To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

First "pro" tools, need reassurance

jumbojak

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 21, 2016
Messages
1,359
Location
Surry, VA
Do you really want all impact sockets, even in 1/4 drive? I'd look hard at the Carlyle mid depth chromes at NAPA. I have them and they've held up well for me (I'm a tool breaker too...) and they're on sale right now if I'm not mistaken. I'm a mid depth convert.
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Yarpo

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Messages
1,355
Location
Minnesota
Do you really want all impact sockets, even in 1/4 drive? I'd look hard at the Carlyle mid depth chromes at NAPA. I have them and they've held up well for me (I'm a tool breaker too...) and they're on sale right now if I'm not mistaken. I'm a mid depth convert.

+1, Mid length sockets are amazing. I took apart 60% of the engine in my 2002 grand am with a semi deep gearwrench set, love them!
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Do you really want all impact sockets, even in 1/4 drive? I'd look hard at the Carlyle mid depth chromes at NAPA. I have them and they've held up well for me (I'm a tool breaker too...) and they're on sale right now if I'm not mistaken. I'm a mid depth convert.

I will probably get a full chrome set, at some point; the Gearwrench set I was looking at in the first place is still only $175 for a complete 1/4", 3/8" and shallow 1/2" set. It has 12-point, thin-wall chrome sockets for the rare instance when those make a difference, extra ratchets, extra wrenches, hex keys, etc. Perfect shop/backup set, and I really like my GW impact sockets.

One thing is that I am looking at using a 1/4" hex driver for my low-torque impact, both because it's cheaper and because it can use adapters for 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" sockets, so I will actually be using them as impact sockets much of the time, even if not particularly heavily.

The other problem, though, is that the chrome 1/4" sets are either stupid expensive, garbage, or missing too many pieces. The Carlyle mid-depth, for example, are $36 for 11 sockets. I'm sure that they are great, but for SAE/Metric plus extensions... I'm spending as much as I would for the impact set.

Even at Harbor Freight, a full set of the pro 1/4" sockets, plus extensions, plus u-joint, is $60; it has fewer sockets, doesn't go as small, and skips the half sizes. Why wouldn't I spend $30 more for a more complete set in better quality?

I thought that I had a solution with the pass-thru kit, until I realized that you couldn't put a u-joint on it; a pass-thru u-joint would be an impressive invention! But getting into hard-to-reach places would be half the point in a 1/4" set, so no pass-thru, at least right now.

Gearwrench makes a couple of 1/4" impact sets; unfortunately, the reasonably-priced one doesn't have extensions or u-joint, and the one that does also has swivel sockets and costs twice as much.

Mid-depth; I guess I can see the appeal, but I think that I would have to have them around to use in order to appreciate them.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
That extendable ratchet is great. I still use a breaker bar occasionally but it is perfect for suspension parts.

I have the 24" breaker bar, but it doesn't fit in the box ;(

I plan on using it to turn the crank on the Miata when I set the timing, although it may not be tomorrow, now; landscaping comes first...


How are things coming with the shop?

Oh, one step forward, two steps back :)

I keep clearing stuff out, and my parents and uncle keep moving stuff out of their houses and into it.
 

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,374
Location
Reading
For 1/4 impacts gearwrench 48pc set when on sale and add your own extensions adaptors and swivel which works okay unless intending use blow moulded case. probably cheapest decent option and matches set you already got/like .
Should get one myself really as don't own 1/4 impacts as do very little impact work in 1/4 and when do it semi or deep chrome sockets on air ratchet, everything else small is normally with 10.8v small impact with 3/8 drive adaptor or the 1/4 if need the clearance .
 

Tallpilot

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
2,384
Location
Orlando
I have the 24" breaker bar, but it doesn't fit in the box ;(

I plan on using it to turn the crank on the Miata when I set the timing, although it may not be tomorrow, now; landscaping comes first...




Oh, one step forward, two steps back :)

I keep clearing stuff out, and my parents and uncle keep moving stuff out of their houses and into it.

