Flex sockets...used how often?

[PurdueSD]

Digging up an couple week old post here...

I cant seem to find any impact swivel sockets on Toptuls site. Any ideas here?

Other recomendations are:
Truck Brands- too much moola
Craftsman- pretty crappy reviews here.
Sunnex- no experience and getting mixed reviews
Gray Pnematic- no experience and getting mixed reviews

I am in the market for 1/2" drive. Any advice is appreciated!

 

[atari]

my buddy has set of 1/4 Sunnex that he uses at work, He has had them for at least a year without issue.

 

[sberry]

I use the cman ones, never had an issue with them. They are a tool that you need when needed for sure and sometimes there is no substitute. I am not a fan of jewelry type hand tools but this is something that should be in every serious tool box.

 

[Art From De Leon]

Again, it all depends on what you work on. You might be working on a model that almost every fastener requires a flex-socket, that no other model of that brand requires, or if you get to do certain components that require tools that you have no other use for.

My 9/16, 3/4, and 15/16 flex impact sockets were used all the time. As far as the non-impact style flex sockets, the most used ones were the spark plug sockets, I have a set of hand-use flex sockets in both SAE and Metric in 1/4" drive, and a couple of Snap on spline universal sockets.

I see no purpose of the traditional universal joint or flex socket, as they bind up too easily, or they get loose and flop around.

I have a couple of impact universal joints in each drive size, in case I broke one, and would have a spare until the dealer came.

I really like the MATCO type, and would like a set of 3/8" Metric, but I do not know if the Snap on force (addiction), would allow me to make the switch.

 

[Stick Figure]

i have a set of the 1/4 drive craftsman (non impact), and have been using them for a couple years w/ out much issue. I have broken one of the swivels, and do have 90% of them wrapped in electrical tape, but they have held up to some pretty decent amounts of torque. I would like to get at least the most used sizes in Snap on but my dealer doesn't have them on the truck and i can't seem to pay the $35+ a socket unless it could help me that day.

 

[bushhawg73]

I have only the impact swivels. I find that they are very handy and recah for them a lot. As far as the non impact ones I have made it so far by adding a u joint when needed or using an impact swivel with a ratchet. The only time the impact swivel with the hand ratchet would not work would be a space issue. IMHO this is sledom found. I am not a pro by no means so me experience is limited. For me the cost is the issue. I have other things in front of these wants.

 

[PurdueSD]

Anybody care to make a recomendation based on these three options...?


http://www.tooltopia.com/sk-hand-tool-34351.aspx

http://www.thetoolwarehouse.net/p-9210-sunex-international-2665.aspx

Local carquest has a set on sale too, house brand supposedly made by danher. for $119 12mm -23mm

Thanks

 

[rodm1]

I was wondering this same thing.

What brands are the best to look for ??

Craftsman, MATCO pin less.

 

[crewchief888]

ive broken a few over the years, mainly 9/16" 3/8 dr and 15/16" 1/2 dr thos were/are the ones i used most. i use 3/8 dr 9/16, 1/2 and 3/4 constantly, the only one broken in the last 10 years was a MAC 3/4"
i prefer SO or matco for impact swivels, my non impact 1/4 & 3/8 dr are SK and CM, and only used occasionally

 

[t100]

I know couple guys work at ****** shops and muffler shops, they live and die on those swivel impact sockets.

 

[psychoclaw84]

Only have 3/8 drive metric sockets.

• Craftsman Flex sockets 10mm - 19mm
• Snap On Flex Sockets 10mm - 19mm

I am not a mechanic who uses tools every day for a living, so my tools do not have usage. In my case, I have never broken either sockets.

As with any snap on and craftsman comparison there is a difference in quality with snap on being better.

Craftmans are shorter in length than the Snap On's.

Snap On have a nicer swivel mechanism and have less flop than the Craftsman. Which makes the Snap On superior

Uses:

• Transmission removal and installation
• FWD cars with small engine bays, changing fuel filters and speed sensors, etc.

I do not own flex in impacts, but the Matco design is the best of all of the offerings.

 

[rhandwor]

I have Snap On for heavily used sizes and SK for the fill in sizes.