1/4” swivel sockets

[upperb]

Hi all.
Am looking to buy some 1/4” swivel sockets. Primarily for under dash work. Don’t need impact type. Are Snap On going to fit where the others won’t?
Thank you all for your help.

 

[jsaw]

Universal sockets off the tool trucks are usually smaller than the less expensive options.

 

[Wamsutta]

When it comes to universal sockets, there is no equal. No other universal socket gives you more angle without locking up. I've had them at an almost full 90 and they still turn. When it comes to universal sockets, it's about getting yourself access to a fastener that you otherwise would have no access to. There are some situations where price goes out the window. When you're at your wits end and a tool gets your car fixed so that you can drive to work on Monday, that's where the term "worth its weight in gold" comes from.

 

[dnschmidt]

ASTRO: https://www.astrotools.com/product/12pc-1-4-drive-flex-socket-set-6-point-metric/

 

[oldschoolcraft]

I did research when I first joined, and universal PINLESS 1/4" drive chrome sockets were one of the very very tools that everyone agreed you absolutely must own, and must buy from Snap On.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

ASTRO: https://www.astrotools.com/product/12pc-1-4-drive-flex-socket-set-6-point-metric/

Most of the Taiwanese sets like these are way taller than US made options. It's almost like a mid length in 1/4 drive when compared to US style. It seems like this only exists in 1/4 drive, 3/8 seems normal.

Mine universals are SK and Snap On.

Also look into impact style universal sockets, which are bulkier but have a limited swivel amount and can be better in some areas.

 

[wafrederick]

The chrome ones get floppy overtime.VIM is one that has fixed this,theirs have a spring in them

 

[Buckgnarly]

If you don't mind the price, I've found the Snap Ons to be the best.

 

[assassin10000]

I haven't had my hands on them (yet) but HF just released some for their Icon line. They have a welded pin instead of a bolt thru design.

They look longer than snap on but for a fraction of the price, it may be an option for you. Ymmv, but snap on are probably the shortest.

 

[crewchief888]

All my 1/4” dr swivels are snap on, as well as hex and torx bits I don’t have sets of them only a few necessary ones

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Also look into impact style universal sockets, which are bulkier but have a limited swivel amount and can be better in some areas.

Which drive size do you like those in?

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Which drive size do you like those in?

All.

I use the 1/4 and 3/8 as all in one wobble extension/ sockets combos. Enough flex, but they can't just fold.over like chrome. 1/2 I only use the impact style.

 

[ThePostman]

Mac makes some super shallow chrome swivels in 1/4" I have found very useful. Here's a comparison between Mac, Proto, and Gearwrench 10mms

 

[oldschoolcraft]

All.

I use the 1/4 and 3/8 as all in one wobble extension/ sockets combos. Enough flex, but they can't just fold.over like chrome. 1/2 I only use the impact style.

What brand do you prefer? I hear the Matco ones are amazing but are $80 each in the 1/2" drive size. I see HF just revised their Icon versions of these with a V2.

 

[908Jim]

The chrome ones get floppy overtime.VIM is one that has fixed this,theirs have a spring in them

They all get floppy over time. My 3/8 Snap-on's are all wrapped in a quick layer of electrical tape.

 

[Chrome Vanadium Cody]

I went astro for base sets and have upgraded individuals as needed. Snap on is the best but imo Bonney is a close second for 1/4” drive. Better than others i’ve tried such as mac, sk, matco, usa craftsman etc

 

[upperb]

Many thanks to all of you who have replied. I really appreciate it. Snap On, it is!!

 

[2ndGearRubber]

What brand do you prefer? I hear the Matco ones are amazing but are $80 each in the 1/2" drive size. I see HF just revised their Icon versions of these with a V2.

Mine are mostly snap on in 1/2 drive, for warranty reasons. Matco 13-15mm have a narrower body, so I have those 3 as well for when needed. I also have sunex and various imported brands for their slightly shorter body (but wider) pinned versions.

3/8 the impacts are astro, the chrome SK.

1/4 the impact are gearwrench, the chrome are SK and Snap on. The most used sizes I bought snap-on and SK 5-15mm set fills in the rest.

