Are Snap On Impact Sockets worth it?

[JRas]

This is outdated in the world of Amazon. I can have an impact set, 1/3 the price of any truck, in 1-2 days.

Plus in a pro setting you should have backups. I have multiples of my most used sizes, especially the impact swivels. Personally my favorite regular impacts are of the easy read variety (SK or Matco). If its a tool you're going to blow up fairly regularly like a common ratcheting wrench, impact swivel, or drill bit etc...then by all means, give the truck guy the business. But standard sockets? You're burning your money.

^ ^
I work 6 days a week and mostly 10hr days, I can get a socket delivered by napa same day, order online in minutes and have delivered in day or 2 .
No need step out of shop unless real desperate on something and that normally not a socket as generally got secondary socket option or mobile tool kit duplicates or another employees tools etc etc .
The basic hand tools never a problem, it the big specialist stuff that causes issues, aircon equipment, diag tools, lift, tyre balancer, office computer/phone etc etc. an impact socket a simple tool and simple replace .

You could keep buying new sockets on Amazon..my dealer has replaced broken tools same day. Heard of guys needing something they didn't have and drivers coming to them. Usually a text is all it takes

I think this notion is what fools a lot of guys into buying off the truck. Is tool truck service really a benefit? In the digital world we live in today waiting a week for a tool truck to show up is like snail mail vs. email.

Online prices are better, there are more options available, the service is better and the delivery is faster.

I like Snap on tools but for something like impact sockets it makes no sense to me.



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Impact sockets are one of those things that don't break often, even the cheap ones. And even with a tool truck, half the time I want to buy or warranty something that's not on the flyer, my Snap on guy has to back order it and it takes 2-3 weeks in total. The place where I go to warranty broken Proto tools takes 2 weeks to bring my replacement in.

If this were a broken Canadian tire impact socket, worst case, I've got multiple locations nearby and I can get it replaced within a day. It's also an excuse to check if there are any newly released tools I want to buy.

The only Snap on tools worth buying are items that are potentially dangerous like swivel impacts or stuff that will eventually break where only the truck will warranty it such as drill bits. For items in this category where others will warranty it, it's not always worth the extra money. Out of all T-40 bits my co worker borrowed around the shop and destroyed (including Snap on and Mac), my cheap Canadian tire impact torx bit lasted the longest.

Truck service is a huge benefit. Tool is only as good as the company standing behind it. Only reason people complain is because they're expensive.

a quality impact socket set will last you a lifetime, and the warranty ensures it. In the grand scheme of things.. yeah the initial cost is a lot but you just bought a socket set for life.

Call me old school but I'm willing to pay more; from a company that manufactures tools in the USA, and employs Americans to provide the best customer service in the business.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

2 instances where snap on impacts may be a better deal than previously considered. 1/2 drive semi-deep, I ended up buying a set because I couldn't find anyone else who made it. Genius tools did at one point, I haven't seen those listed in quite a while.


Their 1/2 drive impact universal sockets are basically semi-deep length. Matco/armstrong/Gearwrench had a USA made option of similar length. I'm not sure they're USA made anymore. Sometimes my standard sunex universals are the only way to reach something. Sometimes my GW/Snap on hodge-podge "semideep" set is the only way. Food for thought.

 

[plinker]

The thing about using the web as your store is fine, but it will still take a while to get warranty replacements on any given item. Usually a week or so. I have yet to hear of something being overnighted. So from a warranty stand point its a moot point. It would be faster to order a replacement tool IMO, which I have done a couple times

There are exceptions, I have bought the bulk of my impact sockets from Napa and can get stuff replaced same day or next day if needed. Suits me fine.

Also, I had Sunex warranty two broken wobble extensions, took pic's and they sent the replacements, was around two weeks. Didnt bother me as I bought spares previously as I expected them to break at some point.

I buy tools from certain sources based on the likeliness of how I expect them to hold up in the environment I need them for, whether at work or home. I am seldom dissapointed when I research what would be best for my needs.

As for Snap-on impact sockets, too soft, thick & expensive for what they are. Napa/Sunex work fine for me. The only truck brand impact sockets I buy are the Matco non slips & some of their swivels.

I did buy the Matco ADV low profile sets in 1/2 & 3/8 drive when they came out about '15 IIRC, they were the only game in town until a couple years ago. Napa has them available now (go figure).

 

[Shane6377]

You could keep buying new sockets on Amazon..my dealer has replaced broken tools same day. Heard of guys needing something they didn't have and drivers coming to them. Usually a text is all it takes











Truck service is a huge benefit. Tool is only as good as the company standing behind it. Only reason people complain is because they're expensive.



a quality impact socket set will last you a lifetime, and the warranty ensures it. In the grand scheme of things.. yeah the initial cost is a lot but you just bought a socket set for life.



