Snap On vs Matco hex bit sockets?

[md21722]

Are the Matco hex bit sockets any good? How do they hold up vs Snap On? I know the Snap On ones like to twist.

Matco:

https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/SBXYM10R/3-8-DRIVE-10-PIECE-METRIC-HEX-BIT-DRIVER-SET/

Snap On:

https://store.snapon.com/Hex-Standa...tric-Standard-Hex-Bit-Socket-Set-P630933.aspx

I am also interested in the 1/2" drive ones from Matco because I don't like how long the Snap On ones are.

Thanks!

 

[Wamsutta]

The thing with Matco is we never know who's making their tools from one year to the next. Snap-on will always be making their own tools in Elizabethton Tennessee.

 

[one9gt]

If you're set on the matco pieces then go with VIM as they manufacture them for matco.

Also, bit sockets tend to twist the longer they are so keep it short and you'll less likely break/twist them.



Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[Ditch]

who makes the best ones?
all the ones I've tried seem too soft

 

[bobcatdan]

The best I have found is Cornwell which as far as I know is VIM. Cornwell offers a lot and very complete sets so I bite on the 60+ bit set. In 10 years the closest I have come to breaking one is twisting a 5 mm. I stopped before I broke it. Since I don't have a Cornwell man anymore, I have used it for over a year that way with no problem. I use 5 mm a lot.

 

[KnurledNut]

The thing with Matco is we never know who's making their tools from one year to the next. Snap-on will always be making their own tools in Elizabethton Tennessee.

Sockets are made in Milwaukee, WI.

 

[md21722]

The thing with Matco is we never know who's making their tools from one year to the next. Snap-on will always be making their own tools in Elizabethton Tennessee.

Sockets are made in Milwaukee, WI.

I agree on switching suppliers as I've experienced problems with that before. I think the chrome base is made in Kenosha and the bits are made by Zephyr. I'm somewhat partial to Stahlwille and Hazet for hex bit sockets but was looking for something easy to warranty. I only see one Cornwell truck around here and don't have a relationship with them, plus I don't believe Cornwell will warranty unless you have a truck. At least with Snap On and Matco you can always call customer service if your truck guy disappears.

 

[one9gt]

Bits are considered as consumables so it's not always a guarantee they'll replace them.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[md21722]

The truck guys I have now don't discount but will warranty like there's no tomorrow. Even if that wasn't the case, both Snap on and Matco sell replacement bits. Not even sure where you'd get them for a Stahlwille or Hazet.

 

[anndel]

Sockets are made in Milwaukee, WI.

Snap On boxes are made in Algona, Iowa

VIM Tools +1, I don't have SO or Matco but have S-K and the bits though epoxied into the socket slipped out and they were brand new. I called S-K and they sent me new ones but the same thing happened. The VIM set I have hasn't done that and the bits haven't rounded off like some of the SKs did.

 

[Wesley B]

For the sizes that they offer, I always go to my VIM impact set - most durable set I've used.

 

[itsvegas]

snap on bits are gold! (literally as well!)

 

[md21722]

snap on bits are gold! (literally as well!)

They are gold and twist like gold ;-)

 

[Firebrick43]

I have had 2 years on an sae and metric proto set and have yet to break one even while using an impact on them(they are not impact rated). I have worn the tip down on the 4mm and ground it back and it's getting close to being replaced.

I am an industrial/cnc mech and 90% of the fasteners are Allen and mostly metric. All the access panels are 4mm so it's not uncommon to use it every day(typically with an m18 3/8 impact) and once a week or so large panels need pulled back or way covers replaced and there could be 100 plus bolts.

I would really like to try some bondhus sockets as I haven't used a better L Allen wrench yet.

 

[bob15]

Go with the Snap On. They don't have the stepped bit like the Matco, meaning it only takes a hex key to replace it.

 

[R_einan]

I have the gold ones from snap-on, haven't had any issue since, I would rather have one twist than shatter. After I had a craftsman industrial bit shatter, I decided flying shards of metal was a bad idea. I also have a set of Proto in 1/2" dr that I've been very happy with.

 

[derosa]

Check out bondhus, they don't use stepped bits so in an emergency a clipped L wrench can fit. Good strong tools, their bits are also impact rated and can be put into an impact socket is need be.

 

[Kaane]

Wera Hex Plus. Only ones that don't actually strip.

 

[shockwave]

Snap over the 2 vim if you want cheaper
Seriously look at hazet makes some very good bites for torx and hex

Also the 1/2 bites are the best I have used

 

[T45]

Snap over the 2 vim if you want cheaper
Seriously look at hazet makes some very good bites for torx and hex

agree with all of this.

- euro is great
- but a service hassle
- assuming OP in the usa.

