1/2 drive 6PT metric impact set

[nbpt100]

I have a need for a standard depth (not deep) metric impact socket set. I won't be using these much so I don't need a high quality or an expensive brand.

I do need a 16mm and 18mm. Most all of the sets I have looked at skip one or both of these.

Looked at Tekton, Gearwrench and a few lesser named brands.

I like the Tekton as it comes with a nice hard plastic case and they are clearly laser marked but it does not have what I need.

I would settle for a HF as people on here have said they have held up pretty well. But I can't see what sizes they carry from their catalog or the On Line listings. I would bet they skip them so I don't want to drive 25 miles to the closest store to see they don't have what I need.

Any Ideas or recommendations.

 

[PJNJ]

HF's sizes are listed at the bottom of the specifications section - 10 through 19, 21,22,27mm

 

[bob15]

Have had good luck with Wright impacts.

Have you look on e-bay for used stuff? I see a Snap On set for under a hundred bucks.

Here a like new looking Snappy set for 130 and free shipping: auction # 232757733413

Brand new Wright set $85, free shipping and sizes 10-21mm: 380843220482

 

[nmantas]

For myself, I'm thinking Astro Nano (super short) when it comes time to buy short impact sockets. The company support here on the forum seems phenomenal.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBIQHW6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[bczygan]

HF's sizes are listed at the bottom of the specifications section - 10 through 19, 21,22,27mm

Yes!

This set:

$20 plus tax after coupon:

https://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-69345.html

Bill

 

[Fedwrench]

The best impact sockets for your money are either marked Sunex or Grey Pneumatic.

https://www.tooltopia.com/sunex-tools-2652.aspx

https://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1326m.aspx

 

[Snakebyt]

all my impact sockets are grey pneumatic, they have been great

 

[Wamsutta]

I like the Tekton as it comes with a nice hard plastic case and they are clearly laser marked but it does not have what I need.

What do you need?

 

[ocloc24]

Yes!

This set:

$20 plus tax after coupon:

Bill

I'm not seeing the connection between impact sockets and the motivational speech..

 

[Tallpilot]

It is odd that Tekton does not make a couple of the common metric ANSI/DIN sizes in shallow but does in deep. That is also true for 1-3/16. I don't care because I take them out of the case and put them on trays but if you like the case and want a complete set Sunex is probably the most economical but a little more than Tekton on average.

 

[bczygan]

I'm not seeing the connection between impact sockets and the motivational speech..

Oooops!

Wrong link!

Try this:
https://www.harborfreight.com/13-pc-12-in-drive-metric-impact-socket-set-69345.html

Bill

 

[Professional Tool User]

I would go for Tekton if you want to avoid size skips unless the Harbor Freight set can be completed with singles cheaply. They have bigger sets that don't skip any sizes that matter. With impact sockets, it doesn't really matter where you get it from these days. All of them will wear down before breaking.

 

[Mr_B]

Tekton are cheap design without proper stepped shouldering.
HF set no skips to 19mm and good design with stepped shouldering and pin retainer ring . ony bad thing is no stamped markings (be sure get taiwan ones over the chinese ones at HF) .
You can also find plenty decent japan style impact socket in cr-v or cr-mo if must in no skips and cheap prices .

 

[Wamsutta]

"stepped shouldering"

 

[Mr_B]

"stepped shouldering"

tekton have tapered ends rather than stepped shoulder, HF have stepped shoulder design which far more versatile in use.

 

[Ktmrider83]

10-24mm no skips is what you want. Deep heavy socket will put out more torque an be more usable.. The specialty sockets bigger than that you can buy seperate.

I use 30mm 12 point (Toyota axle nuts)
32mm 36mm everything lol, good luck

 

[Snakebyt]

why do so many sets skip 24MM?

 

[Wamsutta]

tekton have tapered ends rather than stepped shoulder, HF have stepped shoulder design which far more versatile in use.

You mean like this?

 

[nbpt100]

What do you need?

As I said in my first post. I need the 16 and 18mm. Many inexpensive sets skip one or both of them. I would like to have all sizes 12 through 19, 21,22, 24. All others sizes are are bonuses.

I like the cases Tekton, Grey and the Sunex sets offer.

On a shallow set I don't see much tapering vs. a radius. only on the smallest sizes. ON the deep impacts it may be more prevalent. I can only assume this matters for access. It seems to me, The Tapper would be stronger and transfer more impact with less deflection. The radius allows for better access in tight areas.

As someone else astutely pointed out....why does the Pittsburgh Pro set skip 24mm?

 

[MrGiggles]

As I said in my first post. 16 and 18mm. Many inexpensive sets skip one or both of them. I would like to have all sizes 12 through 19, 21,22, 24. All others sizes are are bonuses.