I have some landscaping to do as well. I noticed my neighbors on both sides have better-looking lawns than I do. I shouldn't care but "pride before the fall" so I am going to try some weed and feed or something.

That is unfortunate that your family is using the shop for storage. Fortunately, I have complete dominion over my garage and my office. The rest of the house I have had to cede to the girls.
 
Last edited:
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
For 1/4 impacts gearwrench 48pc set when on sale and add your own extensions adaptors and swivel which works okay unless intending use blow moulded case. probably cheapest decent option and matches set you already got/like .
Should get one myself really as don't own 1/4 impacts as do very little impact work in 1/4 and when do it semi or deep chrome sockets on air ratchet, everything else small is normally with 10.8v small impact with 3/8 drive adaptor or the 1/4 if need the clearance .

I'm looking at this:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B016YA26YM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/51cunhdVIBL.jpg

18V 1/4" hex impact driver w/ 150 ft-lb of torque (plenty for most things), and I'll get hex adapters to 1/4", 3/8" and 1/2" drive.

And as much as I like Gearwrench, Their small set is as expensive as the Genius set, with no extensions or u-joint, and the big set is twice as much money, even on sale.

The other advantage is the blow-molded case; Gearwrench uses those big, thick cases, which would be great if I were leaving them on a shelf most of the time, but I'm not. At any rate, those cases are too big for the drawers in my toolbox, while the Genius case should fit.



That's a pretty good looking set; I will certainly consider it, but I was planning on getting a complete chrome set, later...

https://aboloxtools.com/socket-tool...2-138-piece-1-4-3-8-1-2-drive-sae-and-metric/


I have some landscaping to do as well. I noticed my neighbors on both sides have better-looking lawns than I do. I shouldn't care but "pride before the fall" so I am going to try some weed and feed or something.

That is unfortunate that your family is using the shop for storage. Fortunately, I have complete dominion over my garage and my office. The rest of the house I have had to cede to the girls.

Well, my parents are fixing up their house to sell, hence storage and landscaping. It's summer, so the shop isn't 100% necessary, yet, and having enough money to rent a real shop is the next step of my master plan... which is the sort of thing that my folks would lend me money for, once they sell the house.

A lot of weird, competing priorities, in other words :)
 

JazzBlueRT

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 11, 2017
Messages
1,215
I will probably get a full chrome set, at some point; the Gearwrench set I was looking at in the first place is still only $175 for a complete 1/4", 3/8" and shallow 1/2" set. It has 12-point, thin-wall chrome sockets for the rare instance when those make a difference, extra ratchets, extra wrenches, hex keys, etc. Perfect shop/backup set, and I really like my GW impact sockets.

One thing is that I am looking at using a 1/4" hex driver for my low-torque impact, both because it's cheaper and because it can use adapters for 1/4", 3/8" or 1/2" sockets, so I will actually be using them as impact sockets much of the time, even if not particularly heavily.

The other problem, though, is that the chrome 1/4" sets are either stupid expensive, garbage, or missing too many pieces. The Carlyle mid-depth, for example, are $36 for 11 sockets. I'm sure that they are great, but for SAE/Metric plus extensions... I'm spending as much as I would for the impact set.

Even at Harbor Freight, a full set of the pro 1/4" sockets, plus extensions, plus u-joint, is $60; it has fewer sockets, doesn't go as small, and skips the half sizes. Why wouldn't I spend $30 more for a more complete set in better quality?

I thought that I had a solution with the pass-thru kit, until I realized that you couldn't put a u-joint on it; a pass-thru u-joint would be an impressive invention! But getting into hard-to-reach places would be half the point in a 1/4" set, so no pass-thru, at least right now.

Gearwrench makes a couple of 1/4" impact sets; unfortunately, the reasonably-priced one doesn't have extensions or u-joint, and the one that does also has swivel sockets and costs twice as much.

Mid-depth; I guess I can see the appeal, but I think that I would have to have them around to use in order to appreciate them.

