3/8 Swivel Impact Sockets

[JMJones91987]

I am going to invest in a new set of collarless 3/8 swivel impact sockets. I am torn between the Matco pinless set and the Snap On welded pin set. Matco is a 10 piece set for $428.65 and Snap On is a 12 piece set for $514.50. I have heard a ton of good things about the Matco pinless set but Snap On claims their set is just as good considering the pin is welded in and not pressed and collared. Input on the 2 or any others would be greatly appreciated.

 

[ladrones]

I got the Armstrong pinless from Triad they have a free shipping and a 10% discount code.
I was able to get a little better discount during black Friday.

I have a set of the snap-on with the cat brand and also a set of older Wright universals.

I'm really liking the pinless so far.

 

[Jbullfrog]

The Matco, Armstrong, or Craftsman pinless are great and noticable smoother turning than the pin style that they replaced.

 

[Askme42]

Anyone hear a release date for the gearwrench yet?

 

[jfcasey]

I have only used the snap on version but I can say the have noticeably more flex and less bind than sunex or gp pinned versions. My dealer usually has bogo promos on them that will get you a good set for around 350. It's usually 10,12,15,17mm and you get the standard set free which has 3/8, 1/2, 5/8, 3/4 for filling the holes in the metric set.

 

[shampoop]

Do your research on the pinless. The idea sounds great but it sounds like a lot of them get easily worn out and fall apart.

 

[Fedwrench]

I'm unsure of your type of use or what you'll work on but, this is a good starter set.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...0948981000P?prdNo=12&blockNo=12&blockType=G12

The set is missing the 1/2 and the universal joint is pinned but the set is still a good value.

I've used the pinless type from Matco/Armstrong/craftsman for over 10 years in a professional shop environment on the end of TIMAX impacts. Although I have worn a couple out, I haven't ever broken one.

If this set doesn't work for you, shop ebay but, be careful, there are many sets listed as pinless but, aren't.

 

[devoncoolman]

The matco pinless are very nice sockets. But so are the snapon sockets. Ive beat the **** out of my snap-on pinned sockets and they hold up well. Ive broken a few of them. Also had the matco ones fall apart on me as well. You wont go wrong either way honestly.

 

[shockwave]

I like the Matco pinless over the snap on pinned

 

[redwrench60]

Anyone hear a release date for the gearwrench yet?

The Gearwrench pinless are out. My Independant tool man has a set on the truck. They look good.

 

[bcradio]

The Gearwrench pinless are out. My Independant tool man has a set on the truck. They look good.

Do you know cost on them by chance?

 

[HaroRider]

I have the HF pure junk. They don't fit anywhere, I wanna get a good set as well.

 

[amolaver]

Anyone know part number for gearwrench pinless impact swivel sets? Gearwrench's site fails on my phone..

ahm

 

[Buckgnarly]

Anyone know part number for gearwrench pinless impact swivel sets? Gearwrench's site fails on my phone..

ahm

I found this......

The GearWrench Pinless Universal Impact Sockets feature a patented four-lug ball-in-socket design for increased durability, speed and strength. The design provides smoother operation for longer life and allows a 30-degree off-center operating angle for superior access in tight spots. The four-lug ball-in-socket design’s 360-degree movement gives technicians a greater range of motion and the socket wall dimensions are optimized to provide strength while retaining access to restricted fasteners. The Pinless Universal Impact Sockets incorporate the brand’s Surface Drive Technology. The Pinless Universal Impact Socket Sets come in the following ranges: 3/8” Drive 7-pc SAE Set, 3/8” to 3/4” (No. 84922); 3/8” Drive 10-pc Metric Set, 10mm to 19mm (No. 84921); 1/2” Drive 9-pc SAE Set, 1/2" to 1” (No. 84937); and 1/2" Drive 10-pc Metric Set, 13mm to 24mm (No. 84936).

 

[amolaver]

Nice - thanks! Hadn't heard of them before. Will have to do some searching to see if anyone had posted any experiences with them / comparison to the craftsman / matcos..

ahm

 

[redwrench60]

Do you know cost on them by chance?

Anyone know part number for gearwrench pinless impact swivel sets? Gearwrench's site fails on my phone..

ahm

I'll have to look this Tuesday when my Indy tool dealer stops by.

 

[toufue_yang17]

I've got a set of snap on impact swivel in 3/8's and have yet to break 1. It's been about 2 years now? They are my go to socket over chrome sockets.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Nice - thanks! Hadn't heard of them before. Will have to do some searching to see if anyone had posted any experiences with them / comparison to the craftsman / matcos..

ahm

First time I heard of them too, GW site lists them as US made; clones of CMan, Matco, Armstrong is my guess.

