recommendation for 3/8 and 1/4 metric flex sockets

[jl4c]

I never saw the need for this type socket and thought a universal joint and a regular socket was just as good. Ran into a situation replacing a Honda EGR valve the other day and a 12mm flex socket would have made the job a bit easier. Now I'm looking for a set of metrics in 3/8 and/or 1/4 drive--not impacts, just chromed. I'm also not looking to go first class--even SK is more than I want to spend. I see Gearwrench has their 80565 set for a very reasonable price. Anyone like these or have another preference?

 

[CobraRed]

For 1/4", can't go wrong:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040Y62HC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[jl4c]

Lowe's has these Kobalts for cheap on sale through today. Good price but I prefer 6-pt. According to the reviews it's missing the 14mm though.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Flex-Socket-7-Piece-Metric-3-8-in-Drive-12-Point-Socket-Set/3772673

 

[Cope]

Lowe's has these Kobalts for cheap on sale through today. Good price but I prefer 6-pt. According to the reviews it's missing the 14mm though.

https://www.lowes.com/pd/Kobalt-Flex-Socket-7-Piece-Metric-3-8-in-Drive-12-Point-Socket-Set/3772673

I wonder which bean counter put that set together?

 

[shockwave]

For 1/4 I highly recommend chrome snap on over all others

And for 3/8 you can easily use others gearwrench are okay sk is very good quality

 

[T45]

For 1/4 I highly recommend chrome snap on over all others

And for 3/8 you can easily use others gearwrench are okay sk is very good quality

If you actually need them, this is the correct answer. The 12pc sets are astronomically expensive. A redacted 6pc set has 6pcs (8,10,12-15mm) is the one I would look at. For a just in case set, maybe look at other options.

The cheaper ones tend to have softer metal, more of it, poor geometry etc.

 

[jl4c]

If you actually need them, this is the correct answer.

Well that's the rub isn't it? Would have made this job easier but I think any 1/4 drive set would have. As I said in my initial post, not looking to go first class (at least not yet). Looking for less $pendy options.

 

[shockwave]

You really only ever need is 7-14 in 1/4 drive very rarely do I ever use 15mm in 1/4 and 9mm almost never I use 7mm for Ford ignition coils all day and 11mm for gm driveshafts with adapter for 3/8

Snap on and sk will be best options

 

[itsvegas]

snap-on has the best imo. buy em as you need em if you cant bite the bullet for a full set!

 

[Empty Pockets]

If price was a consideration, I would go with SK. SO is a good tool, but can be price prohibitive. SK makes a good quality tool with great customer service.

Sometimes, cheapest is not always least expensive

 

[dnschmidt]

For the money the Astro set shown above is untouchable.

 

[BolognaBlake]

For 1/4", can't go wrong:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0040Y62HC/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I have this Astro set it's great.

 

[T45]

Well that's the rub isn't it? Would have made this job easier but I think any 1/4 drive set would have. As I said in my initial post, not looking to go first class (at least not yet). Looking for less $pendy options.

only you can say if you actually need the tool.

Engineers typically don't design access problems in the normal course. You run into these situations because you are trying to cheat the clock (and not remove obstructing parts). Only in rare situations do the actual engineering limitations force tools to be used like this. If you have engineering considerations of this type, they tend not to be avoidable and you tend to need the tool on a recurring basis for the life of the project/class of machine you are working one.

And you are thus more likely to need to deal with the tool and put more stress on it. And similarly, if you have the ability to use the tool in a timesaving manner on a specific fitment. Again, your more likely to push the tool abit and ask more of it and be more appreciative when it works correctly/efficiently and doesn't grenade, have fitment issues, or strip crappy hardware.

For "what ifs" you can get chicom or junk tools...for the 1/1000 type situation where its a nice to have...its really just common sense.

Some people only use 1/4 for stuff that is very low torque, and others use it quite a bit in more demanding applications. It all really depends on your needs in that context.

 

[Wamsutta]

I'm also not looking to go first class--even SK is more than I want to spend.

The cheaper flex sockets don't flex far enough without binding - which defeats the whole purpose of having a flex socket in the first place. I can lean my Snap-on sockets over almost to a full 90 and they'll still turn without binding.

 

[Mr_B]

If going cheap then gearwrench best choice probably and often on offers which even sweeter.
If can spend bit more then SK is big step ahead and this type of tool is worth spending more on as they make the impossible possible .

 

[PJNJ]

I have Astro in 1/4 and Gearwrench/Cman (USA) in 3/8. They have worked very well and, to me, are the best bang for the buck currently.

