Are these Gator Grip Sockets Any Good?

[redmed]

http://www.homedepot.com/p/Gator-Gr...et-with-Power-Drill-Adapter-ETC120A/100351756

 

[fsae0607]

My experience with one: I used it and put some moderate torque on it and the needles fell out. Maybe I got a bum one, but for the price, it may save your *** on a rounded bolt.

 

[howardrya]

I think they are awful. You have to really push on the socket to make sure it grips the nut correctly, and it has to be exactly center.

 

[AceofSpad3s]

I don't have personal experience with them but I have heard they are pretty bad, good at taking wing nuts and thumb screws out though.

 

[oak_park]

Don't waste your time.

 

[raiderhillbilly]

I don't like them.

 

[GTO]

"As seen on TV"

 

[warweapon762]

Mine dont get much use, but I've spun broken wing nuts and square shaped bolts off fairly well.

The gator brand ones cant handle a ton of torque though and eventually the pins start deforming if used excessively. I actually find the HF models to be a bit more durable and have used them with electric impacts before with no ill effects.

 

[fozzy]

No, they are not good. Horrible. Great gimmick, terrible tool. Proper sized socket, regardless of COO/manufacturer, for the intended fastener, is the way to go every time.

 

[thesilverone]

anyone who asks about those should be automatically banned

 

[cheechi]

They do well for wingnuts, cup hooks, bigger hooks in some cases. In other words if you use them for odd hardware you can get some decent use out of one. I used one on a bolt that the head got damaged loosening and was a good tool for the job. Better than vise grips, at least.

All that above sounds like I have used it a lot. I'd say maybe 5-6 times in 15 years or so. I think HF has a better price on them than that. I have never seen one that is NOT USA made, fwiw

 

[sonvolt]

My go to socket every time !

 

[franzdom]

Yes, they are some good.

 

[steveo3002]

pins fell out the one that my father purchased

look at the irwin bolt grips for rounded stuff

 

[srmofo]

This thread smells like troll bait

 

[wild cowboy]

here is the deal on the gator grips:

I have about every size socket ever made, but I still own one of these, because what they are good for is things there is no way to get a good grip on like rusty battery hold down wing nuts or broken plastic radiator petcocks, etc. - things where good knipex pliers might work fine, but there is no access.

so once you look at it that way, it is $10-$13 well spent!

 

[Strouty]

Klein has a nut driver (drive o matic) that is similar, I think I have one, but can't remember ever using it.

Gator grip sockets could come in handy in certain circumstances. They also make a large one that is half inch drive too.

 

[mfewtrail]

The one I purchased must have had the grip strength of a geriatric gator that was on its deathbed. The pins fell out trying to remove a lightly torqued nut or bolt. I suppose they could have improved upon them since about '01 or '02 when I bought mine though.

 

[Honda guy]

This thread smells like troll bait

My thoughts also.