Anyone compare pinless universal impact sockets

[STREETFIGHTER50]

I’ve had my Matco 3/8” drive metric set since 2004 without any failures. This was using daily on mostly brakes and suspension when I used to work at Midas for several years then a few years working at a truck shop. I remember paying $300 for this set off of the Matco truck. I’d like to get more of these in 3/8” drive SAE and 1/2” drive in both metric and SAE, but I don’t want to pay that Matco price again. What’s y’all opinions on these sets below? GearWrench is probably the best one.

Astro Pneumatic
Astro Pneumatic Tool 78340 8-Piece 3/8" Drive Nano Pinless Universal Impact Sockets - SAE https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01JBNRMP2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Husky
https://www.homedepot.com/p/311182587

GearWrench

GEARWRENCH 11 Pc. 3/8" Drive X-Core 6 Pt. Pinless Universal Impact Socket Set, Metric - 84975 https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XCGCGY9/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[2ndGearRubber]

My.astro have held up well in 3/8. The husky has the same design as the gearwrench, with the 4 fins. The the astro is a 6? Lobe design, more like a squared off ball.

Reviews of the xcore design have been mediocre. I have the older usa made gearwrench 1/2 drive set of pinless swivels, theyve held up well despite some getting pretty loose. I just replace with snap on when they get super wobbly, to the point they get unsafe.

 

[WhataTool]

My X-core have been absolutely hammered. After 6 months of regular use they all looked like they had 5 years of abuse and I broke at least 1 size. Haven't tried the AP, but you likely wont find the same feel and quality as Matco online - its on of the few things they do better than others. But commands a price for it too.

 

[boom10ful]

I've used the Astro SAE 3/8 set in a professional setting for a year and they've held up well so far. Still very tight.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Gearwrench, Astro, Kobalt would be ones I would go with or SK would be good as well.


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[RedneckWelder]

I’ve heard the Gearwrench ones are lacking unfortunately, and I’m a big gear wrench fan. I’d rather try out the $50 Astro set instead to see how it does. Astro specially detailed the design improvements for theirs in a thread on here IIRC.

 

[STREETFIGHTER50]

Geezuz look at the price on the Matco 1/2” drive metric set! https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...E-UNIVERSAL-IMPACT-METRIC-6-POINT-SOCKET-SET/

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Geezuz look at the price on the Matco 1/2” drive metric set! https://www.matcotools.com/catalog/...E-UNIVERSAL-IMPACT-METRIC-6-POINT-SOCKET-SET/

Gosh not even I thought they would be that expensive just imagine Snap-on pricing


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[wafrederick]

Gosh not even I thought they would be that expensive just imagine Snap-on pricing


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Koon Trucking has a youtube video on it comparing prices of Mac,Matco and Snap On tools.I seen it

 

[STREETFIGHTER50]

Ridiculously priced! I thought so back then in 2004 when I bought mine for $300 from the Matco truck. Well they have served me well, but no way I’m paying near $700 now for a 1/2” set!

 

[STREETFIGHTER50]

Koon Trucking has a youtube video on it comparing prices of Mac,Matco and Snap On tools.I seen it

Did they specifically compare universal sockets?

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Koon Trucking has a youtube video on it comparing prices of Mac,Matco and Snap On tools.I seen it

Yeah I seen that as well. Might be cheaper from Snap-on but I’m not sure.


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[Fedwrench]

Yes, I have more than a few sets.

Here's my take:

The Gearwrench X Core are a chinese copy of the original Armstrong made, MATCO branded, pinless impact swivel sockets. However, there's an issue with the hardness of the X Core joint, and they get pretty beat up, quickly with sustained use. They are also taller than the original Matco pinless version.
If you're going to buy Gearwrench pinless, I would look at a closeout place like cripe distributing's ebay store for an older set that were US made by Armstrong.

I have the Astro Pneumatic set in 3/8 drive and 1/2 inch drive, They incorporate a slightly different design that's less like a mini CV joint and more like an angled joint in a receiver. I think the Astro pinless impact swivel sockets are the by far, the best bang for your buck when it comes to impact swivel sockets. Now they are a little stiff new on the rail but, they get better with use. Astro's customer service is outstanding.

Since Husky mechanics tools are supplied by Apex (or whatever their current name is) i think they're the same as SATA or Gearwrench. Gearwrench also offers pinned impact swivel sockets that used to hail from Taiwan that are pretty good aside from the 1/4 set being real tall.

Good luck in your quest!!

 

[wafrederick]

Did they specifically compare universal sockets?

Did it with a ratchet,rebranded pliers,hammer,an extension.This is the video