This looks like a good deal for a basic chrome set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T9SKQBM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

What is the point of 1/4 impact sockets?
 

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,374
Location
Reading
I've got by without them for few decades, if got some would probably be deeps only unless went sae metric full set on a deal .
everything I do in 1/4 is either manual ratchet or just low torque speed work with air ratchet or small battery impact driver .
I use chrome mid length sockets on the battery impact and never cracked one or mashed them up . If planning push them hard then 1/4 impacts probably worth having .
I tend always aim use 3/8 over 1/4 and 1/4 just tight space or total light weight speed use only .
 

Infinia

Banned
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
845
Location
SoCal
I have the 24" breaker bar, but it doesn't fit in the box ;(
That's precisely the reason I only have a 17" half inch breaker. Besides portability it fits in tight spots. I can easily slip on a short pipe section to add on if needed, most times it isn't.. plus it don't bend in the middle eaither:thumbup:

Oh, one step forward, two steps black :)
.
IMO 1/4" impact sockets are a joke.:eyecrazy:
95% of battery impact tools with a chuck and 1/4 adapter wont dish out enough torque to crack anything chrome. Even if it did the replaceable adapter will die 1st. Not even considering the small fasteners that you would have snapping off left and right. It just aint happening except on those rare air tool and/or production environments.
 
Last edited:
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
This looks like a good deal for a basic chrome set

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T9SKQBM/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The 80942 239-piece version is $50 less at tooldiscounter.com :)

Yea, looking at it, but lots of stuff I don't need, and it's missing some stuff that I do, so I'll grab it for the shop, later.

Another option is this Williams set:

50612.jpg


I can get that one for $265.



everything I do in 1/4 is either manual ratchet or just low torque speed work with air ratchet or small battery impact driver .
I use chrome mid length sockets on the battery impact and never cracked one or mashed them up . If planning push them hard then 1/4 impacts probably worth having .


What is the point of 1/4 impact sockets?


IMO 1/4" impact sockets are a joke.:eyecrazy:
95% of battery impact tools with a chuck and 1/4 adapter wont dish out enough torque to crack anything chrome. Even if it did the replaceable adapter will die 1st. Not even considering the small fasteners that you would have snapping off left and right. It just aint happening except on those rare air tool and/or production environments.

150 ft-lb 1/4" hex impact:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y7VJPQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

41SEZaDBTAL.jpg


Impact rated adapters:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00FUQPJAK/?tag=atomicindus08-20

51cEx7vttyL.jpg
 

Yarpo

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Messages
1,355
Location
Minnesota
I can get that one for $265.


150 ft-lb 1/4" hex impact:

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B017Y7VJPQ/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I love my 1/4'' hex impact, but I also skipped impact sockets in 1/4inch drive. Maybe if I get some extra money or break a regular chrome socket, but so far I've not broken anything. With a 1/4 adapter you're only going to be using it on mostly low torque applications, and with a 3/8th adapter you will already have impacts for that size :D

Is it technically correct? No, but its efficient when tool box space is limited and money isn't endless ;)

Also not sure if it was mentioned in this thread earlier or not, but if you still want chrome 1/4 sockets at a good price, this deal is pretty nice.

http://www.coastaltoolsupply.com/product/KDT-80300PFS.html
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
I love my 1/4'' hex impact, but I also skipped impact sockets in 1/4inch drive. Maybe if I get some extra money or break a regular chrome socket, but so far I've not broken anything. With a 1/4 adapter you're only going to be using it on mostly low torque applications, and with a 3/8th adapter you will already have impacts for that size :D

Is it technically correct? No, but its efficient when tool box space is limited and money isn't endless ;)

That was my justification for getting all impact sockets in the first place; they're not much more expensive, and should be harder to break.


