aluminum insert impact sockets
- Thread starter gj67stang
- Start date
After attempting to order this set from Torque Stick Tools, I discovered that they no longer carry this set of sockets. My inquires at several other vendors left me empty-handed until I stumbled across a Matco-branded set on ebay. They are now on their way from Florida to my front door. I'll update once I've had a chance to check them out.
Catalyze
Well-known member
Keep us updated on them. They are one of those tools that makes me curious as to how well they actually work and hold up.
Craig
Craig
These came in today.
Matco aluminum insert impact socket:
Made in USA!
aluminum insert held in with a steel pin:
Matco vs. Snap-on vs. Craftsman (13/16"):
Having never seen these before, I expected them to be an oversized impact socket with an aluminum sleeve inserted to bring it down to the proper dimension, but instead, it appears they are a thin-wall socket sleeved with aluminum. In the 13/16" size, the Matco is about 0.04" smaller on the OD than the SO and 0.06" smaller than the Craftsman. I guess they aren't meant for really hammering on a stuck nut, but hopefully they work well enough and protect my lugs. I'm thinking of maybe adding some shrink wrap on the OD to help protect the finish on the wheels, especially since I have some spare room with the smaller OD.
Matco aluminum insert impact socket:
Made in USA!
aluminum insert held in with a steel pin:
Matco vs. Snap-on vs. Craftsman (13/16"):
Having never seen these before, I expected them to be an oversized impact socket with an aluminum sleeve inserted to bring it down to the proper dimension, but instead, it appears they are a thin-wall socket sleeved with aluminum. In the 13/16" size, the Matco is about 0.04" smaller on the OD than the SO and 0.06" smaller than the Craftsman. I guess they aren't meant for really hammering on a stuck nut, but hopefully they work well enough and protect my lugs. I'm thinking of maybe adding some shrink wrap on the OD to help protect the finish on the wheels, especially since I have some spare room with the smaller OD.
Those are interesting. Thanks for starting this thread. It would be interesting to hear how well they work and hold up over time after you use them a bit. I am a little hesitant to assume they would last a long time since aluminum is so soft, especially if they are used with an impact wrench, but it might turn out to be a non-issue. I have always just seen the sockets with the outer jacket that protects the wheel paint etc. on the sides of the lug holes, but never one designed to protect the lugnut itself.
MattPersman
Well-known member
Those are made for the expensive lug nuts many import owners have, etc not really made to protect wheels they have different ones for that