Call me old school but I'm willing to pay more; from a company that manufactures tools in the USA, and employs Americans to provide the best customer service in the business.

Proto, SK, Wright... all quality USA made sockets that will last you a lifetime at a much lower cost. [emoji6]


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[FSrepair&fabrication]

Depends on how much you use them. I think the snap on’s are softer metal and after 6 months to a year of daily used the drive end gets chewed up. But softer may be safer than some of the harbor freight sockets ive had explode. Warranty is nice, if you caint wait for a driver, a phone call to corporate and its on the ups truck the next day. I prefer snap on, but I make money with tools so I want to have the best for when it counts.

 

[pi_guy]

I doubt it would make a difference if you posted 129 reasons why SO would be a better choice.
The vast majority here make the choice based on price alone so these questions become pointless....

 

[Shane6377]

I doubt it would make a difference if you posted 129 reasons why SO would be a better choice.
The vast majority here make the choice based on price alone so these questions become pointless....

I doubt if it would make a difference if you posted 129 reasons why SO was overpriced.
The vast majority here make the choice based on name alone so these questions become pointless...


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[Sycan]

These threads are awesome!

Those that don't spend the money on SO say that they are not worth the money while those who have spent the money on SO say they are worth it.

I have alot of SO impacts, they are softer but from what I have understood that actually makes the impact action more effective. I do warranty the 8mm and 5/16 about once a year

 

[M6erfan]

Post #'s 3, 4, 6, 14, 25, 37 are the ones that answer the OP directly (as far as I can tell). I.e; those that have used S-o impact sockets.

Consensus (so far) is that no, they are not 'worth' the extra expense.

I've only used borrowed S-o impact sockets before I bought my own, so I don't have a ton of experience with them. I never really gave them much thought. They fit and functioned just fine, none blew up. I've since bought my own (SK, Sunex) and they too are fine, none have blown up or worn out, and they fit every fastener I've tried them on.

 

[JRas]

Proto, SK, Wright... all quality USA made sockets that will last you a lifetime at a much lower cost. [emoji6]


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I own all of those, and wouldn't hesitate to buy more.

Warranty turn around is still about ~2 weeks+ for all them(I've heard/read) though.. moving parts I tend to buy more truck tools.

price wise, it does make sense

 

[OHMS LAW]

I’ve had short and deep set of snap on impact 1/2 drive. For going on 10 years. Haven’t broken a single one yet. I’ve beat them, literally with a hammer, air hammer. Not to mention impacting. They put up with the abuse I’ve dealt them, used them as a race driver in a hydraulic press, ball joint press.
I’ve broken one impact socket, 1 5/16, cracked down the side trying to get a seized nut off of a Chevy kodiak. The socket still got it off and was able to hold together to torque the nut back to spec when I was done. A lesser socket would have me sol.
Not to mention snap on had one for me on their next visit.

 

[Fulcrum]

These threads are awesome!

Those that don't spend the money on SO say that they are not worth the money while those who have spent the money on SO say they are worth it.

I have alot of SO impacts, they are softer but from what I have understood that actually makes the impact action more effective. I do warranty the 8mm and 5/16 about once a year

With the Snap-on you don't have to worry about metal chipping off because they are a little softer, and as soon as they get loose I warranty them without an issue. I've noticed the only other set of impacts that are really quality are the Mac.

Most of the people on this thread don't even own a Snap-on impact socket and yet feel the need to chime in about something they have no knowledge or experience with.

Actually here's a good question for the people responding on this thread: Why are you even commenting if you've never owned a Snap-on socket or used one? Is this common on Garage Journal for people to offer advice on something you have zero first hand knowledge of? Lol

 

[anndel]

Yes, SO impacts are worth it and the driver that stands behind it.

 

[Shane6377]

With the Snap-on you don't have to worry about metal chipping off because they are a little softer, and as soon as they get loose I warranty them without an issue. I've noticed the only other set of impacts that are really quality are the Mac.

Most of the people on this thread don't even own a Snap-on impact socket and yet feel the need to chime in about something they have no knowledge or experience with.

Actually here's a good question for the people responding on this thread: Why are you even commenting if you've never owned a Snap-on socket or used one? Is this common on Garage Journal for people to offer advice on something you have zero first hand knowledge of? Lol

Several of us do own snap on sockets (see post 17) and have given our opinions on how they stack up to others that we own.

The same qualities you like about SO sockets are available from a dozen other brands at a lower cost.

