Flex sockets

[eschoendorff]

Okay...here's one for you guys who use your tools everyday...

I'm wanting some of these flex/swivel sockets, but I'm not sure where to start. I don't want to get something that I'm not ever gonna use, but at the same time I've really been thinking about these for the last couple of months. I'm at the point where I pick them up and look at them every time I'm at Sears.

My current thinking is this:

Start with a 1/4" drive metric set like this:
http://www.sears.com/sr/javasr/prod...&vertical=TOOL&pid=00943248000&subcat=Sockets

I could see myself using these on interior trim screws or on small, hard to reach fasteners on the cars.

Then, for 3/8" drive, I really would like the impact swivels. I'm kinda holding out for those, but I don't think that they ould get as much use as the first set I referenced.

BTW, I always start with metric before I go to SAE. Don't know if it's such a good idea, but it's worked so far.

Any thoughts? For general repair and tinkering, what's the best place to start?

 

[kartracer55]

I dont own any 1/4 swivels, I own one 1/4 universal and ive used it once or twice.

As for 3/8, I say go with these first, Youll use them more often. I just use an impact universal and a socket though. Eventually Ill get some, but I have a few tools I need first

Jim

 

[eschoendorff]

As for 3/8, I say go with these first, Youll use them more often. I just use an impact universal and a socket though. Eventually Ill get some, but I have a few tools I need first

Jim

That's exactly what I use now. i got a couple 3/8 impact universals...I wonder if the difference is length between an impact universal w/socket and an actual impact swivel socket is that significant. Don't have any to compare them to.

I'm starting to wonde if maybe chasing these sockets is (in my case) a waste of $$$. I guess I just need to be talked into/out of it from someone who's got a set or two.

 

[kartracer55]

Ill compare it right now for ya

 

[Fast Orange]

It really depends on what type of work you do the most-
In 30 years of wrenching almost every day,I've only owned one set of chrome flex sockets-IIRC they were Craftsman and were assembled with roll pins-they loosened up too much and I gave them to another guy in the shop. That was a 3/8 set.
Generally,you can get a 1/4" shallow socket with a universal just about anyplace you'd need a flex-
I've got MAC impact flex in both metric and SAE in 3/8" drive that I use a lot in general engine work-they're a lot stronger and seem to work smoother at more severe angles. These would be my first choice.

George

 

[iiibdsiil]

I have a set of Matco 3/8 universal impact sockets and use the **** outta them. I think the key is to get them in mid-length. The mid-length works most of the time for me. It stops me from bitching when I am trying to get a nut that has quite a bit of threads sticking out. I seldom have a problem with the mid-length being too long.

The only thing that ***** about them is using them with a swivel ratchet can be a pain in the **** with tight bolts. But that problem is circumvented usually with the 3/8 impact gun in either battery or air.

I HIGHLY recommend them.

 

[eschoendorff]

It really depends on what type of work you do the most-
In 30 years of wrenching almost every day,I've only owned one set of chrome flex sockets-IIRC they were Craftsman and were assembled with roll pins-they loosened up too much and I gave them to another guy in the shop. That was a 3/8 set.
Generally,you can get a 1/4" shallow socket with a universal just about anyplace you'd need a flex-
I've got MAC impact flex in both metric and SAE in 3/8" drive that I use a lot in general engine work-they're a lot stronger and seem to work smoother at more severe angles. These would be my first choice.

George

Thanks Geoerge. This is also what I'm looking for... just how often these things are used by the pros (who encounter way more situations than I do in a day). I was also wary about the chrome flex sockets because they use that articulated universal joint instead of the swivel. I'd rather have that....

 

[kartracer55]

Ok... I dont have school tommorow and usually my sundays are occupied with homework.... nobody wants to hang out (lazy bastards!) So ya asked at the right time lol

Anyway...

Snap on Impact universal socket in 17mm is about 2.5 inches
snap on impact universal and a 17mm snap on socket is just over 2.75
snap on chrome universal and a 17mm socket^^ is just under 2.5
snap on chrome universal socket is just abotu 2 inches, so its even smaller than a standard universal without a socket


As george said, youc na probably fit a 1/4 drive socket anywhere an impact swivel will fit.

Jim

 

[Fast Orange]

I think you'll find that most of the time you would use a flex socket or a universal,you will also be putting it on an extension-a good example is removing bell housing bolts from underneath-very seldom have I run into a situation where the length of the swivel/socket combo has had any effect other than the severity of the angle.

George

 

[iiibdsiil]

Very true George. I have a, I think, 3 foot extension, and man, it loves them bell housing bolts.

I have grown accustomed to using the 3/8 swivels on a regular basis though. I'm just lazy and don't feel like switching sockets, walking to the tool box, etc. YMMV.

 

[Ed ke6bnl]

my boy wasworking in a trans shop taking out and installing transmissions and they used them always. but the joint was a ball and socket type not like the previous picture of the sears one. I even have some cheepy HF ones that are ball and socket that work great although one of them the 3/4 broke. just a thought. Ed ke6bnl

 

[iiibdsiil]

Ball and joint sockets are only available with the imact style sockets, that's more the reason why it is specific towards getting 3/8" impact swivels.

I found this one out because I bought a set of SK double ball swivel spark plug sockets and I was like "Why the heck are they thin impact sockets?" Snap-on guy answered that one for me.

 

[Uncle Buck]

I consider flex sockets regardless of weather impact or chrome a luxury item that should be bought only after the core of ones mechanic set had been firmly established with all the basics of both standard and metric covered. Unless you encounter a quality set on the cheap, hold off since a swivel in any of the drive sizes will usually get you the same place a flex socket will. Once my basics were covered, I started with standard and metric chrome flex sets in 3/8 drive, then added an impact set of sandards, I never have gotten the impact metric 3/8 added yet! I have added both standard and metric flex sets in 1/4, ( they are handy when u need them) I have appx 5-6 1/2 drive chromes that I bought right, no metric 1/2s or 1/2 impacts of either standard or metric. Someday I would like to add some 1/2 standard impact swivels to my set.

 

[YJTypeR]

I just ordered a small SK universal impact set from these guys.....

http://www.harryepstein.com/sk-facom.htm

Great service!