Harbor Freight Axle Sockets

[HomeTheaterMan]

Does anyone use the Harbor Freight axle sockets?
http://m.harborfreight.com/12-in-drive-front-wheel-drive-axle-lock-nut-socket-set-7-pc-62842.html

What are your thoughts? Are they worth the money?

I was helping a friend that's a mechanic for a living over the weekend and was shocked to see that amongst drawers full of Snap On tools, his axle nut sockets were these. He told me he's never had a problem with them. It made me wonder if maybe I need this set as well. I work on Honda or Dodge cars most of the time and I already have individual sockets that will fit them. However occasionally I'll work on something requires a different size that I don't have. I've always shared away from buying a whole set due to the cost. I've also shared away from HF and most other cheap brands because the majority of the times I've purchased something from HF I've been disappointed. So now this has me wondering if I should go ahead and pick up this set, or if I'm wasting my money.

 

[bcradio]

If you run into a situation where you need something from the set that you don't have then go get the set at that time.

 

[vavet]

I have it. Used them a few times. No issues.

 

[chris142]

The made in taiwan sockets seem well made to me.

 

[blown94conv]

If it's a socket you are going to use once, then go for it. Damn near anything can work one time.

If you plan on using them a lot, get something quality. Not only will it last longer, you'll worry about the purchase less.

 

[Cope]

I doubt there is much difference from brand to brand on that type socket. Not a high torque situation.

 

[IowaDon]

I'd trust your friend's opinion. What better endorsement can you ask for than from a professional mechanic who has them and uses them?

Sent from my XT1650 using Tapatalk

 

[d.mcfarland]

I've always shared away from buying a whole set due to the cost. I've also shared away from HF and most other cheap brands because the majority of the times I've purchased something from HF I've been disappointed.

You seem pretty new to this site, so I'll sum it up for you.

Harbor Freight has some hot items and some not so great items.

Impact sockets, including the axle nut socket set, are a fantastic value. They will work for what you need.

 

[Rule60]

I have had a set for about 5 years. Used them to replace the wheel hubs on my 2500hd Silverado, the wife's Jimmy, brother's lowered blazer and have loaned the to a few of my friends that we trade work back and forth. Never had an issues with them. Even had a 5ft breaker bar on them to do my 2500hd as they wouldn't budge at all. Broke 2 ratchets and a breaker bar before the axel nut came off.

Sent from my LGMS550 using Tapatalk

 

[Finky198]

We Have them and use them very regularly, they have held up well. As above used with big breaker bars and 2135timax. Without fail. When they don't fit I will break out the 3/4 drive 12pt stuff. If neither of those fit your looking at something special or very large....

 

[[email protected]]

I have them and used them professionally for 3 years until I changed professions and never had any issues. There very thick walled so I was not worried about them cracking. With a 20% off coupons n when there on sale you can't beat the price.

If you want to be shell shocked price out a truck brand set.

 

[muskaman67]

Absolutely recommend them.

 

[Tonyuk]

Just large impact sockets really, they'll be fine for years.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Axle nuts arent very tight for their fastener size, so almost no socket that fits will fail.

 

[Mr_B]

they chrome moly quite chunky and more than good enough for use they get .
pretty easy pick up used sockets of individual sizes you need if don't want spend out 40 bucks, although with a HF 20% coupon it be pretty cheap .