Grey Pneumatic

[SKAutomotive]

I know a lot of people here like them and think they are a quality brand, but they are not, at least not as professionals are concerned.

Back at the end of September, I bought this product:

http://www.gpsocket.com/index.cfm?event=setview&productsetid=22328&id=4579

I used it on my 1/2" gun, didn't use any extensions, swivels or torque sticks, as suggested by the manufacturer. After 6 weeks the 19mm cracked along 3 points while taking a wheel off (was not overtightened either). I sent an e-mail into the company requesting a replacement.

They responded telling me that they do not warranty (any duration) these sockets and told me I could buy a replacement 19mm socket.

If a company cannot even stand behind a product lasting for more than 90 days and be okay with that and then suggest you replace their sub-standard product at your cost, than they don't deserve our business. Technicians rely on their tools and it is very costly, so not only did their product faily prematurely, but they don't want to stand behind it, but I was left without a socket that I use multiple times a day on numerous vehicles. Because of the tight clearances on Subaru tires, I had to borrow a different brand thin profile socket from the technician next to me, and inconvenience him, but they wanted me to buy more products from them as the solution.

DIY use, maybe, but save your money if you are a technician, their products will not stand up to the professional cycle and duty of work.

 

[ImportTuner]

These are thin wall items .. your link even says: *Extra–Thin Wall Impact Sockets are not covered by the Gp Warranty. USE ONLY WITH 1/2'' DRIVE AIR TOOLS. DO NOT USE REDUCING ADAPTERS. Also available individually.

Standard Grey Pneumatic impact sockets hold up quite well.

 

[SKAutomotive]

These are thin wall items .. your link even says: *Extra–Thin Wall Impact Sockets are not covered by the Gp Warranty. USE ONLY WITH 1/2'' DRIVE AIR TOOLS. DO NOT USE REDUCING ADAPTERS. Also available individually.

Standard Grey Pneumatic impact sockets hold up quite well.

I don't expect them to be lifetime warranty, but I expect them to last more than 42 days.

 

[mitch_04]

I use Grey Pneumatic sockets daily, I'm an automotive mechanic. I use their impact sockets mainly, but also love their ball style swivel sockets. The only time I've broken their sockets is when I've used them for things they shouldn't have been used for, like a 1/4" swivel socket adapted to a 3/8" drive impact because the 3/8" drive socket was just a little too big. With thin walled sockets, I'm suprised they even tell you to use an impact, but they did say no warranty. I don't think you should have expected a warranty when they say no warranty, that doesn't really make sense. Just out of curiosity, why were you using a thin-walled instead of a regular socket?

 

[SKAutomotive]

I use Grey Pneumatic sockets daily, I'm an automotive mechanic. I use their impact sockets mainly, but also love their ball style swivel sockets. The only time I've broken their sockets is when I've used them for things they shouldn't have been used for, like a 1/4" swivel socket adapted to a 3/8" drive impact because the 3/8" drive socket was just a little too big. With thin walled sockets, I'm suprised they even tell you to use an impact, but they did say no warranty. I don't think you should have expected a warranty when they say no warranty, that doesn't really make sense. Just out of curiosity, why were you using a thin-walled instead of a regular socket?

The new models come with too tight a clearance for a regular impact socket, plus these wheels are quite expensive, so you need the protection of the sleeve on these.

EDIT: How can you be surprised that they tell you to use an impact on IMPACT sockets?

 

[jimalan1989]

I am a full time service tech and one of my co-works swears by GP sockets....he has had them for 2-3 years only broke one....not to bad in my book since i have broken a couple snap-on impact sockets in about a years time of use. plus we have local tractor supply place that warrenties them along with out Mac tool truck...i still swear by my Snap-on sockets, they seem to just grab sockets the best and not round them off. I had cornwell one but they would slip on stubborn stuff.

 

[kc-steve]

I agree with the OP and have posted the warranty info by GP many times.

http://www.gpsocket.com/index.cfm?event=pageview&contentPieceID=807

It doesn't matter the quality of the tool, if the manufacturer won't back up the product then it is worthless in my opinion. You will be lucky to sell it, and if you do knowing they won't warranty the tools then you are cheating someone if you don't mention it as well.

From their website:
"Please Note: All Sockets for Warranty Consideration must be returned to the place of purchase for replacement. In cases where there is a question regarding warranty, the distributor has the right to return the socket to us for determination before a replacement is issued.

"Only authorized distributors are allowed to handle warranty replacements. For a listing of Authorized Distributors in your area, please contact us."

If lucky, maybe you can get a local dealer to warranty it even if you didn't buy from them.

Steve