Flex/Universal socket advice

[fuddinator]

I am currently looking for a set of flex sockets to add to my toolbox at work. Working in aviation they can make many jobs easier at quicker. There are times that a universal adapter doesn't quite work.

Best I can find in my budget is the SK 4935.

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002NYCH2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

If anyone has any other suggestions or personal experience with sk flex sockets that would be great. Also, as much as I love Snap On, the budget doesn't allow for tool truck prices. They must be 1/4in drive 12 points.

Again thanks for the input.

 

[tlpatter]

Im not a SO fanboy but in the case of universal sockets I would but SO. They fit the best, they dont flop around as much as the other brands, and replacement would be easier if something were to happen. I would try to find a set on ebay if youre not in a hurry for them.

 

[d.mcfarland]

If you need the flex ability people claim the SO are the best at non binding. If you use certain sizes maybe get those in the SO flavor and the rest something as simple as any Taiwan made sockets with a warranty.

 

[shockwave]

I have used the snap on for years definitely worth there price I have used Matco,sk and Cornwell and gearwrench and do not hold up aswell as the snap ons do

 

[Wamsutta]

Also, as much as I love Snap On, the budget doesn't allow for tool truck prices. They must be 1/4in drive 12 points.

You need to change your budget if you're going to be in the A&P business. No other manufacturer does flex sockets like Snap-on does. They will flex the furthest before binding up; which is the main purpose of them anyway. Don't waste your time with anything else; especially in 1/4 drive.

 

[bob15]

I have both the Snap On and SK in 1/4 swivel and would buy the cheaper SK. I haven't seen any real difference between the two sockets. I will also add that the Snappy's loosened up faster and now have electrical tape wrapped around a couple of them to keep them from flopping over so easily.

 

[OHMS LAW]

Snap on for the win. Also wamsutta is right. As a aviation tech you need the best. Buy the best.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Are the older Danaher USA made brands better then current Taiwanese offerings (Gearwrench, Carlyle, etc.)? I've been looking for a similar set, but for occasional home use.

 

[u118224]

You might check out Proto. Their joints can be tightened, I don't think the SKs can.

 

[kblazer87]

I am a "fan boy" of Snap on and have a lot of their tools including 1/2", 3/8" and 1/4" drive universal socket sets which are excellent sockets. I also happen to have a 1/4" drive and 3/8"drive set of older SK universal sockets and they work just as intended and I have never run into a time when using them that they would not do the job I was trying to do. Never had a time when I had to get the Snap ons because the SK wouldn't get it done either.
If SK is what you can afford now, get them, they are a quality tool and worth having if you need them.

 

[defektes]

I use SK, and Snap on flex in industrial, and I can tell you the SK is just as good as the Snap-On.

 

[92integra]

Gear wrench works just fine for me. Jus saying.

 

[defektes]

Are the older Danaher USA made brands better then current Taiwanese offerings (Gearwrench, Carlyle, etc.)? I've been looking for a similar set, but for occasional home use.

I have a set of Craftsman USA at home that have served well for medium duty work.

 

[1950mercury]

I have some craftsman,mac and so. And id rate them so,craftsman than mac, the macs wear out the fastest.

 

[abvw]

Snap-on believer here.

Forgot to mention in quoted post, the cheapo universal was binding with extensions fully inserted, whereas the Snap-on didn't. I will post another picture tomorrow when I egt to work.

Here's another way to achieve low profile. Snipe it!

Toyota V6 3.3L transmission pan (left rear corner bolt, sitting less than 1" off the subframe):

Snap-on universal:
https://scontent-ord.**.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xtp1/v/t1.0-9/11109430_10203005530572844_6225010689223424739_n.jpg?oh=c69f99a86edde9afb242c52374dcda25&oe=55B23C30

Titan/GearWrench/Made in Taiwan universal:

 

[shockwave]

I have been meaning to try Mac as they are the only current manufacturers using screws instead on pins

And gearwrench fall apart under load and for some reason the 10 in my set is longer than the rest and all sets I have seen

 

[nicksnothereman]

I am currently looking for a set of flex sockets to add to my toolbox at work. Working in aviation they can make many jobs easier at quicker. There are times that a universal adapter doesn't quite work.

Best I can find in my budget is the SK 4935.

If anyone has any other suggestions or personal experience with sk flex sockets that would be great. Also, as much as I love Snap On, the budget doesn't allow for tool truck prices. They must be 1/4in drive 12 points.

Again thanks for the input.

I've used omega technologies stuff before which is for aviation; I remember it being torque rated (at least the impact) which is nice. Might be worth looking into.

Probably don't want gearwrench in this capacity but a pro-brand like sk should be fine and not out of line where you work. Just so we're clear you're not going to be torquing with these on an airplane even if the angle is close to zero.

 

[sonvolt]

I have both SK and Snap On. Never a problem with either although the Snap On have a little more angle clearance on the universal.