crome universal joint 6 point socket set 1\4.

[import extermination]

Looking to buy a u joint socket set in 1\4 drive and crome, metric . For those really tight spots. I've been borrowing other techs for now but I think it's time I get a set. Here is my problem SO or Mac want 45$ per socket, and I won't be using it enough to justify the cost. Is there a cheaper brand that will still be low profile and able to get into those tight spots.

 

[Loscaldazar]

Sk

I'm sure wright and Proto also have their version too

 

[camd64]

I would look into SK, Proto, or even Gearwrench. I have SO for my most used ones, like the 10mm, 12mm, etc. and a few Carlyle for the ones I rarely use. The Carlyles are quite a bit taller and they have a bit of play in the joint but seem fairly strong. I think the Carlyles and Astro Pneumatics are made by the same people, just easier for me to warranty through Napa. The Proto ones I tried out worked and looked great but no lifetime warranty like the SO,SK, or Mac ones as far as I know.

 

[turbodave]

I've got a metric set of 1/4" SK's and have been really happy with them, don't use them as often as I thought I would, but there are times they are lifesavers.

 

[Vantastic]

http://www.tooltopia.com/search.aspx?find=Sk+1337

 

[Fedwrench]

The Gearwrench set is fairly cheap but, they do have some play between sections compared to a truck brand but, it would probably serve you well for hand use and you can get a set less than the price of two truck brand swivel sockets. I would consider impact swivel socket if you're going to use them daily on an air ratchet or other power tool
http://www.tooltopia.com/gearwrench-80311.aspx

 

[AV tinker er]

When it comes to clearance I haven't seen a universal that is shorter than the old MAC universals. If clearance is an issue buy the ones you need used on eBay and get GW for the rest.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

SK has worked very well for me.

 

[wafrederick]

Matco is not cheap either,I paid $40.00 a piece for a 10mm and a 13mm chrome universal socket.I have the Gearwrench sets in SAE and Metric,have served me well so far.Getting them warrantied if I ever break one is no hassle.The Auto Value auto parts store that delivers to my father's shop where I work warranties Gearwrench since they sell this brand.Only complaint I have is the 10mm and 3/8 stand up a little bit higher than the rest.

 

[import extermination]

Thanks for the imput guys. I have the impact swivel version, the crome ujoints are very slim and low profile which is why im after them. Been looking at the gear wrench ones, are they bulky at all?

 

[71Datsun510Wagon]

Search this forum for the 'princess auto deals' thread. See post 28 for more details and pics.

Princess Auto sometimes carries the Titan brand sets. These sets are back in my local store right now.

$20 for seven piece SAE, $30 for twelve piece metric set.

Excellent value for the money.

I do have a couple of single snap-on sockets of the same size and they give more clearance. The Titans have served me very well .

I think these are also available from KMS Tools too.

Cheers,
Rob

 

[RXtacy]

Ko-Ken is also an option.

 

[LXCam]

I have full sets of the GW and don't much care for them. My CM units were much better but the couple snappys I have blow everything else out of the water, even my one and only koken. I'd suggest getting a complete set of the GW's for convenience, but get the specific size you need the most from SO

 

[92integra]

Very happy with my gear wrench set. I agree 10mm is a little tall but hasn't stopped me yet.

 

[devoncoolman]

The gear wrench set is great for the price. But they are a little on the tall side. Nice for nuts on studs. But get in the way in tight situations. My matco's have served me very well and my snap-on set is unbeatable. But they are stupid expensive.

 

[619DioFan]

I have metric and standard 1/4 drive chrome swivels from craftsman ( usa made) work great. paid 50.00 per set.

 

[shoggoth80]

SK, Proto, Cornwell, ATD, I think Astro even makes some. They're out there for less.
Amazon might also be worth searching.

 

[Wamsutta]

Here is my problem SO or Mac want 45$ per socket, and I won't be using it enough to justify the cost.

They are worth the $45 because they will take a lot more angle before binding up. I have used them at almost 90 degrees and they still turn. There is no comparison between an SO universal socket and one that's inexpensive like a Craftsman. The Craftsman will bind up when giving it too much angle. Some of those universal sockets on the market won't give you anymore angle than a wobble extension will.

 

[Dave455]

I have to agree with some of the comments here, I know Snap On seem expensive, but they really are superb. They are the price they are because they are expensive to make properly. Rather than buying a set, have you considered just buying the few you use most. I got away with just 7,8,10 and 13 for years!

Failing that, I have some KoKen in 3/8 drive and they are awesome! Very very close to Snap On quality, but a fraction of the price and a huge range available!