 

[pawnworld007]

The cheaper flex sockets don't flex far enough without binding - which defeats the whole purpose of having a flex socket in the first place. I can lean my Snap-on sockets over almost to a full 90 and they'll still turn without binding.[/QUOTE



If you can afford it, don't skimp, get the Snap On's, hands down the best. If you can't shell out the $350 or however much a set is these days, then the Gearwrench gets my vote for the economy.

For 3/8 don't waste your time with the universal joint sockets, go straight to the ball and socket impact set (again Snap On if you can), haven't ever found a need for a 15mm universal socket.

Just my .02

 

[2mJps]

I just got a set of metric Gearwrench and i used them that week alot they are great.

 

[Tom.C]

Jersey discount tools.com he runs specials and bogo on 1/4+3/8 all the time

 

[mbshop]

Although I had both so and mac, I would suggest getting the best. Cheap stuff can't take it. For you I would suggest just getting what you need. Most times most of the set will just sit.

 

[mlum6969]

how about just getting the individual ones you need ? these are for those special applications only..

 

[apdxyk]

I have 7mm and 8mm Proto in 1/4" that I bought for my needs. Got them from Zoro, and they work very well for me.

I buy sets for presents to others only nowadays. By buying what you actually need you can afford the best..

 

[jl4c]

Engineers typically don't design access problems in the normal course. You run into these situations because you are trying to cheat the clock (and not remove obstructing parts).

Being an engineer myself I have two words for you: Cadillac Northstar

For "what ifs" you can get chicom or junk tools...for the 1/1000 type situation where its a nice to have...its really just common sense

I appreciate everyone's responses. I especially appreciate the responses of those who actually took the time to read my OP, understand my question and comment accordingly. The responses/responders of "sk" and "snap-on" were not as helpful as they might have been and show that you simply didn't read before you started to type.

I am especially grateful for the posters who recommended the Astro set--I might just give those a try. Those were not on my radar. If I don't like them, or find I need them for more than occasional use or in more demanding applications than I described, I'm not into them very deep.

And thank you to the persons who commented favorably on the gearwrench set. Same comment as for the Astro.

Thanks again all. Again I appreciate everyone's responses, but some more than others. I know you mean well.

 

[ciscoford23]

I have no experience with Astro or Gearwrench 1/4 versions but I prefer Snap On over Mac versions for professional use. The MAC version kept popping off at the angle that I needed them for while the SO held on and are strong. Astro might be my next buy for home though as reviews and customer service are good.

 

[bob from indiana]

I have a few Carlyle flex sockets. They have been fine the few times they have been used. The 10mm 1/4" drive flex was a life saver on one job.

 

[OctoMan]

I bought a few Williams flex sockets a while back at Harry J. Epstine. They also have SK. Haven't had a problem with them. https://www.harryepstein.com/index.php/catalogsearch/result/?q=Flex+socket

 

[jl4c]

Happy ending. Someone on eBay had an SK 1335 10-pc set for $99 obo. While they did not accept my initial offer, they made a generous counteroffer which I accepted.

 

[MikeF2316]

I have a set of Titans, both ⅜ and ¼. I've only used them a few times, but they've worked well. They go on special up here at Princess Auto occasionally.

 

[T45]

The responses/responders of "sk" and "snap-on" were not as helpful as they might have been and show that you simply didn't read before you started to type.

So how much did you budget? $99/obo is enough to buy snap-on.

 

[stonesfan68]

Just out of curiosity would y'all buy a 12-point or 6-point set?


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[jl4c]

So how much did you budget? $99/obo is enough to buy snap-on.

The SK 1335 is a 10-pc set, 5-14mm.
Sells on eBay new for $145 delivered BIN.

Snap-On 106TMUSMA is a 6-pc set, 8, 10, 12-15mm
Sells on eBay new for $145 delivered BIN.

Snap-On 111TMUSMA is a 11-pc set, 5.5-15mm
Sells on eBay new for $290 delivered BIN.

Based on the prices above, I was looking at options in the <$50 range, like the GearWrench 80565 or the Astro Pneumatics 7412. That's why I said I wasn't looking to go first class (Snap-On) or even SK.

The new SK 1335 set I found on eBay I paid under $70 delivered. I don't see any comparable Snap-On for $99, let alone <$70. I really got lucky.

 

[jl4c]

Just out of curiosity would y'all buy a 12-point or 6-point set?

