Flared Base
Well-known member
Mac/Proto have the RBRT bit sockets that seem to be well regarded but are not USA made.
Allen bit sockets?
- Thread starter Goosedowner
- Start date
dnschmidt
Well-known member
Now you've found out why it's called Snap-On Gold.
Last edited:
BombShelter
Well-known member
I also don't like Lisle Allen Head Sockets, if you own a BMW you need a few add sizes and I thought I'd pay-up to made in USA. I rounded the 50 mm instantly, you'd think the big ones would last forever. I ended up getting a single at Lowes (cuz it's always late on Sundays and you need the car in the morning). That one has last 10+ years. I also have the smaller ones from HF which includes that little 7 mm ****** used for changing BMW Brakes, they also have lasted for years.
bwringer
Well-known member
The 1/2" drive impact hex sockets at Harbor Freight are made in Taiwan and 1,000% legit. I've beat the absolute hell out of mine with zero issues, and success every time, where others have failed miserably. Plus, they go up to 19mm, which is pretty hard to find.
So if this is a size range and style you need, I don't know how you could do better. (The torx set is also fantastic.)
www.harborfreight.com
For smaller stuff, I've been quite happy with 3/8" and 1/4" drive sets from Capri on Amazon. Also made in Taiwan, and superb quality.
HF used to sell long and short ball end and regular end variants made in Taiwan as well, and they're great, but the ones I've seen of late are Hecho en China and somewhat suspect. YMMV.
So if this is a size range and style you need, I don't know how you could do better. (The torx set is also fantastic.)
1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Hex Socket Set, 8 Piece
Amazing deals on this 8Pc 1/2In Dr Metric Impact Hex Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
www.harborfreight.com
For smaller stuff, I've been quite happy with 3/8" and 1/4" drive sets from Capri on Amazon. Also made in Taiwan, and superb quality.
HF used to sell long and short ball end and regular end variants made in Taiwan as well, and they're great, but the ones I've seen of late are Hecho en China and somewhat suspect. YMMV.
Zimbo
Well-known member
They have, I had actually run out of key on my 6mm snap on due to cutting it shorter every time it rounded out. I then made it a little longer with a Bondhaus bit expecting the same thing to happen but it has been good, these are 3/8.
I have them in 6,5,4mm probably the most common in 3/8 drive.
Jeff
Well-known member
For infrequent use I would consider Neiko. 26pc SAE/MM tamper proof set for $31 on Amazon B075JQ9TF5.
I've had this set for 3 years with no issues.
I've had this set for 3 years with no issues.
old_smokey
Well-known member
Another down-vote for the Lisle sockets. I bought a set a few years back and destroyed two of them almost immediately. My cheapo Canadian Tire sockets have held up much better.
Gummi Bear
Well-known member
I have some old Husky ones that have never left me wanting. I also have some newer VIM to fill in gaps and also get a more complete set of torx and the like. They are not impact rated.
Very happy with both.
I will probably go with the Neiko set for impact rated ones, they have really good reviews (I'm a hobbyist, not a professional; so my decision points are different from someone who relies on them to make a living)
Very happy with both.
I will probably go with the Neiko set for impact rated ones, they have really good reviews (I'm a hobbyist, not a professional; so my decision points are different from someone who relies on them to make a living)
ThePostman
Well-known member
Proto rbrt for the win. But metric and sae if you want to deal with rounded out stuff. Pro use
laser3kw
Well-known member
I got a nice set of S-K. Been good so far
In the Project Farm video, the 5/16" Sunex short impact sockets performed very well overall, and much better than the Tekton and Capri in resistance to rounding out the fastener. The results are not definitive because there are some shortcomings with the test methodology.
I have a set of the Denali (Amazon) clones of the short Sunex impacts and they are great. Actually better than current production Sunex (per recent reviews anyway) in that they are both laser and roll marked. Hexes are machined to shape and dead on size-wise.
This is my back up back up set… and it has worked amazing for the money. It is from 10ish years ago, and I have used it more than I thought I would.The 1/2" drive impact hex sockets at Harbor Freight are made in Taiwan and 1,000% legit. I've beat the absolute hell out of mine with zero issues, and success every time, where others have failed miserably. Plus, they go up to 19mm, which is pretty hard to find.
So if this is a size range and style you need, I don't know how you could do better. (The torx set is also fantastic.)
1/2 in. Drive Metric Impact Hex Socket Set, 8 Piece
Amazing deals on this 8Pc 1/2In Dr Metric Impact Hex Socket Set at Harbor Freight. Quality tools & low prices.
For smaller stuff, I've been quite happy with 3/8" and 1/4" drive sets from Capri on Amazon. Also made in Taiwan, and superb quality.
HF used to sell long and short ball end and regular end variants made in Taiwan as well, and they're great, but the ones I've seen of late are Hecho en China and somewhat suspect. YMMV.
I have a mix of Snap-on (regular and gold), SK, Wright… I also have the huge VIM set and the 1/2” HF set.
Last edited:
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
What makes the Capri and Carlyle sets so nice are their uniformed bits. There is no machined sizing or step. My 1/2 Proto sets are the same way. I personally prefer that style of hex bit socket.
You could also do what some of the guys on YouTube and in my shop do and that is to buy the Bondhus bits and press fit them into any extra or older sockets lying around.
You could also do what some of the guys on YouTube and in my shop do and that is to buy the Bondhus bits and press fit them into any extra or older sockets lying around.
What is it you like about that style?
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
The length of the bit being uniformed helps me reach into cavities when I’m working with fixtures and jigs. I have stepped ones with the machined hex tip but the shank is usually much larger and it prevents me from reaching the bit the entire way down. It also allows me to use cut down hex keys as replacement bits. And I typically have tons of used up hex keys at work.
Shoreline_
Well-known member
I've had my snap on metric set 20 years and no issues. I use it every week.
I also have RBRT from Mac which I like but I have broken a few and I feel the steel is more brittle. I think they are standard s2 which has no chrome and Snapon is like an ANSI 3xxx or 4xxx chromium alloy.
I also have RBRT from Mac which I like but I have broken a few and I feel the steel is more brittle. I think they are standard s2 which has no chrome and Snapon is like an ANSI 3xxx or 4xxx chromium alloy.
I would be nice if he stopped testing SST BHCS. Sorry, I do like most of his videos, but WTF??????? this is not the way to test bit sockets. I would've thought there would be comments after his hex key test, doing the same months ago, but I guess not. Oh well...
What is SST BHCS ?
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
Stainless steel button head cap screw
I personally have Blue Point hex sockets and most everyone at my work does as well. They work very well, made in Taiwan I believe by VIM. I have not heard of anyone breaking one including hammering on them with impacts.