1/4 universal metric sockets

[mreisner]

Looking to get a set, just wondering if the cheaper brands hold up or is this one of those you get what you pay for items? Not going to be used day in day out, but when I need them to be there it is important. I have a Snap on sae set and they are great, but I am finding the price a little steep for a metric set. Biggest concern is if the are floppy.

 

[AEAdam]

Looking to get a set, just wondering if the cheaper brands hold up or is this one of those you get what you pay for items? Not going to be used day in day out, but when I need them to be there it is important. I have a Snap on sae set and they are great, but I am finding the price a little steep for a metric set. Biggest concern is if the are floppy.

My opinion and hope this helps: This is the wrong set to go cheap on. When you need a swivel, you are already at a disadvantage. Not saying its Snap on or nothing. Hope you get good specific advice.

My experience has been, in general, whatever manufacturing variation exists with any socket, the order of magnitude is roughly the same for all sockets such that larger sockets, 1/2" drive are almost all acceptable while 1/4" drive can be absolute rubbish.

I'm finding more and more use for my 1/4" drive for automotive applications. I don't currently have 1/4" swivels and would like a set, but I would probably look for used Snap on or Koken or really nice Taiwan.

 

[NHtoolguy]

In 1/4" drive swivel sockets, Snap-on really shines as AEAdam has said. It's one of their tool lines that is worth the price of admission. I built my Snap-on set piecemeal, as I had the funds to buy the sizes I needed most over time. I think many of them came from ebay.

 

[assassin10000]

I have the icon metric set. It's not terrible. It's the only other one that has welded in pins that I found for a decent price. You could always do the oring or tape trick if they do get floppy.

I just couldn't justify the snap on price.

 

[Callelle]

If you're talking chromes, I have nothing to add as I think they're garbage. I started off with a set of Sunex universal impacts, I broke the 10mm a bunch of times and have since swapped that one out for a Snap On.

 

[mreisner]

In 1/4" drive swivel sockets, Snap-on really shines as AEAdam has said. It's one of their tool lines that is worth the price of admission. I built my Snap-on set piecemeal, as I had the funds to buy the sizes I needed most over time. I think many of them came from ebay.

That's how I did my SAE set, leaving strongly to doing that again for the metrics set.

 

[ecotec]

I got the Carlyle metric and SAE set on a two for one Real Deal before Covid. They have been really great. My vintage SK set has a few floppy ones.

 

[nicks78camaro]

I don't use em a ton but have had nothing but good luck with my older USA SK chrome set.

 

[Dave455]

I’m not one to advocate spending unnecessarily, but the guys suggesting something decent make very valid points.

In 1/4” drive particularly, issues such as fit become quite critical, as it’s so easy to round over a small fastener. Much more so than a bigger one.

We also tend to push the boundaries of what 1/4” drive should be used on, often because space is so tight.

I would seriously consider the Snap On. Many other manufacturers offer universal sockets, but a lot of the European ones charge a lot more when the tools start getting specialised. Makers such as Stahlwille and Hazet for example, give great value where their regular sockets are concerned, but the universal always seem relatively expensive.

Do you really need a “set”? The only 1/4” universal sockets I ever seem to need are 8, 10 and 13. (Maybe 12 if I worked on more Japanese stuff). Could you make a saving by just buying those?

Alternatively, what about a maker such as KoKen? They make superb sockets generally, they excel at specialised tools such as universals, and the prices are generally reasonable.


They also offer all manner of even more specialised tools, such as “nut grip” universals.

 

[Stubby1743]

Have a look at the Koken ones. They also do nut grip versions in a slightly reduced size range.

Catalogue

www.ko-ken-europe.com

Edit - Dave just beat me to it!

 

[mreisner]

Thanks for all the suggestions, ended up finding a used set on eBay for $125 bucks

 

[Pexto]

Before everyone returns to their regularly scheduled programming , does anyone have an opinion on the Astro Pneumatic?

12pc. 1/4" Drive Flex Socket Set - 6 Point - Metric | Astro Pneumatic Tools

• 1/4" Drive • 6pt Sockets Set includes: 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 7mm, 8mm, 9mm, 10mm, 11mm, 12mm, 13mm, 14mm, 15mm Flex Sockets

www.astrotools.com

 

[wantedabiggergarage]

I had the Craftsman non pinless ones, that I added a 5.5mm Snap on to for my needs. I couldn't justify the truck price verses use at the time and I quickly added heat shrink to them.
Snap on are MUCH better and SK and Snap on were the only two other options I knew about locally/had access to. (never in stock on our Mac truck)
Around the time I left the garage, I decided I wanted a bit more durable set, so into HJE I went and special ordered the Grey Pnuematic metric impact set. They have done what I need and are certainly stiffer then even the Snap on. I just learned to prefer impact, as I think they will last longer.

