Alternatives to Snap-On 203FLSM 3/8" Lugnut sockets

[thertel]

I've looked and cannot seem to find anything. I've tried the Gray Duo-Sockets, but they don't hold up to heavy impact use, and getting them warrantied is a PITA.

The M12 stubby impact is a beast, but having to run a 3/8" to 1/2" adapter eats up some of the power.

 

[caltemus]

Have you had a problem? If you're using them professionally I'd stick with the snap-on. I picked up a japanese tone 1/2" drive impact lug socket, but I don't expect to be able to easily warranty it.

Looks like craftsman has singles; while I have no complaints about my 1/2" drive version of the below socket, I've got no first hand experience with the 3/8ths drive.
Craftsman 3/8ths drive 17 and 19mm:
Craftsman CMMT15908
Craftsman CMMT15906
No 21mm or 13/16ths listed:
Search results for "3/8-IN. DRIVE DEEP IMPACT SOCKET"

Edit: Found a sunex 21mm and 13/16ths
Sunex 321md
Sunex 326d
Tekton appears to have them as well.

If you need the warranty, get the truck tool. If you don't, get the best/cheapest Taiwanese version you can find.

 

[turtl631]

I'll bump this. I like my Koken 1/2" drive sockets but they don't make 3/8" application. The thin wall, protective sleeve, and extension to keep your knuckles off the wheel are really nice.

 

[aczr2k]

Heavy impact use and 3/8 drive are two words that don't exactly go together.

 

[metaleltr]

Heavy impact use and 3/8 drive are two words that don't exactly go together.

Modern 3/8 impacts have changed that

 

[seber]

I only have one vehicle to deal with so I ground a socket just enough so it bottoms out on the bolt head.

 

[aczr2k]

Modern 3/8 impacts have changed that

Apparently they don't (the sockets) hold up. There in fact is my point.

 

[G1GRANDEUR]

just use regular 3/8 impact sockets or proto thin wall impact sockets (only goes up to 19mm)??

 

[mrborohachi]

SO 21mm Mid length socket. Had to special order one because the set is 8-19. What's cool is it fits in the set's holder. I just took out the 18mm out moved the 19 down one hole and put the 21mm in its place.

https://shop.snapon.com/product/Sem...m-Flank-Drive-Semi-Deep-Impact-Socket/IMFMS21

Your welcome, but your wallet hates GJ

 

[ChevyEFI]

The only 3/8" flips I know of besides the SO pieces, are a 6pt side with twist-remover side, one size per socket.

Have you tried to work with a 3/8" to 1/2" impact adapter and 1/2" sockets? Since there are a lot of 1/2" socket options, that might be a first effort. The weight of the flip sockets may make a slight difference vs. just a single sided socket.

If a 3/8 to 1/2 adapter and 1/2 drive sockets won't do it, just buy the 203FLSM, or at least the sockets, if you have an extension already, and you've verified it will fit or clear the 17mm half of the FLSM1719 socket.

 

[Handyandy23]

Can someone educate me on what the point of a flip socket is? Is it convenient for a tech to have a couple common sizes on one socket so they can quickly flip from car to car?

The fact that there's an extra joint with the extension part seems like it's hurting torque versus just having a regular single wheel nut socket.

I'm also not sure what kind of lugs you're getting off with that M12 Stubby. I have that gun in a 3/8" drive, and I find it's super hit or miss on lugs. It can't budge my half ton truck lugs torqued to 140 ft lbs. It can take the lugs off my MIL's Subaru, but it's struggling.

I'd sooner upgrade to a half decent 1/2" impact and then the options open up. But I guess if the Stubby is working for you then that's moot.

 

[thertel]

I've taken lugs off of F-250/350 and RAM 2500s with that little m12 stubby. I do run an XC 6.0 battery in it. I have the m18 Hi-Torque unit as well but after a day of changing tires you wish for the lighter option.

I bit the bullet and bought the 203FLSM, I was just shocked that no other company made something similar for less.

The Duo Sockets didn't grenade, they just started to crack after a year of daily use. I used the 3/8 to one 1/2 adapter with my regular 1/2 lug sockets, but that made the m12 iffy at removing the lugs on full size trucks.

The flip sockets are just about convenience, the 2 sockets cover most every vehicle I see.