Also not sure if it was mentioned in this thread earlier or not, but if you still want chrome 1/4 sockets at a good price, this deal is pretty nice.

http://www.coastaltoolsupply.com/product/KDT-80300PFS.html

That's a nice kit, but it's much as the genius impact set, I was planning on getting a flex head 1/4" ratchet, and I can get all of those sockets plus the 3/8" and 1/2" chrome in the $175 GW kit, which I am planning on getting for a shop set.
 

Infinia

Banned
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
845
Location
SoCal
yeah but read the reviews> LOL

Trust me I wouldn't worry about breaking any 1/4" chrome sockets. In fact you might find yourself snapping fasteners and wasting any time you might of saved by using an easy out and chasing threads BY hand. I've seen seasoned guys strip out or break fasteners using their new cordless tools, so it ends up actually costing them more time and teeth gnashing at the end of the day. Production work or lots of same size fasteners, sure thing. I lmuch prefer starting fasteners by hand and then final torque by feel, guess I'm old school that way. Really how much time are you planning on saving replacing an odd car part or two. Newer cars are using more-n-more smaller fine pitch and precision fasteners. On production work for small repetitive or precision stuff you don't want to use a heavy wobbly torque monster all day. Pick the drive size and tool for the job there is no universal solution esp with power tools.
 
Last edited:

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,374
Location
Reading
^ I use a 10.8v compact one for 1/4 nuts/bolts, no drama on 8 10 12mm sizes . More a stubby air tool user over battery tools though as when on 1/4 drive it normally a available space issue .
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
yeah but read the reviews> LOL

Trust me I wouldn't worry about breaking any 1/4" chrome sockets. In fact you might find yourself snapping fasteners and wasting any time you might of saved by using an easy out and chasing threads BY hand. I've seen seasoned guys strip out or break fasteners using their new cordless tools, so it ends up actually costing them more time and teeth gnashing at the end of the day. Production work or lots of same size fasteners, sure thing. I lmuch prefer starting fasteners by hand and then final torque by feel, guess I'm old school that way. Really how much time are you planning on saving replacing an odd car part or two. Newer cars are using more-n-more smaller fine pitch and precision fasteners. On production work for small repetitive or precision stuff you don't want to use a heavy wobbly torque monster all day. Pick the drive size and tool for the job there is no universal solution esp with power tools.

Well, that's one reason I'm looking at mid-torque for this stuff and not high torque, but as an example, I'm doing a timing job tomorrow (promise!) and have 16 identical valve cover bolts to remove. It's not the biggest deal in the world, and I could theoretically get my big 1/2" impact up there.... but it's time consuming and the big gun is overkill which might indeed break some fasteners.

It seems like it would be useful for ball joint nuts and such, as well. Note that unless the variable control is very fine, I won't be installing a lot of bolts with it.


That impact driver is for drilling long screws into hard materials, I do not think is it suitable loosening nuts and bolts.

Well, it beat the Bosch 1/2" impact wrench:


And that's not really what I need it for, anyway; I've got a big gun for high torque bolts, I need a small gun to get into tighter spaces, and while they make 1/4" and 3/8" impact wrenches in the same size, they are more expensive.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
^ I use a 10.8v compact one for 1/4 nuts/bolts, no drama on 8 10 12mm sizes . More a stubby air tool user over battery tools though as when on 1/4 drive it normally a available space issue .

Yea, a 12V ratchet is definitely in the cards, but they tend to be very low torque.
 

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,374
Location
Reading
My 10.8v main job tends be valve cover bolts, pipe clamps, battery brackets, body trim etc.
I prefer stubby air ratchet for most of it as loosen fastener manually if ratchet not got the grunt. Have tried battery ratchet but pretty big for not lot of grunt. the small battery impact driver better but not always best shape for working space.
I don't do lot mobile so air works best for me.
Battery tools while getting massively better still tend be too bulky to work in many car space scenarios .
Is quite an outlay to buy 3 battery tools even when on same battery platform, I only got one 1/2 battery impact, want a ratchet but holding out as hoping they will get smaller and more grunt .
 
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!