 

[merkyworks]

I got the Carlyle metric and SAE set on a two for one Real Deal before Covid. They have been really great. My vintage SK set has a few floppy ones.

Use the oring trick for those floppy ones.




Haven’t needed 1/4 universal sockets so never bought a set. However, if I was to buy a set I would be looking at Koken.

 

[KnurledNut]

I have a Snap-on 1/4 chrome universal that I have impacted on something fierce. I can't believe it hasn't grenaded. Serious engaging of the safety squints when using!
Proto is another high quality option that always seems to get overlooked. But $$$$$.
Mac are decent but they use screws instead of pins and I have seen them break.
Tekton had a good idea with their low profile 4 pin design. It just needs some improvements to make it stronger, if they haven't already done so.
I have an older metric Taiwanese Gearwrench set that function and fit well but don't have as tight of tolerances in the joint, nor as compact in size. No clue about current production quality.
I'd like to try the VIM stubby spring-loaded dual-drive version. I do have their 1/4 and 5/16 hex bit holding 1/4 drive chrome universals which are a unique tool few seem to offer.
I'd love to come across a new old stock set of Bonneys for cheap!

 

[Wamsutta]

Swivel sockets need to keep rotating without binding up while being positioned at steep angles like 88, 89, or 90 degrees.

The cheap sockets can't rotate without binding up.

Having cheap swivel sockets is pointless.

Get out of the set buying mentality.

High quality tools are too expensive to buy by the set.

You can't use all the sizes at the same time anyway.

 

[CHI_Tool&Die]

I’m not one to advocate spending unnecessarily, but the guys suggesting something decent make very valid points.

In 1/4” drive particularly, issues such as fit become quite critical, as it’s so easy to round over a small fastener. Much more so than a bigger one.

We also tend to push the boundaries of what 1/4” drive should be used on, often because space is so tight.

I would seriously consider the Snap On. Many other manufacturers offer universal sockets, but a lot of the European ones charge a lot more when the tools start getting specialised. Makers such as Stahlwille and Hazet for example, give great value where their regular sockets are concerned, but the universal always seem relatively expensive.

Do you really need a “set”? The only 1/4” universal sockets I ever seem to need are 8, 10 and 13. (Maybe 12 if I worked on more Japanese stuff). Could you make a saving by just buying those?

Alternatively, what about a maker such as KoKen? They make superb sockets generally, they excel at specialised tools such as universals, and the prices are generally reasonable.


They also offer all manner of even more specialised tools, such as “nut grip” universals.

I’m in the get what you need camp for 1/4” universal sockets. That way you can get quality stuff. SAE, which is what I mainly use at work, has a lot of sizes you’ll never need in the set. I feel the same for metric, especially if you gravitate toward a specific brand or country of manufacture. I’d also spring for any kind of socket with retention because of the nature of the socket. You’ll be bending and flexing and bolts don’t always like to stay on. My unis are all Proto and I can’t complain about them.

 

[Steve_P]

I have a full set of USA made SK universal/swivels in 1/4. They're awesome. But for 99%, all I use as a "very advanced DIYer" is the 10mm; and 99% for under-dash work. So, I bought a Koken nut grip in 10mm and that's all I've used in years. For other than interior work, I have an Armstrong 3/8 pinless impact set which is the equivalent of the modern Matco, and they're great. But for 1/4 drive with a ratchet, you'll most likely only need a few sizes. So, doing it again, I'd buy a couple of the Koken Nut Grip in maybe 8, 10, 12, at most (just 10 for me) and then go impact above that in 3/8 drive.

 

[ecotec]

Swivel sockets need to keep rotating without binding up while being positioned at steep angles like 88, 89, or 90 degrees.

The cheap sockets can't rotate without binding up.

Having cheap swivel sockets is pointless.

Get out of the set buying mentality.

High quality tools are too expensive to buy by the set.

You can't use all the sizes at the same time anyway.

Depending on what you do, you can definitely get out of the set buying mentality.

If you worked on 99% Honda, you could start with 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 24 in a lot of sockets and wrenches. You could add other sizes later.

 

[mreisner]

Depending on what you do, you can definitely get out of the set buying mentality.

If you worked on 99% Honda, you could start with 8, 10, 12, 14, 17, 19, 22, 24 in a lot of sockets and wrenches. You could add other sizes later.

Ironically that's what I'm working on, the wife's Honda. I had a quarter set in Impact, but a couple of tight spaces led me to have to get the chrome set.

 

[DAWrench]

Swivel sockets need to keep rotating without binding up while being positioned at steep angles like 88, 89, or 90 degrees.

The cheap sockets can't rotate without binding up.

I agree this is not the place for a cheap socket but I don't think a even a snap on is gonna work at 88-90 degrees