The Pittsburg Pro set has 16 and 18. You can fill in the 24 from Tekton if you really need it. They're great sockets, especially for the price.

 

[Elsinore13]

Check the Kobalt brand at Lowe’s. I got the deep set with 10mm-25mm and it skips none for $59.00. Maybe they have a matching shallow set.

 

[RedneckWelder]

HF Pittsburgh Pro standard and metric sets have given me four years of heavy service in heavy equipment repair without complaint and 16/18 mm and 15/16” (same as 24mm) are the three of the sockets I use the most.

 

[Wamsutta]

tekton have tapered ends rather than stepped shoulder, HF have stepped shoulder design which far more versatile in use.

You mean like this?

 

[CR888]

Mr.B is dead right, that Tekton design is crude, manufactured in the cheapest possible way which has major use limitations & is likely made from Cr-M that will get pounded out of shape in no time. That $20 HF set would be a better choice. I'd study the designs of the top makers like Stahlwille, Koken & choose similar designed sockets made in Taiwan out of Cr-V. EBay has plenty to choose from, hell I'd take those HF sockets over Grey or Sunnex or Tekton. This is one of the few areas in tool choice where if you know what to look for one can end up with a better product than SO at a fraction of the price. Think......if they won't shape and design the socket properly which you CAN see, what skimps have been made with metal treatment that you CAN'T see.

 

[Tallpilot]

Mr.B is dead right, that Tekton design is crude, manufactured in the cheapest possible way which has major use limitations & is likely made from Cr-M that will get pounded out of shape in no time. That $20 HF set would be a better choice. I'd study the designs of the top makers like Stahlwille, Koken & choose similar designed sockets made in Taiwan out of Cr-V. EBay has plenty to choose from, hell I'd take those HF sockets over Grey or Sunnex or Tekton. This is one of the few areas in tool choice where if you know what to look for one can end up with a better product than SO at a fraction of the price. Think......if they won't shape and design the socket properly which you CAN see, what skimps have been made with metal treatment that you CAN'T see.

Always compromises at the lower price points. The Pittsburgh Pro copy the better designs but are fairly soft. The Tekton lack stepped shoulders (only matters 14mm and smaller in 1/2") but are quite durable. All impact sockets will wear out eventually though, if they didn't they would destroy the anvil on your impact.

As Mr. B recently discovered with Gearwrench chrome sockets it is no longer true that well tempered properly machined sockets are ubiquitous and cheap if one knows where to look. Especially meeting the OP's requirements of being a no skip set in a blow molded case.

 

[Mr_B]

^
Yes things change so got keep looking at products (don't rely on marketing images) and buy on design points you like and quality you see to be decent .
I go cr-v on all my impacts and have older sets still great shape and newer japan style like HF but in cr-v and roll stamped that hold up better than just about any brand cr-mo .
stepped shouldering full length is a must for me as is roll stamping, lot of deep sockets have tapered end or not full length stepped shouldering (tekton sunex gw examples of this), Pitts Pro would be better option if had roll stamped markings not just etched .
Gearwrench use to do full length step shoulder and market it as a pro feature but they gone to shorter shouldering design as in the sunex pic above .
funny enough a lot of off brand taiwan cr-v and cr-mo can be found with good design/manufacture on rails and in cases for likes of 3bucks a socket and cr-v I had prove daily use durable .
I'm not one for cases as likely add my own larger sizes to selection so if wanted it boxed I probably consider buying a metal socket box and add divider or magnetic strips in it for organization .

 

[CR888]

I saw a nice 'King Tony' impact set that came in a metal case with removable foam EVA tray which was nice. I know many ditch the blow mould case and put them on rails but the EVA tray would slip right into a tool chest into a fairly shallow draw. I've noticed non tool truck impacts have become a LOT cheaper in the last 6months - year. Its a good time to get them.

 

[Mr_B]

You mean like this?

Yes that stepped shouldering but short, on deeps I find it way more useful have full length stepped shouldering .
also on larger sizes prefer square drive end stepped for less bulk and better handling .

here's japan style 18pc set 10 to 24mm no skips plus 27 30 and 32mm


Here's nutmaster deep with proper full length stepped shoulder design right up to 18mm

 

[nbpt100]

Thanks to everyone who replied. In a very short period of time I received plenty of relevent input. This is what makes the GJ so great!

I ended up getting the HF set. I do have a 15/16 so I am covered on the 24mm.

As others said it is an excellent value. Especially with the 25%off Memorial day coupon. My only criticism at this time is that the laser marking is the only marking. I is very clear and easy to see, but, if that wears off there is no stamped markings.

 

[Mr_B]

My only criticism at this time is that the laser marking is the only marking. I is very clear and easy to see, but, if that wears off there is no stamped markings.