Tallpilot

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
2,384
Location
Orlando
The Milwaukee 1/4" impact and the master impact set you linked earlier combined with the mid torque 1/2" and the sockets you already have sound like they will cover most of your usage scenarios.

I think after the AvE teardown of the Hercules drill we have to write off the HF cordless options unless new evidence emerges about the Earthquake line. I am actually surprised by how crappy it was. The corded grinder had some great design features. In the cordless drill, they seem to have taken the cheap road at every turn.

Buying a full set of chrome is probably the cheaper option overall. I think you can make do mostly without them for what you primarily work on but eventually, you are going to need to pull a steering wheel or something else with those stupid 5.5mm fasterners and 1/4" is about your only option.

I thought you were going to fix up the shop you inherited for your primary work. Leasing a shop probably makes more sense though if you are going to do this full time. The lift, compressor plumbing, etc will already be there. It would get you up and running faster. Hopefully, your parents can sell the house quickly. It looks to me like the market is in a topping process. Perhaps Chattanooga is a little less frothy than Orlando.
 

Citation

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 20, 2016
Messages
3,212
Location
Indy
Well, that's one reason I'm looking at mid-torque for this stuff and not high torque, but as an example, I'm doing a timing job tomorrow (promise!) and have 16 identical valve cover bolts to remove. It's not the biggest deal in the world, and I could theoretically get my big 1/2" impact up there.... but it's time consuming and the big gun is overkill which might indeed break some fasteners.

It seems like it would be useful for ball joint nuts and such, as well. Note that unless the variable control is very fine, I won't be installing a lot of bolts with it.




Well, it beat the Bosch 1/2" impact wrench:


And that's not really what I need it for, anyway; I've got a big gun for high torque bolts, I need a small gun to get into tighter spaces, and while they make 1/4" and 3/8" impact wrenches in the same size, they are more expensive.

I've done that job a few times. Seriously, it doesn't take much time to just spin the things out with a 1/4 drive socket and an extension. If you really feel you need to add a power tool to the mix a cordless drill is plenty once you break the bolts. I wouldn't use any serious impact driver to remove those bolts. As a shade tree it's just not critical to pull things like valve cover bolts that quickly.

Changing topics, I would suggest getting a roto head ratchet vs the flex head. I've got both a really prefer the roto head. I like that it converts to a "screwdriver" and since the handle pivots around the axis of the bolt. The handle seems more stable when you pull on it vs my flex head ratchet.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
The Milwaukee 1/4" impact and the master impact set you linked earlier combined with the mid torque 1/2" and the sockets you already have sound like they will cover most of your usage scenarios.

Maybe even a mid-torque 3/8"; I got a big 1/2", and since I have impact sockets in all sizes, 3 different sizes of gun should be perfect.


I think after the AvE teardown of the Hercules drill we have to write off the HF cordless options unless new evidence emerges about the Earthquake line. I am actually surprised by how crappy it was. The corded grinder had some great design features. In the cordless drill, they seem to have taken the cheap road at every turn.

Ironically, even the Herc has good reviews on the site; of course, they've only been out a couple of months.

"Wait and see."


Buying a full set of chrome is probably the cheaper option overall. I think you can make do mostly without them for what you primarily work on but eventually, you are going to need to pull a steering wheel or something else with those stupid 5.5mm fasterners and 1/4" is about your only option.

Cheaper in the first place, of course; overall, who knows?

I work on lawnmowers, so a badly rusted 3/16" bolt is not exactly unheard of :)


I thought you were going to fix up the shop you inherited for your primary work. Leasing a shop probably makes more sense though if you are going to do this full time. The lift, compressor plumbing, etc will already be there. It would get you up and running faster. Hopefully, your parents can sell the house quickly. It looks to me like the market is in a topping process. Perhaps Chattanooga is a little less frothy than Orlando.

I thought I was going to fix it up, too, but I also thought that my grandmother would live another year or so; now, I've got uncles and cousins crawling all over the place, storing stuff, moving stuff, and the house might get sold out from under me.

