Hex bits falling out of sockets (SK)

[67King]

Anyone have this issue? I have had a couple of different ones fall out. In boht cases, they are from sets that I have only had a few months. Different sets, as well. Is there an easy way to fix them without sending them in for warranty?

 

[honcho]

I had a similar problem with some Craftsman hex bit sockets that use a setscrew to hold the hex portion in place. On several of them I couldn't seem to get the setscrew tight enough to hold the bit in place. I read a post here about making your own hex bit sockets using 1/4" sockets and loctite to hold the bits in place. I just used some loctite (red, since that's what I had available) to to hold the hex portion. It has worked for my needs though I'm not a pro and don't use my hex bit sockets that often.

 

[KenC]

I had a similar problem with some Craftsman hex bit sockets that use a setscrew to hold the hex portion in place. On several of them I couldn't seem to get the setscrew tight enough to hold the bit in place. I read a post here about making your own hex bit sockets using 1/4" sockets and loctite to hold the bits in place. I just used some loctite (red, since that's what I had available) to to hold the hex portion. It has worked for my needs though I'm not a pro and don't use my hex bit sockets that often.

I've had that issue and fixed it by drilling into the bit through the set screw hole. Just enough to provide the set screw a place to seat. Then reinstalled the set screw.

 

[Adam.C]

I've had that issue and fixed it by drilling into the bit through the set screw hole. Just enough to provide the set screw a place to seat. Then reinstalled the set screw.

Nope, don't do that. Locktite is a better idea. Epoxy would be even better! I don't trust Snap On's roll pin models either. The best are press fit.

Honestly, these are not great sockets. There are a lot of SK zealots here and SK strangely gets a lot of undeserved hype. What I believe you have is a high priced set of Craftsman bit sockets. The bits are soft and lack crispness, the connection to the chrome is loose and waiting to fail.

Never buy bit sockets where the large sizes neck down to fit the chrome. That's an unacceptable cost saving corner to cut. I don't care for the smaller bits that neck up to 1/4" hex to fit a common socket. But technically, if done well, they should be stronger than the Snap On style (straight hex). My experience is however that they never are. This is yet another cost cutting tactic, which often includes the dimensional properties of the hex shape and the hardness of the steel.

If you are working on low torque stuff, any tool will work okay (so you should have bought HF and saved money). But auto manufacturers use allen headed cap screws in space restricted high torque applications. These may not be good enough to keep you out of trouble. However much they cost, you could easily loose that in time, parts, and trouble if you strip the recess of a starter bolt or some such. DAMHIKT.

 

[Richard Cranium]

I had one fall out a few yrs ago, I put a little piece of paper on the bit and them hammered it into the socket and then trimmed the left over paper off. Never fell out again.

 

[bob15]

I have a couple Snap On's at work that will fall out. I epoxied them in.....on the outside of the socket and bit. This way when i want to replace the bit it is easier to get it out. It doesn't look pretty, but who cares? It works.

 

[afazz]

All of my SK bit sockets are loose, even the new ones. They don't fall out on their own, but they get stuck in fasteners. I upgraded to a Snap-on and they're all tight.

 

[Cato]

Strange....my Chinese $2 Husky bit sockets never had this issue. lol

 

[Wakefield]

Green locktite?

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

retaining compound

 

[Loscaldazar]

Do they have a roll pin or no?

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Smaller SK hex bit sockets have a tension ring in them to hold the bit in place (like the ring on an impact wrench).

The bits always have some wobble, and I'm not at all a fan of them, they are prone to popping out without too much effort. I bought my SK set used, mostly for the larger sizes (which all use a roll pin all the way through) so there's no huge loss. I still just use my old USA Kobalt / Armstrong bit sockets with no issues.

 

[mailpup]

Yes, I've had this problem with my SK 3/8" dr. hex bit sockets. I've actually only used one of them (an 8mm or 10mm I think) and it loosened the first time I used it. The bit is a pressed in friction fit but when the bit socket was turned by my ratchet, the chrome plating inside the socket where the bit sits gave way/cracked/crushed and the bit is now loose enough to be removed with little effort. I bought it fairly recently and well after Ideal started manufacturing SK but I'm not really sure of these sockets' true vintage.

I don't use hex bit sockets that often but after this happened I replaced them with another brand (can't remember which at the moment, Wright or Williams maybe). I still have the SK sockets but I've kind of put them aside. I haven't done anything to fix it yet so I'm interested in some of the previous suggestions. Not too keen on drilling though.

 

[Arne73]

+1for green loctite

 

[hangfirew8]

As usual the world is ending because a tool doesn't say Snap-On.