 

[abvw]

If you have a reliable tool truck, buy one off the truck. If your shop have a commercial or industrial account, buy from the suppliers.

Point is, don't buy a tool that you need to jump hoops and play hell to get a replacement.

Specialty tools like this are worth every penny. Don't skimp on them.

 

[Itinerant]

Am I missing something? Not trying to start a fight and I'm just a DIY, but you said you've been borrowing from other techs but you don't use them enough to justify SO prices. If you're borrowing them often enough that you think it's time to buy our own then spring for the quality. Watch ebay if the price still haunts you, the SO set can be had for ~ $200 fairly often.

 

[ChevyEFI]

You don't need every size.
In 1/4", I'm sure you need 10mm. Buy it in Snap-On. Don't buy the whole set.
Depending on what you work on, buy the 8, 12, 13, 14 you need.

 

[454ragtop]

I have SK's and are very happy with them. I have a carry bag I use when I go to the body shop to do air bags, dash boards, etc. Can't take a whole roll away, so careful consideration is required as to what is kept in the bag. I put the 8 and 10 MM SK flex in there and figured I'd pick up a couple off brand to keep in the roll away. Bought a couple Gearwrench, pretty disappointed, they are much longer and bulkier than the SK's.
Jim

 

[jn50308401]

I found some closeout Craftsman 1/4 flexes a year or so back and got a 7mm for Ford ignition coils and a 10mm. I can't remember what I paid for them but it was 8-10 bucks. Could have been a fluke on the price, but I like them for handful of times I've used them

Sent from my SCH-I545 using Tapatalk

 

[AA/FC]

My USA Craftsman set from about 12 years ago has been fine.

 

[bob15]

I have both Snap On and SK sets and prefer the SK. I found the universal on the Snappy's loosened up with little usage and needed electrical tape wrapped around them to prevent them from flopping over.

Buy the SK set.

 

[SantaAna12]

I have Mac and Snap ON. I lost my 10mm, tried a Koken.

Pleasantly surprised.

Which is better? Not sure.

Franks 22$

 

[Skin]

Self plug but im selling the complete SK set for what I paid for them $120 shipped I think, still brand new in the wrapper. I already have 1 other set and a bunch of individuals.as back ups.

That aside, Snap-On make the best. Koken I haven't used much but they seem nice. I purchased a couple of the bolt grip versions for threading into places my hand cant fit.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

I've been looking into this as well. Looks like some individual SKs will be added to my SK day purchase.

 

[crewchief888]

You don't need every size.
In 1/4", I'm sure you need 10mm. Buy it in Snap-On. Don't buy the whole set.
Depending on what you work on, buy the 8, 12, 13, 14 you need.

i've been wrenching on const eq for 30 years, 1/4" dr chrome swivels arent at the top of my "needed" tools.

couple times a year i do need them, i have SO in the most "critical" sizes, and a couple of CM

i also have a couple kobalt that have held up to the abuse so far..

 

[knobby]

Search this forum for the 'princess auto deals' thread. See post 28 for more details and pics.

Princess Auto sometimes carries the Titan brand sets. These sets are back in my local store right now.

$20 for seven piece SAE, $30 for twelve piece metric set.

Excellent value for the money.

I do have a couple of single snap-on sockets of the same size and they give more clearance. The Titans have served me very well .

I think these are also available from KMS Tools too.

Cheers,
Rob

X2 the titan set is a step up on the KD/gearwrench offerings as the fit and finish is equal and the titan set uses a bolt rather than a pin on the swivel so if it ever loosens up it can be easily snugged up again.
The supplied socket rail is much nicer than the gearwrench supplied one also.

 

[KenC]

I picked up a set of Genius off eBay for about the price of one SK from Grainger. very happy so far.

 

[RedneckWelder]

Check Williams/caterpillar rather than buying Snap On

 

[gsingh]

Ill also back the SO sockets. Have worked well for me for the past 4 years.

 

[stage20]

proto is very nice for the money. i also have a full set of impacts from ATD, but they are a touch more bulky than the chromes.

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Check Williams/caterpillar rather than buying Snap On

Doesn't look like Williams or CAT offer 1/4" drive universal sockets. Too bad, I got excited for a second there.

 

[MikeF2316]

I'm going to join with the guys recommending the Titan from Princess Auto.

I've been impressed with the quality of everything Titan branded that I've seen and used.

 

[Skin]

Check Williams/caterpillar rather than buying Snap On

Snap-On universals are exclusive to the Snap-On brand. The Williams ones are made on a different line and more closely resemble Craftsman than Snap-On.