Chattanooga is not "frothy" at all, unless you mean just stupid; I know of 3 fully equipped shops that are just standing empty at the moment, one of which hasn't been used in 10 years.

The problem is that the people who own them want WAY too much money for them; I would be better off financing a plot and dropping a concrete slab and prefab building on top of it.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
I've done that job a few times. Seriously, it doesn't take much time to just spin the things out with a 1/4 drive socket and an extension. If you really feel you need to add a power tool to the mix a cordless drill is plenty once you break the bolts. I wouldn't use any serious impact driver to remove those bolts. As a shade tree it's just not critical to pull things like valve cover bolts that quickly.

I've done the job many times! :)

No, it's not critical, but there are things like ball joint nuts where it is VERY useful, indeed.


Changing topics, I would suggest getting a roto head ratchet vs the flex head. I've got both a really prefer the roto head. I like that it converts to a "screwdriver" and since the handle pivots around the axis of the bolt. The handle seems more stable when you pull on it vs my flex head ratchet.

I can see that, although the biggest point that I have taken away from all of this is that I will probably wind up with all of these tools, and multiples of several :)

That being said, here is HF's 1/4" roto ratchet compared to the flex head:

image_13050.jpg


image_25389.jpg


If the whole point of the 1/4" set is being able to get into tight spaces, then the flex head wins, unless it's literally straight at the bolt, in which case I think that I would prefer a speed handle or just a long extension and a thumb wheel.

I don't know, it's cheap so I will probably buy one at some point.
 

Tallpilot

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
2,384
Location
Orlando
I work on lawnmowers, so a badly rusted 3/16" bolt is not exactly unheard of :)

I thought I was going to fix it up, too, but I also thought that my grandmother would live another year or so; now, I've got uncles and cousins crawling all over the place, storing stuff, moving stuff, and the house might get sold out from under me.

Chattanooga is not "frothy" at all, unless you mean just stupid; I know of 3 fully equipped shops that are just standing empty at the moment, one of which hasn't been used in 10 years.

The problem is that the people who own them want WAY too much money for them; I would be better off financing a plot and dropping a concrete slab and prefab building on top of it.

If tiny rusty bolts are common that 1/4" impact might be just the ticket. A little Kroil and low torque impacting can hopefully get it loose without shearing the head off.

It is really unfortunate how many people will sit on an asset just watching it depreciate because of what they think it is worth. Things are only worth what people will actually pay for them. When they are that unreasonable you are right it is easier just to start fresh then even try to negotiate.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
As promised, pics of the Miata timing job:

7d89ba7a070668a4ab7d32ea95b57559.jpg


92143d6939e20e2d04154df1cb3f7235.jpg


1bc44c7aabd50fc7978b2efe18ba1b7a.jpg


9379bdedc7966e9af79bb2d02a4db106.jpg


5453bcc1fb4c963f4ebc01a9f0d89100.jpg


7dd554dfb8a6abbdbbcc74212c6e77d8.jpg


5bcf4c9312d8837e3c4ca345dc94976f.jpg


bf741b4c235f9cfb8a4dadbc2ba60138.jpg


18f26ba95332c26196906645cb897594.jpg


8c9eef8acaee80e7138a20c9f4125e1f.jpg


That extendable ratchet was a life saver in this job; I could have used the breaker bar on the crank, but the fine tooth ratchet made it easy. I also used it on the tensioner bolt, which was stuck (begging the question of how my brother got the timing belt on and off...).

I used a couple of the Pitt Pro sockets, both of which fit well. I wasn't putting a lot of torque on them, though.

The long handle wrenches were great, too; the 24mm is why I bought the set, but the long 10, 12 and 14mm also came in handy. Sometimes you need two wrenches of the same size.

The adjustable wrench worked well, hard to complain.

The pry bar was fantastic. Chipped a little bit, but that's expected.