Sometimes you have to look past the posts from inexperienced users and SO fanboys to get the good info. That is common here unfortunately.


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[Vt_k9]

I have used several brands over the years to include Craftsman, ACE, Master Mechanic, HF, and SnapOn. For the wheel lug nut sizes (17, 19, 21, 22) I prefer the SnapOn due to the frequent use and what I feel is a better fit for the lug nut.

Most of my sockets are not SnapOn, but if I have a few common one which I need to replace I will replace them with SnapOn. I do like their 3/8" Chrome sockets, but haven't ponied up the cash for them.

The truck service is definitely a nice convenient feature and their products are good quality. Just sometimes it is hard to justify the cost for every tool.

Mike

 

[dsimatt]

I bought a SO 1" impact socket and it is so much heavier and thicker than the matco one I have and hasn't broken either which I can't say about the matco one.

My opinion is if you can afford it than get them and enjoy using them.

 

[hoston23]

honestly it depends on if you have a truck coming to your shop to warranty them. i have both snap on impact and GP sockets. for the price i would go with the GP but my snap on truck will warranty my SO sockets much faster than Cornwell and the Gearwrench truck will warranty my GP sockets. its just a preference

 

[Mr_B]

GP is taiwan made much like sunex, main difference is GP does input on design and set config more than most who just get brand put on standard items.
Is a huge amount good impacts from taiwan in crv and crmo equal or better than branded sets but for way less, they last well have good balance of hardness so don't wallow much yet don't chip or crack that easily .
I beat popular sizes hard daily and popular sizes still all serviceable and no breakages .
I got spare set of 3/8 shallows and 1/2 shallow and for no hassle self warranty when needed and find self warranty on basic tools like sockets more viable in terms of my lifetime cost and no hassle replacements .
GP comes at a price you want the warranty work pretty well for you as you paying up front for it.

 

[Wamsutta]

honestly it depends on if you have a truck coming to your shop to warranty them. i have both snap on impact and GP sockets. for the price i would go with the GP but my snap on truck will warranty my SO sockets much faster than Cornwell and the Gearwrench truck will warranty my GP sockets. its just a preference

What do you think about the GP sockets being flat across the top? While using them, do you miss the countersunk funnel of your SO sockets?

 

[dnschmidt]

Those look like Chrysler lug nuts which are Stainless Steel wrapped nuts which are complete pieces of ****. There is a tool company that makes a special lug nut socket (uti I believe but I could be wrong) that's intentionally oversized just for use with these **** lug nuts. They used them on all of their minivans and that's where I first encountered these. Don't use these as a method of determining the quality of anything as they are complete garbage.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

This is a topic is one that HD mechanics should be the ones weighing in on. While I used impacts at work on daily basis, Proto, Gray or Wright, nothing I did ever damaged the sockets. But I did go through at least a couple of 3/4" to 1/2" adapters. We would use the 1" impact gun and drop down to 1/2" drive.

With that experience I would say SO aren't worth the extra money.

 

[Wrench97]

I have both Snap on and GP deep and shallow sets the Snap On's are softer and do wear but are replaced by the truck whenever I notice them getting loose no questions asked.
The GP are good but I have broken several 15 deep 18,19,21 shallow and 13 deep explode on the end of my IR impact they usually get replaced with SO but since they are on the service truck one or two are whatever I could get where I was to finish.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Who is GP?

 

[B_Bimmer]

Grey pneumatic I believe.

 

[Mr_B]

What do you think about the GP sockets being flat across the top? While using them, do you miss the countersunk funnel of your SO sockets?

Tends to vary on gp as some do have the taper lead on the hex. assume range from a few manufactures so some design/manufacture points differ.
very common have flat tops on 3/4 and 1" drive and flatter top does allow more drive contact area on faster so does have some merit .

 

[Wrench97]

Not Canadian at all
This is the set I've had for about 15 years now. > https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000XQ5JSE/?tag=atomicindus08-20

For the price if you're not beating on them everyday for a living they are ok just be prepared to buy a replacement if you find your local distributor has changed brands they sell and you need one in a hurry.

 

[WittHay]

Who is GP?

Grey Pneumatic (GP) a Taiwan internet brand like Sunex and for the most part Tekton, which everybody talks about on GJ but nobody has ever seen in a store in Canada

Totally different than the Canadian made Gray sockets which are heavier made and Proto quality.

GP and Sunes can be ordered through the parts store but why bother. Maximum, Pro-Point, GearWrench, Jet and UlraPro impact sockets are readily available at stores everywhere

The best Canadian import brand I have found was Westward first they were rebranded Koken and then Taiwan made Japanese CRV style with the O ring grooves. The current Westwards are just plain Taiwanese CM like the Pro-Points or Jets.