- SO not always the best but they shine in service.
- if you are thinking in 5 year horizon, the math works better

- vim is the bees knees if you need a comprehensive kit
- vim in 2 days from amazon without breaking the bank.
- if you are thinking about shorter time horizon
- to make math work, VIM is good

- short and stubby type bits are stiffer
- stiffer is better
- more options distributes wear patterns
- less wear is good

- all bit type tools are consumable/wear items
- balance having more options, beter tools
- with not getting into debt

 

[md21722]

Snap over the 2 vim if you want cheaper
Seriously look at hazet makes some very good bites for torx and hex

Also the 1/2 bites are the best I have used

I love the Hazet and Stahlwille Hex, Torx, and XZN stuff that I have in 3/8" and 1/2". I was thinking forward in terms of warranty since with those it is pretty much buy another one.

What 1/2 bits are the best you've used?

 

[md21722]

Thanks, it seems like most favor Stahlwille, Hazet, and Snap On.

This has matched my experience so far. I have 3/8" and 1/2" Metric with Stahlwille and a few sizes from Snap On & Hazet. I have 1/2" XZN by Stahlwille. For Inches, I have Snap On 3/8" standard length, 3/8" long by Proto, and in 1/2" a couple of Proto and Stahlwille.

I see that Matco is running BOGO's on hex bit sockets these days so I was thinking of shifting some over to them particularly since their 1/2" hex bits are much stubbier than Snap On's (they are closer to the German lengths) and I prefer that over the Snap On stuff which seems oversized to me. And the Matco warranty is much easier for me. But if the quality isn't there even if it's half off it's probably not worth it.

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

Snap On's twist and break cleanly where Vim hex bits shatter. I had/have Cornwell hex bit sockets and have replaced the commonly used with Snap On.

 

[ssdave]

I have Snap-on and really like them. But, I like my Proto equally well, and they've held up as well. They cost a lot less: here's the comparable set in Proto to what you posted in Matco.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-bit-set-38-12-dr-10-piec-hex-j4900ma/i/G1378867/?gclid=CjsKDwjw6qnJBRDpoonDwLSeZhIkAIpTR8JQWvmTghiFF0SzrwiKDT6EDAkJQegBumL9WledalfzGgJlsvD_BwE

$93 compared to $235; I'd buy the Proto!

 

[shockwave]

I love the Hazet and Stahlwille Hex, Torx, and XZN stuff that I have in 3/8" and 1/2". I was thinking forward in terms of warranty since with those it is pretty much buy another one.

What 1/2 bits are the best you've used?

1/2 bits I have had best results with vim on 1/2 with bits gearwrench tends to twist and shear off

And hazet I have had for years and hold up the best with bits

 

[shockwave]

Now keep in mind if you are considering the heavy duty gold torx from snap on the coating makes them stronger than fastener and easily to shear off when not straight I have personally had better luck with standard snap on bits over the gold bits for this reason

A good all around starter set would be impact50 from vim

 

[BIG BACCHUS]

I have Snap-on and really like them. But, I like my Proto equally well, and they've held up as well. They cost a lot less: here's the comparable set in Proto to what you posted in Matco.

https://www.zoro.com/proto-socket-bit-set-38-12-dr-10-piec-hex-j4900ma/i/G1378867/?gclid=CjsKDwjw6qnJBRDpoonDwLSeZhIkAIpTR8JQWvmTghiFF0SzrwiKDT6EDAkJQegBumL9WledalfzGgJlsvD_BwE

$93 compared to $235; I'd buy the Proto!

I have this set. Would highly recommend. You can also find them on Ebay for $50 if your heart desires.

 

[md21722]

The thing I don't like about the Proto's is the length. The German ones are a bunch shorter, like the Matco's. I have a couple of SAE Proto's and a Stahwille in 1/2". I've had Snap On 1/2" in the past and dumped them because of the length.

The Matco truck has been running BOGO's on hex bit sockets lately. First was the 1/4-3/8 stubby SAE/metric sets for $119. In a couple of days their BOGO on the 3/8" SAE/metric standard length sets for $207.95 ends. I'm guessing in the next month they may have the 1/2" SAE/metric for around $200 as well... I may skip the 3/8" deal and see if they have the 1/2" deal.

For TORX I have the Snap On regular and their gold bit sets and some longs too!

 

[jimmy-ray]

matco seems to have the edge on this but they dont do well if impacted, even the silver eagle stuff seems better than snap on. snap ons are to brittle or they twist, but snap on seems to be trying to figure it out as matco seems to get lucky.

i dont have a mac guy and gave up on the cheap stuff years ago, not saying mac is cheap.

as far as torx with the tool trucks matcos got it (get the impacts). snap ons stuff has been to brittle since ive been a pro. id trade my snap on torx in an instant but no one will take them.

 

[md21722]

matco seems to have the edge on this but they dont do well if impacted, even the silver eagle stuff seems better than snap on. snap ons are to brittle or they twist, but snap on seems to be trying to figure it out as matco seems to get lucky.

i dont have a mac guy and gave up on the cheap stuff years ago, not saying mac is cheap.

as far as torx with the tool trucks matcos got it (get the impacts). snap ons stuff has been to brittle since ive been a pro. id trade my snap on torx in an instant but no one will take them.

