itemicon/14

 

[malykaii]

You mentioned individual sizes. You can get an astro pneumatic 1/4 swivel set for $30, a gearwrench 3/8 set for $40, and a h.f. 1/2 impact for $35. A premium universal will cost more in each respective size than the complete sets I've listed.

 

[Skin]

I prefer the screw type they hold up better

I know most truck brands use pin type except Mac that uses screw type

MAC/Proto changed to a solid splined pin 4 or 5 years ago.