------------------

The Snap On ratchet and Gearwrench sockets also performed flawlessly. Stanley Fatmax pliers haven't let me down yet. The screwdrivers were $1/each at Lowe's, no brand name :)
 

victor252

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 24, 2017
Messages
343
Nice pics! It's good to see those tools are doing their job even if they're not all Snap-On.

I'm in the market for some new combo's and though I'd like to pick up a set of Armstrong 6 points, I don't really want to spend the money on what is now becoming a collector's item. SK and Wright look good but they're even costlier so it's good see someone with budget-friendly tools taking care of business!
 

Mr_B

Well-known member
Joined
Nov 21, 2016
Messages
5,374
Location
Reading
I got an ezred 1/2 flexi extendible ratchet (much same extension detent and 72tooth taiwan design) and it a cheap gift from the gods lol . fits anywhere an impact gun or long breaker won't and fine ratchet helps massively in position and speed .
how you rate the long wrenches so far and how good the broaching fit .
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Nice pics! It's good to see those tools are doing their job even if they're not all Snap-On.

Just the one Snap On; if I do well, and these let me down, I'll look at more Snap On or better brands, but I have no complaints so far.


I'm in the market for some new combo's and though I'd like to pick up a set of Armstrong 6 points, I don't really want to spend the money on what is now becoming a collector's item. SK and Wright look good but they're even costlier so it's good see someone with budget-friendly tools taking care of business!

Proto Blackhawk aren't terribly priced for USA-made wrenches. Gearwrench seems to be making solid stuff. Those will be what I look at if the ones I have fail.


I got an ezred 1/2 flexi extendible ratchet (much same extension detent and 72tooth taiwan design) and it a cheap gift from the gods lol . fits anywhere an impact gun or long breaker won't and fine ratchet helps massively in position and speed .

Oooh, flex head...

It's twice as much money, though :p

But yea, for getting a lot of force into a small area, it can't be beat.


how you rate the long wrenches so far and how good the broaching fit .

As I pointed out when I got the short ones, I'm coming from early 90s V^ series Craftsman raised panel wrenches (the **** ones), so any polished wrenches are going to impress me.

That being said, I am in love with them. They are solid, fit well on the nut, and feel good in the hand. The one complaint I have seen is that they are thin and hurt your hand when you put too much force on them... but that's the silliest thing that I have ever heard. The 14mm wasn't long enough to get the tensioner bolt off, but I wound up using the 18" extendable 1/2" ratchet on it (having small 1/2" drive sockets is amazing).

Let me use them on some brake and suspension jobs, and I'll report back with strength results. The Miata needs brake pads and probably new rotors.
 

Gmonkee

Well-known member
Joined
May 9, 2010
Messages
2,725
I bought some Powerbuilt offset box ends based on the same theory you are using. Among a bunch of other stuff.

I wasn't all that amazed by most of the of the fancy stuff be it the cheaper or the bling. The basics were amazing in that the proper use of them the rest were nice but not required.
Flex head ratchets bombed the worst and basic DOE wrenches shone the most. I had expected the opposite.

The much maligned spinny handle ratchet has become my only ratchet at the shop. Thick head and flip to reverse details aside it has made many tough access jobs easy because I don't have to swing the handle to spin the nut off.
Others swear at them or laugh, I use one to great success.

It takes all kinds to make it work, all kinds of tools too.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
The need for a 1/4" set was driven home today, so I think I am going to skip/wait on the 1/4" impact set and just get a good chrome set.

The Tekton set is tempting, but with speedperks and online discounts from advance, I found a Gearwrench set, normally $72, I can get it for $41:

http://www.gearwrench.com/ratchet-a...80300-51-pc-1-4-drive-6-point-socket-set.html

GW_80300_ICON01.jpg


I'll want to grab a flex head ratchet, but that's $19 at harbor freight.
 

