10mm Universal - Flex Socket Advice {;ease

[apdxyk]

Need a 10mm universal socket 1/4". Does it make a really big difference if I buy a Proto one instead of a Snapon? I hear that Snapon ones are the bees' knees.

For an automotive DIY work

 

[FerrariPower]

I only own an 8mm/10mm/13mm 1/4" chrome swivel from Snap-on. They're very small, get in very tight, and are very easy to lose under dash. If you just need it one time for a specific job, you don't need a Snap-on. They're $55 each new plus tax ($75 now from the website with the added shipping/handling), and usually over $30 used.

 

[Wamsutta]

The whole idea is to get as much angle as possible without binding up; the Snap-on does that. The Proto might be very good also, but I haven't tried one yet.

 

[four.cycle]

"... $55 each ..."

AstroPneumatic 12-piece set (5mm - 15mm) $34.99 incl. shipping

but hey, whatever works best for you.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Diy- probably not. If you want the absolute best and the time/effort that will save, then yes.

 

[FerrariPower]

AstroPneumatic 12-piece set (5mm - 15mm) $34.99 incl. shipping

but hey, whatever works best for you.

The Astro don't flex properly at the joint. Would never recommend using them for anything.

 

[csargents1546]

Look at gearwrench swivels, they are a painless design, and less expensive I believe.

Sent from my SM-N950U using Tapatalk

 

[lardy1]

Are all Apex created equal? I have Apex branded Napa in fractional and they work well for me as a non pro. I use very little Apex so I don't know if they're Gearwrench equivalents or not. I bought them on eBay because of the price.

 

[Flyordie]

Are all Apex created equal? I have Apex branded Napa in fractional and they work well for me as a non pro. I use very little Apex so I don't know if they're Gearwrench equivalents or not. I bought them on eBay because of the price.

Gearwrench took the design with them to Taiwan so yep. I have a 10mm Gearwrench USA made swivel.

 

[Fedwrench]

I think you'll you'll be ok with a Proto unless you're working on something extremely strange.

You have to look at the swivel socket's overall height first, then it's ability to swivel. Most of the inexpensive ones are taller and don't flex great.

I use Proto at work without any issues.

 

[iWrench]

I have the Proto Professional (USA made) 1/4" universal chrome metric socket set and I love them. They are small and about the same size as the Snap-On ones. As Fedwrench said above, the cheaper ones normally aren't built as well in terms of size and quality as the more expensive ones.

 

[ssdave]

I have both the Proto and the Snap-on in 1/4". The Snap-on is about 3/16" of an inch shorter. Both work essentially the same in operation, I don't notice much difference in angle they will work at. Given that, I'd give the Snap-on a slight advantage. It's also 12 point, which gives a slight advantage in getting the socket on "just right" to give the most leverage in turning, as a slight angle can make a difference. Some guys might give the 6 point a slight advantage because it's less likely to slip if it gets on crooked. So, kind of a preference or situational thing there. The Proto 6 point is just a slight bit thicker, so won't fit into as tight a spot.

Overall, when I went to buy a set, I looked at the Proto price difference, and bought a complete set of them for about 1/4th to 1/3rd the price of Snap-on by waiting for coupon deal at Zoro. I already had a few Snap-on singles; of course 10mm is the first one to get.

My swivel sockets across the three drive sizes and metric and SAE are about equally split between Proto and Snap-on; and I have overlaps in the brands. In use I don't differentiate between them and use them without preference.

 

[GrayEngineer]

Look into the Tekton universal joint sockets. They look like really nice units, and they have a more compact design than most other brands.

 

[SeisMec]

Not what you're asking, but have you tried using a very short (1" long or 1-1/4" long) 1/4" wobble extension & socket?