 

[Skin]

I did research when I first joined, and universal PINLESS 1/4" drive chrome sockets were one of the very very tools that everyone agreed you absolutely must own, and must buy from Snap On.

Snap-on has never made or offered a pinless universal. Their chrome and impacts are merely a welded pin that they sand, polish and plate over. Make no mistake, they're pinned like everyone else's its just hidden. Functionally I've never found them to be much better at articulation vs a pin or screw but they are less finicky since there is nothing to loosen and with the impact swivels it gets rid of the retention collar.

Koken is the only manufacturer I'm aware of doing a chrome ball universal with the new Zeal retention sockets. They're also the lowest profile I've seen. Matco is the OG and the only source for USA pinless impact swivel sockets. GW and Astro came later and are made in China and Taiwan respectively.

I prefer the ball style myself. They dont articulate as far but an added swivel adapter (again Koken Zeal ones get high marks) gets you there and with less cuss words compared to trying to use any pinned universal at 50-60* articulation.

 

[KnurledNut]

Snap-on has never made or offered a pinless universal. Their chrome and impacts are merely a welded pin that they sand, polish and plate over. Make no mistake, they're pinned like everyone else's its just hidden. Functionally I've never found them to be much better at articulation vs a pin or screw but they are less finicky since there is nothing to loosen and with the impact swivels it gets rid of the retention collar.

Koken is the only manufacturer I'm aware of doing a chrome ball universal with the new Zeal retention sockets. They're also the lowest profile I've seen. Matco is the OG and the only source for USA pinless impact swivel sockets. GW and Astro came later and are made in China and Taiwan respectively.

I prefer the ball style myself. They dont articulate as far but an added swivel adapter (again Koken Zeal ones get high marks) gets you there and with less cuss words compared to trying to use any pinned universal at 50-60* articulation.

Good to see you again Skin. Been a while. Helpful post as always.

 

[Steve_P]

I tried to buy a few of the Koken zeal swivels a few months ago and they weren't available in the US; but they are now. Saying that, if you're using them every day, then I'd get Snap On; maybe add a 10mm Zeal if you have the need. My 1/4 chrome swivels are SK, and they're definitely short, but I almost never use them since I'm a home user. I've probably used the 10mm once a year and maybe one or two of the others one time.

 

[oldschoolcraft]

Snap-on has never made or offered a pinless universal. Their chrome and impacts are merely a welded pin that they sand, polish and plate over. Make no mistake, they're pinned like everyone else's its just hidden.

Damn. I got fooled by Snap On's "Pinless Affirmation Surgery", looks pinless on the outside, but inside...

 

[assassin10000]

I haven't had my hands on them (yet) but HF just released some for their Icon line. They have a welded pin instead of a bolt thru design.

They look longer than snap on but for a fraction of the price, it may be an option for you. Ymmv, but snap on are probably the shortest.

Pic & link

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-drive-metric-professional-universal-joint-shallow-socket-set-70298.html

They look to be similar in length to the gear wrench pictured above. So not the shortest but at least the pin or screw won't disappear on you.

 

[Wamsutta]

Pic & link

https://www.harborfreight.com/14-in-drive-metric-professional-universal-joint-shallow-socket-set-70298.html

They look to be similar in length to the gear wrench pictured above. So not the shortest but at least the pin or screw won't disappear on you.

If I had 300 sets of those, I would give all 300 sets away. I wouldn't have the heart to charge people money for those.

Now of course someone would've gave them to me because I sure as hell wouldn't have bought them.

 

[Lucid Moments]

You can never argue with the quality of Snap On tools. If Snap On offers a tool it is going to be among the best if not the best tool of that type. Where I can and do argue sometimes is the value of Snap On tools. With a current list price of $348.75 it will need to do a lot of things my Tekton version of this tool can't for $78.00. I am not a professional. I am just a guy that likes working on my own stuff and so far my Tekton tools have done everything I need them to do. So for me the value is not there. Different people can come to different value conclusions of course.

 

[Wamsutta]

^
I find value in a tool that works like it's supposed to. I need a universal socket that has a universal joint that will keep turning at severe angles without locking up. I know that if I buy the Snap-on brand universal socket, it will give me the capability to turn at severe angles.

Cheap imported universal sockets don't work any better than a wobble extension.