Blank sockets for 1/4 bits?

[techenthusiast]

I got the Blackhawk by Proto 360 piece bit set for only 25 dollars ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D05CGU4?pc_redir=1413954772&robot_redir=1 ) and I was wondering if they make 'blank' affordable 3/8 drive sockets that I can possibly pound these 1/4 hex bits into for a really tight fit so that I have bit sockets? Or if anyone has any other suggestions to make bit sockets that would be great.

Thanks

 

[Ruger_556]

I use one of these
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001HWA9GK/?tag=atomicindus08-20 and http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=641776&group_ID=682349

Work well when I need to make a bit socket

 

[techenthusiast]

Thanks for the help but I'm not looking for a bit holder for interchanging bits - I have a few of those already.

I'm looking for a type of socket that will permanently accept these bits like the bit sockets that are sold in sets...

Those can take a lot more abuse(pounding on rusted fasteners etc)

The concept I'm thinking
of is something like this,

If that makes any sense?


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[Ruger_556]

Ah okay, hmm... I don't know then

 

[sac02]

That first one that Ruger posted may be closer than you think to what you want. It has a retaining ring that locks the bits in pretty tight. I have to use pliers to take the bits out of mine.

 

[alwaysFlOoReD]

Use a little pl400 or crazy glue or epoxy and glue the bit into a 1/4" socket. I used silicon to attach a t55 into a 3/8" drive socket and it's still holding after removing badly rusted ford box bolts.

 

[bob15]

Buy this Snappy socket, loosen the set screw remove hex bit that is in it and install whatever bit you want in its place, retighten the set-screw and you have socket similiar to the picture above.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Snap-On-FA8E-1-4-Hex-Bit-Socket-3-8-Dr-/141462983405?hash=item20efd9d2ed&item=141462983405&pt=Motors_Automotive_Tools&vxp=mtr


Or try here, page 26:

http://www.apexpowertools.com/catalog/pdffiles/TC-100_EN.pdf

Or here, page 20:

file:///C:/Documents%20and%20Settings/Owner/My%20Documents/Downloads/Zephyr%20Industrial.pdf

 

[firebox40dash5]

That first one that Ruger posted may be closer than you think to what you want. It has a retaining ring that locks the bits in pretty tight. I have to use pliers to take the bits out of mine.

I have one like that one from Matco, and it's the same way. Grips onto bits good and tight. I just use it to make bit sockets that may not exist though, like a midlength T25 for Duramax FPR screws. I suppose it might not be as great if I wanted to only keep 1 bit in it.

 

[Outlawmws]

Any number of Mfg's made the hex drivers with set screws. Buy however many for 1/4" hex you need, and Bob's your uncle.

 

[AlexNGreen]

Where are you located OP?

My local Menards has 3/8" drive bit sockets for 1/4" and 5/16" bits.

 

[techenthusiast]

Any number of Mfg's made the hex drivers with set screws. Buy however many for 1/4" hex you need, and Bob's your uncle.

That's exactly what I want, but I'm having a hard time finding a mfg that sells individual(so I can buy 10+) 1/4 hex bit sockets with set screws that is affordable... Snap-on has them but $20+ per socket, or the ebay deal that was linked above but I need several to make a bit socket set


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[SO/PW newbie]

Wiha has them.

 

[techenthusiast]

So basically I'm looking for a cheaper alternative to http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?item_ID=631207&group_ID=674860 (has to have set screw) on a website where I can buy 8-10 of that individually(not in a set)


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[techenthusiast]

Wiha has them.

Found it - about half the price of snap on. Thanks


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[knobby]

No setscrew but they have a good bit locking feature also available in 3/8" and 1/2" drive
http://www.mytoolsforyou.com/automotive-tools/VIM-HL414.html

 

[bob15]

I believe the Proto & SK still use a set screw. Bonney's did as well.

Just watch ebay.

 

[techenthusiast]

Thanks for the help, I ended up ordering the wiha type 3/8 drive 1/4 hex bit sockets with set screws. I think I should be set for life with the option to change bits out when they break(360 bits for 25 dollars)

Does anyone know what size the hex? is on the set screws ? Thanks.


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[SO/PW newbie]

Found it - about half the price of snap on. Thanks


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Let us know how they are.

 

[jeremy v]

It would be nice to know the COO also. I remember something about the bits in Wiha bit sockets being German made, but the chrome socket adapters are made in Taiwan. I was thinking I read it on their website, but I couldn't find it.

