Astro vs Tekton Chrome Swivel Sockets?

[JWC86]

I've come across the need for swivel sockets enough times that I've decided to pick up a set.
As a home DIY guy I can't justify a tool truck brand for something I'll use so little.
Mostly working on motorcycles so looking at metric 1/4".

Have it narrowed down to Astro or Tekton. Here in Canada the Tektons will be more expensive and a smaller set so I'm leaning toward the Astros.

Would like some input from those with experience with either or both of these brands chrome swivels.

 

[Astro_Pneumatic_Tools]

The lateral pin design of the Tekton's are nice and make the overall socket height shorter which can be useful sometimes

 

[rancherbill]

I've come across the need for swivel sockets enough times that I've decided to pick up a set.

How much swivel do you need? I have swivel socket and swivel drives and I cant remember the last time I used them.

I use Wobble Extensions. I use these ones.
https://www.princessauto.com/en/9-pc-wobble-extension-bar-set/product/PA0008616906

 

[JWC86]

How much swivel do you need? I have swivel cocket and swivel drives and I cant remeber the last time I used them.

I use Wobble Extensions. I use these ones.
https://www.princessauto.com/en/9-pc-wobble-extension-bar-set/product/PA0008616906

I have a use those also, they are handy for sure, sometimes a bit more is helpful thou.

 

[KnurledNut]

The lateral pin design of the Tekton's are nice and make the overall socket height shorter which can be useful sometimes

But having four small pins, its also weaker and can blow apart. Unless they have fixed that problem.

 

[Snapped-off]

Haven't used Tekton's, but I got Astros ¼" sets and have used them a bit with no issues.

 

[superspec]

Astro makes great stuff for the money. I am actually in the market for the same swivel 1/4 drive but I want Magnetic. I’ve learned over the last year that anything 1/4 needs to Magnetic because it’s small for a reason and you’re likely to do it

 

[u118224]

I've never used Tekton or Astro swivels so I don't know about them. In my experience I would only get Proto, Mac or Snap-On. I've used Sunex, SK and Armstrong and don't like them. The Armstrongs in particular were really disappointing. I like the Proto and Mac because the swivel tightness can be adjusted. The Snap-On's are really nice but obviously cost prohibitive. I've been very satisfied with anything I've used from Astro so I would lean towards them.

 

[bg71361]

Not sure about Astro, but Tekton has a lifetime no hassle guarantee on sockets, my homeowner level experience has been very pleased with Tekton.

 

[JWC86]

Astro makes great stuff for the money. I am actually in the market for the same swivel 1/4 drive but I want Magnetic. I’ve learned over the last year that anything 1/4 needs to Magnetic because it’s small for a reason and you’re likely to do it

I hear you on the magnetic for 1/4, I've got a set of magnetic 1/4 sockets that I grab first every time. Are there any magnetic 1/4 swivels your looking?

 

[Wrench97]

I have a Astro set of 1/4 and 3/8 I use at home no issues at all.

 

[superspec]

I hear you on the magnetic for 1/4, I've got a set of magnetic 1/4 sockets that I grab first every time. Are there any magnetic 1/4 swivels your looking?

No no swivel Magnetic yet but I keep in the Mfing matco man’s ear. I actually ask him to look it up and then he realized we’ve done this before.

 

[KnurledNut]

Of those two choices, id go with Astro.
I have never used them, but I have Tekton and wasnt impressed, at least in the 10mm and above. Besides the ready-to-grenade feeling, the super shallow broach isn't always beneficial.

If you’re open to suggestions, i would recommend focusing on quality instead of warranty.
This is not a tool I want failing when I need it. Its like flare wrenches.
Snap-on are stupid expensive, but really stand above the competition.
Mac are stupid expensive too, but are built well, although I have seen the pivot screws break.
Proto are top notch and a little more reasonable.
Gearwrench are chunky, but not bad.
Ive heard good things about the Astros.

 

[Zewnten]

Picking between you're two options I'd go with the astros, they are a bit deeper but a grinder can fix that if it's a problem. But I like the screws so you can tighten them up as they get floppy from use.

 

[ecotec]

In metric chrome 1/4”, I have a set of Carlyle and a set of SK and some random Cornwell and Snap-on.

The SK have loosened up over
time.

I think Carlyle is overpriced, but I got it for around 50% off, years ago, when the set was a Real Deal. It has been a good set.

 

[Shocker]

I just picked up that 1/4" Astro swivel set. Haven't opened it up yet. Got it from that Woot sale.