I mentioned that point in post #26
still good set for 20bucks price range and ease of purchase, prefer roll stamped cr-v and no skip to 24mm but it will be over twice the HF cost and harder source.
HF should really expand the pitts pro socketry wrenches and screwdrivers to more pro size range, quality and design .
selling sockets in singles no skips would be massive plus too, get a lot more pro's in browsing if only likely place in town have an odd single they need, work better on warranty replacements too for pitts pro line .

 

[deberly12]

Thanks to everyone who replied. In a very short period of time I received plenty of relevent input. This is what makes the GJ so great!

I ended up getting the HF set. I do have a 15/16 so I am covered on the 24mm.

As others said it is an excellent value. Especially with the 25%off Memorial day coupon. My only criticism at this time is that the laser marking is the only marking. I is very clear and easy to see, but, if that wears off there is no stamped markings.

Congrats on a good purchase. I have a HF set and an individual Craftsman socket. (I like to buy an individual socket that is the size of the lug nuts that stays in each vehicle of mine so I don't have drag the set out) The Craftsman is wearing far more quickly the the HF. Why won't HF sell individual sizes??????

Biggest complaint is no case. They used to come in a nice metal case but they stopped that.

Sent from my XT1635-01 using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Mr_B]

Buy a metal case, seen a set a mobile guy had done with divider bar and stick on magnetic strips in base that sockets would stand on .
prefer alloy/plastic socket rails for impacts, most common sizes always out on trolley or box top anyway.
If mobile or more occasional user then case probably more benefit .
Would be good if HF had proper decent socket rails in the pitts pro range .

 

[powertrip]

Lowes sells sockets individually. Both the chrome and impact. I'm not sure about if they sell the full line this way but I know at least some are available.

 

[nbpt100]

When I was at HF I did notice they did have some individual Deep Impact sockets for sale. Mostly the common sizes for lug nuts. Like 17, 19, 21 etc.

Their plastic socket rails with the detent are too flimsey. I did buy some a while ago. They are marginally ok for the 1/4" but with heavier sockets they bend. I actually mounted a steel u shaped channel of sheet metal under one and it made it much better. I just happened to have it lying around and brained stormed that use for it.

Mr. B I did read and take note of all of your insightful posts. I bought them knowing the y did not have stamped sizes due to your post. I was just listing my only negative thought about them.

HF is stepping up their game but they still have a ways to go. The Doyle brand looks pretty well made. I saw a Youtube video showing a Doyle pliers next to a MAC and they looked Identical. Who knows about the materials. But like the impact sockets it is a step forward.

 

[Mr_B]

Is a shame they not more switched on to small details as adding rolled stamping, no skips/singles) and having decent alloy rails with plastic drive clips either supplied or available accessories would make them appeal wider market, same suppliers they already deal with do the stuff so only thing holding it back is HF not knowing enough about tool design and the more pro retail needs .
If someone with a pro tool background had input in the pittspro range it could of been better respected and seen in a lot more pro shops . As is it half a job :-/

 

[nbpt100]

Is a shame they not more switched on to small details as adding rolled stamping, no skips/singles) and having decent alloy rails with plastic drive clips either supplied or available accessories would make them appeal wider market, same suppliers they already deal with do the stuff so only thing holding it back is HF not knowing enough about tool design and the more pro retail needs .
If someone with a pro tool background had input in the pittspro range it could of been better respected and seen in a lot more pro shops . As is it half a job :-/

I concur. Keep in mind Rome was not built in a day as they say. Who is to say they will not get there at some point. They are moving in a better direction.

It appears they are doing very well financially as a company. They can reinvest some of that back in to Developing better products. They keep opening stores and when I was there on Monday it was very busy. 3 Check out lines with at least 4 or more people deep the entire time I was there.

 

[Mr_B]

Thing is it already made by companies in taiwan all they got do is sort the supply.
Rather than effort and wasted space they put into all the tacky drills they had used some of that energy and space expanding and improving pitts pro range to be more pro hand tool complete business and image could of been better . They been stagnant on pitts pro for years and it a pretty easy and quick line improve . They missed the prime time as many new brands such as tekton getting market share and consumer recognition .

 

[kythri]

Why the preference for Cr-V impacts over Cr-Mo?

I thought Cr-Mo was established as superior for impact stuff, and it seems to be what all the big dogs build their sockets out of.

 

[franzdom]

IIRC I upgraded my Gray Pneumatic to SK, very nice sockets indeed. Laser & stamped.

 

[bobcatdan]

Sunnex is my preferred brand of impact socket. I recently picked up some klutch ones from northern for my road box. So far holding up very good. One plus for northern over HF is they have individual sockets too, not just sets.