 

[MattPersman]

I will check the wiha one I have at work. I don't like it much cause the screw always comes loose on mine after using it once or twice but I am using it in a 3/8 impact.

 

[bob15]

It would be nice to know the COO also. I remember something about the bits in Wiha bit sockets being German made, but the chrome socket adapters are made in Taiwan. I was thinking I read it on their website, but I couldn't find it.

I have Wiha torx bit set at work. Bits say Germany, sockets say nothing, but look like taiwan/china.

 

[T45]

Maybe loctite 222 on those set screws

OP post up when you get 'em and let us know how it went.

 

[geojag]

I grabbed a bunch of 1/4 inch sockets out of the bin at a pawnshop and used JB Weld to make some bit sockets years ago. They are still holding up great. Now I have a bit holder socket from a cheap set of Falcon sockets that works great it is similar to the proto Ruger linked. Not a bulky as having every bit on its own socket.

 

[MattPersman]

2 seems to fit best

 

[unslow1]

I grabbed a bunch of 1/4 inch sockets out of the bin at a pawnshop and used JB Weld to make some bit sockets years ago. They are still holding up great. Now I have a bit holder socket from a cheap set of Falcon sockets that works great it is similar to the proto Ruger linked. Not a bulky as having every bit on its own socket.

I'll be stealing that idea. If I can't find any in the garage I'm sure the pawn shop will have some.

 

[dr_clyde]

I took some craftsman sockets, and some hex wrenches and TIG welded a length of the hex into the socket for some sizes I didn't have. Seems to work.

 

[techenthusiast]

Maybe loctite 222 on those set screws

OP post up when you get 'em and let us know how it went.

I'll be sure to share how it turns out; thanks for the advice and input everyone.


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[nicksnothereman]

I got the Blackhawk by Proto 360 piece bit set for only 25 dollars ( http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B00D05CGU4?pc_redir=1413954772&robot_redir=1 ) and I was wondering if they make 'blank' affordable 3/8 drive sockets that I can possibly pound these 1/4 hex bits into for a really tight fit so that I have bit sockets? Or if anyone has any other suggestions to make bit sockets that would be great.

Thanks

Bit sockets are pinched (err...supposed to be) so I'd say no. I recall looking for one and the prices on the generics were like 6 bucks cheap (china generic). You're not going to get quality at that price though.

Maybe you could use an undersize set of socket and hammer it in but would be dicey for the structural integrity. Something under 1/4" don't matter if it's sae or metric just has to fit. Ideally you'd want to press them in though.

Waste of time and probably money, decent hex socket sets exist under 20 bucks new or used.

 

[techenthusiast]

Just got the 360 piece bit set in and now I'm waiting on the sockets... After looking at this set I'm feeling a little Concerned that this standard bit length will be too short to reach the set screw and still have a reasonable length of bit head. Well see when the sockets come in


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[MadMark]

I would try cutting a strip of brass or aluminum from a soda can and pounding that into the socket with the 1/4 bit. I would expect the soft metal to deform and take up any space between the bit and the socket. no need for hex screws.

 

[wild cowboy]

I have Wiha torx bit set at work. Bits say Germany, sockets say nothing, but look like taiwan/china.

Taiwan is making some of the best tools made right now, China is making some of the worst, so WTF does "look like taiwan/china" mean ???

 

[nicksnothereman]

Taiwan is making some of the best tools made right now, China is making some of the worst, so WTF does "look like taiwan/china" mean ???

He probably means that "pebbled" metal (non polished). Actually that's more japanese (I think some koken stuff looks like that) than taiwan. Though some taiwanese stuff exists in the same finish but they're knock off koken (see harbor freight).

 

[MattPersman]

My Wiha long Torx with set screw the bit says made in USA on it, nothing on the socket. Been impressed with the bit so far. I bought a lone long T40 and it's handled the abuse they see from me so far, a snap on usually lasts about 4-5 jobs, I have 3 so I have back ups just in case but I decided to try a Wiha and see how it does, the Matco did pretty well but I am without a driver at this point and have put off contacting CS.

 

[bob15]

Taiwan is making some of the best tools made right now, China is making some of the worst, so WTF does "look like taiwan/china" mean ???

Buy a set from McMaster and you tell me what they look like. Look at the socket finish, look at the font and look at the stamping and you tell me.

Or wc, maybe go look up what country their forging are coming out of. I am a lot closer than you think......

And taiwan and china are the same country....