I always prefer 6-pt sockets unless I am working a 12-pt fastener. A ratchet can compensate for any "rotational misalignment." Using 12pt sockets on small fasteners (anything less than a 10mm or 3/8 head) is just asking for a rounded fastener.

 

[T45]

The new SK 1335 set I found on eBay I paid under $70 delivered. I haven't seen any comparable Snap-On for $99, much less <$70.

You can get snap-on 1/4 sets for $100 quite regulalry.

This is why people get so bent out of shape about providing advice and then having class warfare threads about "brand names".

We try to give you advice as to the actual best products.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SNAP-ON-1-4...RSAL-CHROME-SOCKET-SET-6-PIECES-/252794806775

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-1-4...w-Socket-Set-106TMUSMA-flexible-/152440833072

 

[jl4c]

You can get snap-on 1/4 sets for $100 quite regulalry.

This is why people get so bent out of shape about providing advice and then having class warfare threads about "brand names".

We try to give you advice as to the actual best products.

Both those items are 6-pc so I don't really consider them comparable, but it would probably cover what I needed (barring the 11mm for GM drivelines perhaps). But even $100 was over the budget. I already knew SO was the best but I specifically said I didn't want to go "first class." What I asked for was lower priced alternatives, of which I gave an example. The people who kept pushing Snap-On did not read my original post nor care to understand my situation. I wouldn't even have purchased the SK (again, as I said in my initial post) had it not been for a screaming deal on eBay, which still stretched the budget some.

When a fellow goes into a car dealership looking for a Corolla, he doesn't really appreciate being shown a Lexus. When a car salesman fails to listen to my needs, I turn around and leave. I plainly said I wasn't looking for a Lexus, but that's what everyone kept steering me towards. Bent out of shape? Possibly, but justifiably don't you think?

 

[T45]

Both those items are 6-pc so I don't really consider them comparable, but it would probably cover what I needed....

All of this was covered in post #6....

I've seen them trade below what you paid for the SK, and since that is everybody's default for "cheap", I really don't have issues with pointing out to people if you keep you're eye out you can get a better quality USA product.

Beyond that, I really don't have any issue with how you spend your money.

My comment was aimed more at the fact that you're talking trash about how people respond to your OP.

 

[Squ1d]

NTX tools has some gearwrench flex sockets (1/4") in their BOGO section.

 

[Mr_B]

If hunt around gearwrench 12pc 1/4 and 10pc 3/8 will be om a deal and it decent mid range product so a steal when on offer and well in your desired price/spec .

 

[BK13]

I always prefer 6-pt sockets unless I am working a 12-pt fastener. A ratchet can compensate for any "rotational misalignment." Using 12pt sockets on small fasteners (anything less than a 10mm or 3/8 head) is just asking for a rounded fastener.

Not trying to be argumentative, serious question: with flex sockets, with the lower torque you can apply, does it matter?


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[jl4c]

All of this was covered in post #6....

Yes it was, and I included the reference to let you know I had read and comprehended your post. You suggested a redacted set w/o even knowing whether I needed any of the missing sizes. I only mentioned needing a 12mm the other day, but I didn't eliminate any unneeded sizes. You decided on your own which sizes I needed or didn't. The posters who recommended the Astro 12-pc set were most appreciated because they listened to my requirements and responded accordingly.

If you find a good condition 11-pc Snap-On set for around $70, let me know and I'll come up with funds to buy it.

My comment was aimed more at the fact that you're talking trash about how people respond to your OP.

Guess we're going to have to agree to disagree on this. I simply pointed out that responses which include options I've already eliminated are not helpful to me.

I genuinely find your comments on the forum most interesting T45. No ill will intended.

Good day gentlemen. Whoever wants the last word, go ahead.

 

[bubinga]

I never saw the need for this type socket and thought a universal joint and a regular socket was just as good. Ran into a situation replacing a Honda EGR valve the other day and a 12mm flex socket would have made the job a bit easier. Now I'm looking for a set of metrics in 3/8 and/or 1/4 drive--not impacts, just chromed. I'm also not looking to go first class--even SK is more than I want to spend. I see Gearwrench has their 80565 set for a very reasonable price. Anyone like these or have another preference?

The gear wrench set is quite nice.
I have it. Advance auto has it for around $40.00,
and I know for sure a -20% code works.
order online, pick up in store.
Might even get a better code to work.
IIRC last night, I tried TRT30, (think that's what it was, but said I needed to spend at least $50.00.
But you could add something I'm sure you need, you'd bring the total down to $45.00 plus tax.