For years all I used was Canadian made Snap-on impact sockets but they wre replaced with US made Snap-on sockets which were softer and rusted more. I have since upgraded from Snap-on impacts to Proto, Gray and Mac

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

Some imported impacts are little more than 6 pts painted black.

 

[M6erfan]

Some imported impacts are little more than 6 pts painted black.

And many members here tout using chrome sockets on impact guns all the time...

 

[BarryWells]

And many members here tout using chrome sockets on impact guns all the time...

I don't do 'tout". I do what I gotta do

 

[Professional Tool User]

This is a topic is one that HD mechanics should be the ones weighing in on. While I used impacts at work on daily basis, Proto, Gray or Wright, nothing I did ever damaged the sockets. But I did go through at least a couple of 3/4" to 1/2" adapters. We would use the 1" impact gun and drop down to 1/2" drive.

With that experience I would say SO aren't worth the extra money.

Based on what I've seen with shop 3/4" and 1" dr sockets, all of them eventually wear down. I've seen quite a few Westward and Jet sockets crack. Haven't seen any broken Proto ones yet. But then again, who knows how long those sockets have been in use. The 1" to 3/4" Snap on reducer shears off in no time. Proto impact sockets seem to be as beefy as the Snap on ones and should fare no worse under abuse.

The only downside with some of these industrial brands is I've been informed that they don't warranty certain things like reducers and most of the suppliers on the ground that sell don't carry much inventory.

 

[Downwindtracker 2]

In big letters on the tool, no less. That's what foremen and purchasing agents are for.

 

[ZRX61]

Been using HF for years (including 3/4in drive), never had to replace one.

 

[Bockscar]

And many members here tout using chrome sockets on impact guns all the time...

I've used 3/8 chrome on 3/8 impact forever

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[ChevyEFI]

I have deep Craftsman USA impact sockets. The 19mm was getting stuck on lug nut after lug nut. In some cases, ruining them to get them out. At $4 a piece, that was getting expensive. Enough. Next time I saw the big white ice cream truck I bought a 19mm deep impact. Amazingly, it doesn't get stuck on the exact same lug nuts. It doesn't ruin them.

Here's a pic: (Craftsman top, Snap on bottom)
https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/picture.php?albumid=5873&pictureid=85973

The Snappy has thinner walls. It's also worth noting that measured with a digital caliper, the distance between the "flats" inside the socket was slightly larger than the Craftsman, yet when placed on the lug nut, the amount of play was about 1/4 of what the Craftsman had. The Snap on is shallow broached, the Craftsman is virtually full depth, if that matters to you.

I've saved enough in non-ruined lug nuts to more than pay for the socket.

The thick walls in the non-hex-broached section of the SO socket are supporting the hex broach section. I'd say it's actually thicker walled . . . where it counts.

 

[DonkDonk]

I own a shop where we work on big military trucks. Many are old and rusted. When I started it up I bought Stanley 1/2” impact sockets from Walmart for $20 a set. Over the last 12 years or so I have purchased Mac, Cornwell, Kobalt, Proto, Snap On, & Pittsburgh. From what I have seen you would think they might all come off the same assembly line. We have put them all through abuse such as 1” impact with reducers, 3’ cheater pipe, etc and maybe have broke a handful, no more than 5 maybe.. and no certain brand has fared any worse than others. Chrome sockets on the other hand is a totally different story. My 2 cents is you could buy whatever is cheapest and not worry about it... even if you need them for a living, buy 2 sets of the cheap ones and still be way way ahead. In my experience 1/2” impact sockets are the tool you do not need to spend the big money on.

But to be completely honest, in my personal box in 3/8 & 1/2” impact sockets I have Snap On, Proto, & Mac

 

[ex-x-fire]

Snap On guy made me mad today, had a coworker give a socket of mine to the Snap On guy as I was busy on a project, it was a worn out 10mm 3/8 dr impact. He charged him $20 dollars for it without even asking anything. And the S.O. driver took the old socket with him.

 

[Tonymanx]

I'm sold on Snap On flank drive. I live where the DOT uses calcium chloride on the roads. Lots of rusted hardware. Have a set of SO deep 3/8 drive. Many times I heat up the fastener, and zip it off with impact gun. Haven't ruined a socket in over 25 years.

 

[Formula]

I've got plenty sets approaching 30 years old. Only broken a handful through the years with everyday use. My snap on dealers have always replaced worn out sockets on my request. If you need them and have the money, buy them.