Craftsman flex head sockets?

[Djstorm100]

I've been itching to get one a set but they are $$. I saw these on Sears's website and while they are not the ball n socket design they still are cheaper and still could work just as good?

http://www.shopyourway.com/craftsma...c-flex-socket-set-6-pt-3-8-in-drive/193762605

 

[Manny2_0]

I just got them, haven't used them yet!!!

But I can make 2 comments about the
They are made in the usa,

The bigger sockets are kind of shallow, for the simple reason to keep them compact...
Like 1/2in regular sockets shallow... This is an approximation from viewing them not measuring them

I don't know much about flex sockets, or if this is the norm
I understand why they did so

 

[Jason280]

Check Lowe's for the Kobalt version, I've found them as low as $20/set for metric or standard.

 

[nine4gmc]

I have a partial set of those I got from a member here, actually used the 1/2" today for the first time and could not have used any other socket/swivel combo in that location. It would have taken me a half hour to remove the bolt any other way(wrench) so it saved me bigtyme! I wouldn't recommend them for impact, which is what the ball design is usually for but I did have it on an air ratchet and it worked fine.

If you require the impact version, lots of guys here speak highly of the Sunex brand and the are priced well. I think I would go with HF personally though for impacts, you can pick up the 7 piece SAE and 7 piece Metric right now for about $25 ea.

 

[panknuckshovel]

You can apply the code SAVE15 to the craftsman sockets and knock $15 off the price. You can also get the Gearwrench sets part #80564 and 80565 for $53 after code TRT30 at Advance Auto with store pickup. I dont know COO on the Gearwrench, just going by price and what other members have said on this board. I have the Craftsman set and for weekend warrior type they are more than enough.

 

[Requin6]

I've been itching to get one a set but they are $$. I saw these on Sears's website and while they are not the ball n socket design they still are cheaper and still could work just as good?

http://www.shopyourway.com/craftsma...c-flex-socket-set-6-pt-3-8-in-drive/193762605

I have had the Craftsman set for years and they are good. When you need one....you need one! There have been too many times to count when a standard universal joint and socket are too deep to get into tight spaces where these reduce the depth needed to fit.

 

[gungatim]

I've got a husky set that works just fine for the rare occasion I use them. Also have a snap-on set I picked up at a yard sale. The snap-on's are much deeper, kind of between a shallow socket and a deep socket, but truthfully have never used them (they were .50 ea, so HAD to buy them...)

 

[bcradio]

I've got a husky set that works just fine for the rare occasion I use them. Also have a snap-on set I picked up at a yard sale. The snap-on's are much deeper, kind of between a shallow socket and a deep socket, but truthfully have never used them (they were .50 ea, so HAD to buy them...)

Great buy there.

I have the Craftsman 1/4 & 3/8 sets in both SAE and Metric. I really like them and actually use them regularly. I only use them on hand ratchets/drivers though. I don't think I would use them on an air ratchet or wrench. I have impact swivels for that.

 

[chris6278]

Ive had the craftsman ones for years and never had a problem with them

 

[Djstorm100]

Thanks guys.

I know these are a little more and do not include SAE but been thinking about giving KD a try since I read so much good things about them.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001UN73SI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

These for impacts?
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003MWOHQG/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[sberry]

Yes, I have a 3/8 set in both flavors and got to agree, there are times its just the right thing. The use is fairly rare if I can help it but a reasonable priced set earns their keep over time.

 

[Djstorm100]

What's the difference between KD and Gearwrench?

Sorry I mean to put a link for SK tools not KD.

But If talking about SK vs Gearwrench I would assume SK is better quality?

 

[retDAC]

What's the difference between KD and Gearwrench?

GearWrench started as simply a trademarked name for what is considered the modern ratcheting wrench (fine tooth). They were sold under the KD brand in the US. The wrenches were (and some still seem to be) made by Lea Way in Taiwan. The designer was Bobby Hu.

Long established KD was at some point acquired by Danaher and later sold as part of what became the Apex Tool Group.

Not sure when (two years ago?) but ATG decided to drop KD as a brand and replace it with what is now the GearWrench brand. If you try to find the actual KD website, you will be directed to GearWrench.

You will still find NOS KD branded GearWrench and the pass-through socket system KD branded GearRatchet although the sockets are now called Vortex.

You will still find NOS other KD tools.

 

[PA Woody]

If you decide to go with the GW, check out qualitytoolsforless.com. They have the set for 127.99 w/free shipping and no tax. I have never dealt with them and I'm not affilliated, I just did a quick google search and they came up. If you buy from them through Amazon.com they charge shipping so you need to go direct to their site.

 

[sberry]

I have a few SK, as I recall they may be 6 pt.
I lost a 13 Cman and Sears store in a big city had one in stock for 10$. I was glad to be able to restore my set just when I needed it. Never had to warranty any. They are used here as problem solvers, none daily.

 

[drshdw]

Here's some impact versions if you need those.

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-prof...No=10&sellerId=SEARS&blockNo=10&blockType=G10

http://www.sears.com/craftsman-16-pc-easy-read-swivel-impact-socket/p-00915360000P

 

[Djstorm100]

I rarely uses 12 point my experience they do not offer the surface contact area to that of 6 point. Thus causes the bolt to easily strip.