 

[jrcampbe]

I bought a used set of Snap Ons from ebay. It was the 11 piece metric set and I paid about $160 for them, don't remember exactly. They are fantastic and I use them a ton. I don't know why more people don't buy used high-end hand tools. As long as they aren't rusty or broken you're good, and the warranty transfers.

 

[cat-mechanic]

First time I heard of them too, GW site lists them as US made; clones of CMan, Matco, Armstrong is my guess.

I googled the part # above for the metric set. Couple of online shops show to have them for $250 area. I might have to look at them.

 

[Tronyadorable]

I'll have to look this Tuesday when my Indy tool dealer stops by.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/GEARWRENCH-...ess-Impact-Universal-Socket-Set-/391026960153

 

[redwrench60]

Here's some pics as promised.

 

[Buckgnarly]

Here's some pics as promised.

What were they going for?

 

[redwrench60]

What were they going for?

He had $309 on them. They look good, they truly do appear identical to the Armstrong swivels.

 

[ladrones]

Here are the Armstrong's. Look to be the same.

 

[JMJones91987]

Where can you buy the Armstrong's from?

 

[ladrones]

I bought mine here:
http://www.trident-supply.com/10iece-3-8-Drive-6oint-Metric-Armstrong-Maxx-p/069-46-910.htm

Use the 10% off garage journal code and the free shipping code.

 

[shockwave]

Call Matco dealer near you there was a special running for these the past couple of months on by the short 3/8 pinless get the deep set free I jumped on this deal from my dealer

 

[Kenskip1]

Has anyone looked at this brand? Ken

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021UL6HI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[rayh91]

Has anyone looked at this brand? Ken

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021UL6HI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yeah, they work great. They won't be as good as the truck brands but they'll get into those tight spaces. I've used them for a couple of years now and haven't had a problem.

 

[Askme42]

First time I heard of them too, GW site lists them as US made; clones of CMan, Matco, Armstrong is my guess.

Yep exact same.

 

[amolaver]

Has anyone looked at this brand? Ken

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0021UL6HI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

These are the traditional pinned style. Nothing wrong with them, but slightly bigger in the hips, and all things being equal (which they never are) not as strong as the pinless type like the craftsman/armstrong/matco.

I've got the pinned style (some sunex, some gearwrench, some sk, probably others), but I've coveted the pinless type for a long time. Do not understand why the craftsman set stops at 18mm. If they went to 19, I'd have bought them long ago. Pedantic, possibly, just irks me.

I've been very happy with all my gearwrench tools, so will probably buy the 3/8 metric short set (my most commonly used swivel set) once the wallet cools down some.

ahm

 

[stage20]

He had $309 on them. They look good, they truly do appear identical to the Armstrong swivels.

which appear to look identical to the craftsman

gotta be same oe.

i have a 1/4 impact swivel set and use them for everything. ive been looking for a 3/8 set but have been using my chome ones.

 

[92integra]

Does gw have a 1/4" set..... now I love my pinless set I mean look at it this way they are cheaper and they transfer more toque. The latter is the reason I chose the match pinless.... not meaning to thread jack but anyone have input on what would be better after some has a shallow set.... I'm thing a set of semi deeps would be bomb but I'd if I should get some deep impact swivels.

 

[stage20]

Gw has a 1/4. Sunex and grey also. Atd too. Prices vary. 150 to 220 ish

 

[Fedwrench]

Does gw have a 1/4" set......

Gw has a 1/4. Sunex and grey also. Atd too. Prices vary. 150 to 220 ish

The current Gearwrench 1/4 drive swivel impact set along with all of the other brands listed are the pinned type. As of the SEMA show, Gearwrench was NOT releasing a 1/4 drive pinless set which I told the Gearwrench rep was huge friggen mistake.

 

[WhiffySpark]

For that much just buy the snap on set. They usually
Go on promo 350 for both sets

 

[redwrench60]

The current Gearwrench 1/4 drive swivel impact set along with all of the other brands listed are the pinned type. As of the SEMA show, Gearwrench was NOT releasing a 1/4 drive pinless set which I told the Gearwrench rep was huge friggen mistake.

Yeah that's a big mistake. They're gonna have to get over that ********, do they want to be a full line tool brand or not? They have what I believe to be a superior product at the best price but they don't want to field it in force?

 

[franzdom]

Does gw have a 1/4" set..... now I love my pinless set I mean look at it this way they are cheaper and they transfer more toque. The latter is the reason I chose the match pinless.... not meaning to thread jack but anyone have input on what would be better after some has a shallow set.... I'm thing a set of semi deeps would be bomb but I'd if I should get some deep impact swivels.

I'll pass on the toque

 

[TAMPAGT07]

I have the HF pure junk.

I just went with the HF "standard junk" as I didn't want to spend the extra coin for the HF "pure junk."