SK only made some, now all, Craftsman bit sockets. http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=264674&postcount=3

Replaceable bits is a feature, not a flaw. Some prefer non-replaceable, more power to you. Loctite, drill an indent, shim with something, it all works. If you can't handle this level of tool maintenance, best put down the tools and stick to using your iPad.

 

[Adam.C]

Replaceable bits is a feature, not a flaw. Some prefer non-replaceable, more power to you. Loctite, drill an indent, shim with something, it all works. If you can't handle this level of tool maintenance, best put down the tools and stick to using your iPad.

Bits that fall out is a feature? I gotta sell you some great "torque sensing sockets" that break when they sense you are applying too much torque. Or my craftsman "load limiting" ratchets that reverse under high load. Genius! It's a feature!! I love the SK apologists.

 

[OutsideMachinist]

Should be able to be warrantied. That is probably one of the things sk just relabels and doesn't make themselves. Every company does that with at least a few items and charges twice as much, that is why there is a thread on it here. They still have quality tools.

I would just wrap them in some duct tape and they will be fine. That is what I do if I am making a hex socket from a cut off allen wrench.

As mentioned above, the hf allen sockets are actually pretty good as well. Dunno if they are the pros or what, the ones that say s2 steel on them.

 

[hangfirew8]

Bits that fall out is a feature?

If the concept of a replaceable wear item is too difficult for you to understand, far be it from me to explain it to you. Please carry on.

I gotta sell you some great "torque sensing sockets" that break when they sense you are applying too much torque. Or my craftsman "load limiting" ratchets that reverse under high load. Genius! It's a feature!! I love the SK apologists.

None of which has any relevance at all to this discussion.

 

[cjn1014]

My 6mm hex sk fell out while tempting removal of a bike pedal. Sent it in to sk, got a brand new one free of charge, minus my shipping.

Next attempt at pedal removal, bit falls out. No reefing, no cheater, correct direction of rotation, etc.

Piss poor press fit.

 

[1foxracing]

I have a Bondhus set that came with what appears to be some kind of hardened hot glue that holds the bit in place. Maybe you could try the same thing with your bits?

 

[bert1913]

my 3/8 craftsman used to do this while doing gm disc brakes. I replaced all of them with one piece impact sets

 

[SK Eric]

I'm sorry to hear that some folks have had problems with our hex sockets. When we came back on line (after moving the plant to Sycamore), we went to a friction fit socket, where the journal is wedge shaped and the bit is 'interference fit'. According to our head engineer, we did have some early hiccups with the tolerances that have now been solved. If anybody has problems with the bits falling out, please call customer service at 800-822-5575 and we'll take care of you. We do not recommend either Loctite or Epoxy in the socket: it works for a few uses, but ultimately breaks and fails. One last thing, hex bit sockets are not designed for impact tools. If you're whacking at them with a gun, they're eventually going to bend and fail.

 

[defektes]

Nope, don't do that. Locktite is a better idea. Epoxy would be even better! I don't trust Snap On's roll pin models either. The best are press fit.

Honestly, these are not great sockets. There are a lot of SK zealots here and SK strangely gets a lot of undeserved hype. What I believe you have is a high priced set of Craftsman bit sockets. The bits are soft and lack crispness, the connection to the chrome is loose and waiting to fail.

Never buy bit sockets where the large sizes neck down to fit the chrome. That's an unacceptable cost saving corner to cut. I don't care for the smaller bits that neck up to 1/4" hex to fit a common socket. But technically, if done well, they should be stronger than the Snap On style (straight hex). My experience is however that they never are. This is yet another cost cutting tactic, which often includes the dimensional properties of the hex shape and the hardness of the steel.

If you are working on low torque stuff, any tool will work okay (so you should have bought HF and saved money). But auto manufacturers use allen headed cap screws in space restricted high torque applications. These may not be good enough to keep you out of trouble. However much they cost, you could easily loose that in time, parts, and trouble if you strip the recess of a starter bolt or some such. DAMHIKT.

I do like the majority of your posts as you add a engineers perspective to many things, and your knowledge is great on many topics. A lot of the topics you reply to I learn something. But comparing SK to CMAN is ridiculous. I like Snap-On just like any guy but you underestimate SK tools.

Hmm, I wonder why both my gold snap on hex and SK hex bits are loose?

SK gets a lot of deserved hype, and comparing the SK bits to CMAN is laughable. The CMAN bits I used to use at home were some of the worst bits ever, but better than HF.