That's kind of interesting. Matco just sells the ADV Torx & hex bit impacts these days. In bygone days they did have impacting hex bit sockets. My Snap On dealer generally gives a decent trade in on Snap On branded stuff. That's why I was thinking I could sell the Stahlwille 3/8" metric hex bits & Snap on 3/8" standard hex bits for just a bit of money and get the Matco's if they were any good... but the deal is for the chromies not the ADV impacts.

 

[WittHay]

For strength I like the made in USA Mac 1/2" drive. You probably wouldn't like them because they are larger and longer than the Snap-on hex bits.

I would like to get some German stubby 1/2" drive hex and I wouldn't worry about warranty because I don.t think you can break the hex bits in larger sizes.

The trouble is I don't have a clue where to buy the German stuff

 

[md21722]

For strength I like the made in USA Mac 1/2" drive. You probably wouldn't like them because they are larger and longer than the Snap-on hex bits.

I would like to get some German stubby 1/2" drive hex and I wouldn't worry about warranty because I don.t think you can break the hex bits in larger sizes.

The trouble is I don't have a clue where to buy the German stuff

Years ago I bought them from a place called Samstagsales.com but today you can get them from them plus other places like KCTool and probably some other places. Back then my buddies were all switching from Snap On to Stahlwille because they got tired of turning Snap On bits into pretzels, but when they started breaking Stahlwille they all went back to Snap On and deal with the pretzel bits. There was no practical way to warranty the Stahlwille bits but Snap On warranties their branded hex bits.

From what I can tell based on this thread, you choose German, VIM, or Matco if you are OK with explosions, or Snap On if you like pretzel bits. They are all going to have problems if used enough. Choose the one that's easiest to warranty.

 

[WittHay]

You do have have a point with warranty, no Matco up here, but both my Mac and Snap-on guys are good about broken tools.
Give the Matco a try, the Proto/ Mac are good but they seemed sized more for industrial use than automotive

 

[md21722]

You do have have a point with warranty, no Matco up here, but both my Mac and Snap-on guys are good about broken tools.
Give the Matco a try, the Proto/ Mac are good but they seemed sized more for industrial use than automotive

I think they have Matco in some parts of BC but probably not your area. And that's what matters. When it breaks how do you get another one? I agree Proto/MAC is more industrial sizes, similar to the Snap On 1/2" hex bits too.. I got a Snap On 17mm some years back for a VW and was like how is this gonna fit?

As a comparison, my Proto 1/2" drive 3/8" hex bit socket is 7/8" longer than the equivalent Stahlwille... I usually reach for the Stahlwille.

 

[md21722]

From what I've seen in 3/8" standard length they're all about the same length, so might as well go with the easiest to warranty because they're all going to twist or break? However, in 1/2" drive its not likely to break or twist them so buy whichever you prefer?

 

[jimmy-ray]

That's kind of interesting. Matco just sells the ADV Torx & hex bit impacts these days. In bygone days they did have impacting hex bit sockets. My Snap On dealer generally gives a decent trade in on Snap On branded stuff. That's why I was thinking I could sell the Stahlwille 3/8" metric hex bits & Snap on 3/8" standard hex bits for just a bit of money and get the Matco's if they were any good... but the deal is for the chromies not the ADV impacts.

yeah i like the impacts, ive been trying to break them (using them) and they hold up well, i dont care who makes what, i just like my tools to not fail. I can breathe on the snap on (kidding) and they break lol, they are to brittle imo.

i really have good tool truck guys right now that will even beat amazon prices. both are talented guys.

 

[jimmy-ray]

my matco guy is flexible with price, he looks up who makes what and sells it slightly over what you could get it for online, it might not say matco on it though. never had a problem with warranty. he has cool raffle scams too. hes loaded but i like supporting him because he goes the extra mile, if i ask for something, he looks it up, i dont have to. he gets it right, everytime. honestly though, i dont care for matco tools but it always seems their tool guys make up for it.

my snap on guy is really firm on prices, he never discounts, he disappeared for the last 4 months which is weird, my shop foreman hunted him down on his route, i dont get it because i still owe him about 1k. no problem ever with warranty and i abuse snap on stuff because i feel safe doing so

our mac guy said he wouldnt come anymore when we explained our new hours, closed tue and wed, must be doing well.

 

[Wamsutta]

I have a set of Snap-on Torx and a set of Snap-on hex sockets in inch sizes. The thing I like most about them is the bits don't wiggle in their sockets. When I get around to getting the metric hex set, they will most definitely be Snap-on.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I have Proto, SK (bought in 1983), Snap On gold, Matco USA, Armstrong impact and Wright, go with the Wright, plus they make impact hex, I've used their 5/8" hex 1/2" drive on one of my 3/4" impacts and it lived through 32 bolts at over 500 ft. Lbs. With no issues.

TheGrooveking

 

[Spacey_G]

- short and stubby type bits are stiffer
- stiffer is better

Stiffer is better in that it's desirable to have less (elastic) twist for a given torque? All else equal, a longer bit will fail at the same torque as a shorter bit, it will just deflect more before failing. Seems like extra deflection is a reasonable trade-off for longer reach in some applications.