Apex Sockets - Price check & source

[Vinko]

Where are you guys getting your Apex Sockets?

I was buying this bit holder:

Part No.

SC-514 ADAPTER SOCKET [PART # 091810427] for a 3/8 bit (part no. SZ-16A).

I was quoted just over $10 each and I usually buy 4-5 dozen at a time. Though maybe I should buy more (if I can swing it), as I just saw the threads about Apex being sold. Haven’t read those threads, so maybe it’s not the same Apex (owned by Cooper Tools for the past few years?).

I purchase from a local industrial supply group. I’ll call around just to make sure the price is reasonable, but thought I’d ask here as well.

PS. Quick check of the part. no. isn’t coming up, but the style no. is in the catalog. Maybe the part no. is really, really old and I think I took it off a pre-Cooper package.

PPS. Maybe it’s called a “bit holder” now but used to be called a “socket adapter”? I’m seeing this link:

http://apexbits.com/apex-square-drive-holders-for-large-bits-with-set-screw.aspx

and the one I need is 1/2” sq. drive. Like the photo. But all options listed are for 1/4”. I’ll keep looking.

 

[Vinko]

Best price I got was about 9.50 for 4 dozen pieces.

Guy wasn’t sure if they were still made in US, but presumed so.

I’m on the look out for an equivalent, just as a back up. Maybe SO does one in their industrial line? I’ll also check out the Wright and Armstrong. Anyone who can suggest a 1/2” sq. drive socket that will hold a 3/8” bit and is meant for assembly line work, let me know!

Thanks!

 

[jdmjr671]

Not sure if this helps but the few Apex labeled tools i have all came off of the Mac truck. Not sure if the brands are connected or just a distribution agreement.... Anyways maybe worth a shot, good luck.

 

[jeremy v]

I don't know if you found these sources for the bit holders, but these were the best prices I could find. shipping is about $70 to California unless you are able to use the $13 USPS APO/FPO/AE/AA/AP shipping option.

http://westsidedelivers.com/APEX_COOPER_TOOL-SC514.asp

Note- Shipping is about $70 to California unless you are able to use the $13 USPS APO/FPO/AE/AA/AP shipping option. It also says their stock is 0, so you might want to call for a lead time if you are interested in using them.

http://www.cometsupply.com/pm/COOSC514/

Note- more expensive each unit, but much cheaper shipping (around $52 including insurance to CA), so the grand total is only about $20 more for 4 dozen. They have 42 in stock.

I tried looking into other sources and I could not find anything else that was for production service with set screw mounting.

OP, it is too bad you are in California. That is the only state that charges sales tax on Apex's website, otherwise that would be the cheapest option.

 

[Vinko]

@jdmjr: thanks!
@Jeremy. yeah that West Side ain’t bad. I bet you could negotiate shipping with some of these guys if you had to.

I haven’t had time to check other makers, but I’d be curious to what else is out there.

 

[ttpete]

Something to remember about Apex is that they make two types of production sockets. The first is rated for impact duty, and the second is for power nut runners that aren't impact tools. These are very hard to minimize wear, and will shatter if used with an impact tool.

 

[Vinko]

Something to remember about Apex is that they make two types of production sockets. The first is rated for impact duty, and the second is for power nut runners that aren't impact tools. These are very hard to minimize wear, and will shatter if used with an impact tool.

I was unaware of this. I was told by the rep. (about 4-5 years ago?) that all Apex sockets were rated for impact use. Maybe he’s was talking about a restricted set of sockets or there have been new ones since then.

This is the one I’m using as an impact, and have been for years:

http://www.cometsupply.com/pm/COOSC514/

I’ve rounded out the sq drive end using an IR 231C on it (over time) and shattered a few bits (1-2 a month max) but that’s with a lot of use.

Do you know if that model is rated for impact use? Or can you say more about these two lines. I was unaware of them

 

[Vinko]

Just an update: got the apex sockets for about a little under $9.50 a piece (same place as last time!) and all’s good.

By the way, I’ll post this on the European tool thread, but if anyone else has ever found a quality equivalent to the Apex, I’d like to hear about it. Either US or Euro or maybe even some of the Asian stuff these days? I’m sure Japan makes some quality stuff with Taiwan coming up through the ranks (I presume but am not certain).

 

[Thunderbisciut]

I use Zephyr bits myself, but there were a few things I had to go to Apex for, the bit sockets being one of them.

I did a quick look through Vessel a while back, but a lot of their odds and ends aren't readily available outside Japan. Their industrial stuff is also uber pricey.

Wiha makes some for 1/4 and 5/16. Found these after I got my Apex ones.
On the Wiha site.
Full set for much cheaper.

 

[woody 73]

Funny story, but some years back I was at a garage sale and the owner had a box of all mixed apex sockets, as soon as the drool stop flowing out of mouth I bought all the apex they had. The owner was happy to get rid of them and I was thrilled at just being able to buy them at below wholesale prices.

Those suckers are built to withstand the A-bomb.