Tallpilot

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
2,384
Location
Orlando
That's a good deal! The sets are pretty similar and the flex head will give you even better access. I like the markings on the Gearwrench a little better but Tekton has a less hassle warranty process. Sockets rarely break though unless you do something stupid with them. So it's really 6 in one half dozen in the other. Plus you can pick them up from Advance right now.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
I would actually really like to get the color coded 1/4" sockets from harbor freight:

image_24348.jpg


I'm blind in one eye, so any help with identification is desirable (the laser etching on black impacts, for example, is much easier to read than stamping on chrome), but it's $40 just for the sockets, and they don't sell just 1/4" extensions, so it's another $15 for an extension set. I've got a u-joint, or that would be extra, too.

Walmart has a Stanley 1/4" extension set, which I'm sure would be fine, for $6.

Plus the $19 ratchet, minus whatever discounts and sales....

Maybe $60? I'm going to get the flex head ratchet, even if I buy the GW set, so the money is the same.

And I can buy, and warranty, them locally.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Plus you can pick them up from Advance right now.

Alas, no; "Out of stock" in every store, has to be ordered.

I also wonder about the warranty process; HF's is straightforward, but who is going to carry replacement GW sockets locally?

I am more and more impressed with my HF tools. That extendable ratchet is the greatest thing ever; the impact sockets are wonderful, I might actually like them better than the GW, since the rough surface is easier to grip (ask me in a year how they hold up to corrosion :) ); even the "cheap," lesser Pittsburgh line wrenches are holding up well.
 

jd_1138

Well-known member
Joined
May 8, 2013
Messages
17,042
Location
NE Ohio
Alas, no; "Out of stock" in every store, has to be ordered.

I also wonder about the warranty process; HF's is straightforward, but who is going to carry replacement GW sockets locally?

I am more and more impressed with my HF tools. That extendable ratchet is the greatest thing ever; the impact sockets are wonderful, I might actually like them better than the GW, since the rough surface is easier to grip (ask me in a year how they hold up to corrosion :) ); even the "cheap," lesser Pittsburgh line wrenches are holding up well.

Advance Auto parts stores are heavy GW sellers so they might warranty them.
 
OP
C

Codejack

Banned
Joined
Jul 21, 2017
Messages
838
Location
Chattanooga, TN
Advance Auto parts stores are heavy GW sellers so they might warranty them.

Right, but how long would it take, etc? The appeal of HF is being able to just go and get it. Not that the warranty should be important, anyway....

The only thing the GW set has going for it is a few more sockets, all but two of which, 4mm and 3/16", would be overlaps (7/32" being roughly equivalent to 5.5mm), and I'm pretty sure that a single 3/16" socket would cover the 4mm, too.

I don't know, let's see how impatient I get :)
 

Tallpilot

Well-known member
Joined
Jan 13, 2017
Messages
2,384
Location
Orlando
The color coded sockets consistently get worse reviews than any of the others. I am not sure why. My daughter wants them every time I take her to HF.

Gearwench warranty stories range from mild irritation to horrible. They seem to be decent if you just call NC directly and they will ship replacements. NAPA, Advance, Fastenal have all been known to warranty GW stuff and equally known to tell you to sod off.

I think you have almost talked yourself into just ordering the impact set and going to pick up the flex head ratchet with a 20% off coupon.
 

Yarpo

Well-known member
Joined
Feb 11, 2017
Messages
1,355
Location
Minnesota
Walmart has a Stanley 1/4" extension set, which I'm sure would be fine, for $6.

.

Not trying to talk you out of buying the Stanley set, because I have some Stanley black chrome tools that I absolutely love, but I went and bought all 3 drive size extensions from GW @ advanced, with a 35% off coupon it was stupid cheap and they all came in plastic trays, which I love :D If you have the speedperks rewards or whatever, an even better deal.

If these GW extensions interest you make sure to call, my store listed both the part #s for the kit with and without the tray as the same item.

https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/p...obble-extension-set-81004dn-81004d/25984240-P

Edit; No idea why the link doesn't work through garage journal.
 
Last edited:
To avoid these ads, REGISTER NOW!
Top Bottom