OP, my SK set (Pre Ideal) is loose but they do not fall out, but mine use a roll pin. I suggest contacting SK and have them warranty the ones in question. A little looseness will be found with all brands that use a set screw. I do not know if Ideal changed the design but my smaller sizes are pressed in and do not have the issue.

I have Challenger by proto, gold snap ons, , all that use a set screw will get loose.

 

[hangfirew8]

I'm sorry to hear that some folks have had problems with our hex sockets. When we came back on line (after moving the plant to Sycamore), we went to a friction fit socket, where the journal is wedge shaped and the bit is 'interference fit'. According to our head engineer, we did have some early hiccups with the tolerances that have now been solved. If anybody has problems with the bits falling out, please call customer service at 800-822-5575 and we'll take care of you. We do not recommend either Loctite or Epoxy in the socket: it works for a few uses, but ultimately breaks and fails. One last thing, hex bit sockets are not designed for impact tools. If you're whacking at them with a gun, they're eventually going to bend and fail.

Thanks, Eric. I was unaware of the design change. Mine predate the move so I know I have the older design.

 

[afazz]

Thanks, Eric. I was unaware of the design change. Mine predate the move so I know I have the older design.

Mine are also the old style with tiny snap rings, I was also unaware of any design change. I'll have to order a new set for comparison, I could use a second set of 1/4" drive metric hex bit sockets anyway.

 

[1950mercury]

I'm sorry to hear that some folks have had problems with our hex sockets. When we came back on line (after moving the plant to Sycamore), we went to a friction fit socket, where the journal is wedge shaped and the bit is 'interference fit'. According to our head engineer, we did have some early hiccups with the tolerances that have now been solved. If anybody has problems with the bits falling out, please call customer service at 800-822-5575 and we'll take care of you. We do not recommend either Loctite or Epoxy in the socket: it works for a few uses, but ultimately breaks and fails. One last thing, hex bit sockets are not designed for impact tools. If you're whacking at them with a gun, they're eventually going to bend and fail.

That right there is enuff to info to sway me to buy sk.

 

[sonvolt]

I'm sorry to hear that some folks have had problems with our hex sockets. When we came back on line (after moving the plant to Sycamore), we went to a friction fit socket, where the journal is wedge shaped and the bit is 'interference fit'. According to our head engineer, we did have some early hiccups with the tolerances that have now been solved. If anybody has problems with the bits falling out, please call customer service at 800-822-5575 and we'll take care of you. We do not recommend either Loctite or Epoxy in the socket: it works for a few uses, but ultimately breaks and fails. One last thing, hex bit sockets are not designed for impact tools. If you're whacking at them with a gun, they're eventually going to bend and fail.

Very well stated with the appropriate manufacturing technical data. SK will continue to earn my business no matter what the naysayers claim

 

[TOOL FANATIK]

My Sk hex bit sockets use that compression ring pin thingy? That supposedly you can remove with a pick, which I haven't been able to do..but never had a hex fall out. There's noticeable play in them. I have 1/2" Dr 3/8 long hex, and short 1/2" 9/16 and 5/8...I have a 1/4 Dr cman pressed set and those do fall out from time to time, I just take them to the small arbor press or my bench vise and voila!

 

[afazz]

I received my set today from Epsteins. They look good! The bits feel solid in the sockets, they definitely aren't like the old style with sloppy clips.

BUT...they forgot the 2mm and gave me two 4mm bit sockets! I'll have to send them back.

 

[Loscaldazar]

I received my set today from Epsteins. They look good! The bits feel solid in the sockets, they definitely aren't like the old style with sloppy clips.

BUT...they forgot the 2mm and gave me two 4mm bit sockets! I'll have to send them back.

Send SK customer service your picture and they probably will just send you the correct size.

 

[afazz]

Send SK customer service your picture and they probably will just send you the correct size.

I already emailed SK, they were helpful last time so I'm expecting a response by the end of the week.

 

[Indexmill]

For hex bit sockets that use setscrews to hold the bit, simply replace the set screw with a nylon tipped setscrew and tighten it. Done. Will never come loose.

 

[MJD1]

On the press fit bits, putting a few center punch divots on the bit will keep them from falling out.

 

[warweapon762]

I've had this issue with Craftsman stuff from 2001 or 2002.

Had to toss the set because QC was so bad. I ended up giving them to a friend to warranty. I have a set of Husky SAE and Metric that both work just fine.

My brother found at work that these sockets are also REALLY sensitive to impact guns knocking the bits loose if they are the ones with the retaining compound adhesive. Tapered fit and pinned styles hold up the best to long term abuse. But I don't think I've seen these styles for a LONG time.