Hardened Hex socket bits?

[cashishift]

I have a need for 3/8" socket drive allen key in both 1/8 and 5/32.. does any manufacturer make these that are hardened? We will need them to be both short and a longer one with around a 5 - 6" shaft.

We use these for taking apart old equipment that is all allen heads and we do this using DeWalt 18v 3/8" impacts. Right now we have been getting them from Grainger (like this minus the ball part http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/BLACKHAWK-BY-PROTO-Hex-Bit-Socket-6PLE3?Pid=search) but they don't last long.. so we had been grinding them down well that just makes the tips last a little bit because the heat makes them brittle.

Does anyone know of a company that makes ultra strong ones?

 

[Seanbev24]

I use the snap-on bit sockets on my 3/8" air impact with no problems. Since your dewalt is 3/8" drive these should work great...

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item..._ID=631202&group_ID=674860&store=&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?tool=hand&item_ID=631204&group_ID=674860&store=snapon-store

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=680907&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=680907&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[cbracer]

I don't know of any socket drive, but we used hardened screwdrivers for RC cars that got up to 1/8" size. I'm sure they make them that larger too somewhere..... True hardened hex drivers are the bomb!!!!

http://miponline.com/store/mip_thorp_precision_hand_tools_best_hex_driver.html

 

[billp603]

Proto makes 3/8" impact drive sockets as well

 

[cashishift]

Proto makes 3/8" impact drive sockets as well

We already have those.

Need some that are longer too.. it doesn't appear anyone makes them.

 

[cashishift]

I don't know of any socket drive, but we used hardened screwdrivers for RC cars that got up to 1/8" size. I'm sure they make them that larger too somewhere..... True hardened hex drivers are the bomb!!!!

http://miponline.com/store/mip_thorp_precision_hand_tools_best_hex_driver.html

needs to be socket drive for sure.

when there are 500 screws to remove the impact speeds it up!

 

[billymade]

Try Apex; made for the manufacturing sector.

http://www.cooperpowertools.com/brands/fastening/

 

[Danglerb]

Apex industrial stuff. Personally I think I would stick with something modest in cost and easy to replace, its a wear item.

 

[jameswrx]

I'd recommend the snap on gold finish items, I use them on a 1/2" impact gun! Part no.s are 210EFTAMY for the regular socket bits or 208EFTAMXSY for the short ones.

These seem much stronger than the normal grey finish bits.