I'm looking for a set of hex head sockets that won't give up/ruin head bolts when removing them. PB blaster is my friend I get it but I went through 3 cheapo kobalt/craftsman bits to remove 8 head studs from the block. Granted could've just used my stud extractors but I was trying to save the studs, they were very low mileage used. Long story short looking to pickup some better quality hex sockets for future projects. Some searching here showed snap-on stuff might not be the best possibly the Mac set?
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Hex head sockets
- Thread starter Ouikikazz
- Start date
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I’d recommend Capri. I use them professionally and they are excellent. Can take a lot. Never broken one. I have the same sized set as my coworkers Blue Point sets the Capri was way cheaper by about $200 the Blue Point set is not worth it. I’ve used the Kobalt and Craftsman and usually they do break or twist. I can’t tell you how many Snap-on ones I’ve twisted too. Tekton is also good too on the same level as Capri. I even use mine on impacts a lot and haven’t had a problem with them. That’s the brand I’d recommend. You will be much happier with them than the other brands you tried.
So you are saying your capri out perform the snap-on you have used?I’d recommend Capri. I use them professionally and they are excellent. Can take a lot. Never broken one. I have the same sized set as my coworkers Blue Point sets the Capri was way cheaper by about $200 the Blue Point set is not worth it. I’ve used the Kobalt and Craftsman and usually they do break or twist. I can’t tell you how many Snap-on ones I’ve twisted too. Tekton is also good too on the same level as Capri. I even use mine on impacts a lot and haven’t had a problem with them. That’s the brand I’d recommend. You will be much happier with them than the other brands you tried.
BlakeTheCarGuy
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yes surprisingly. And everyone here knows how I like Snap-on.So you are saying your capri out perform the snap-on you have used?
71firebird400
Well-known member
- Joined
- Oct 25, 2016
- Messages
- 142
Proto and Snap-On have both proven to be very strong. Surprisingly the Neiko brand on Amazon that they practically give away has also been very impressive.
infinite97
Well-known member
I use my 3/8” stubbies most often, my metric is snap-on because I needed it right then, my SAE is sunex. No issues with either.
My 3/8” extra-long ball end sets are both snap-on. They’re only used on specific, very hard to access tasks - I can’t risk a cheap brand rounding the fasteners.
My 1/2” are GP. Had them for ~12 years. No issues. Have cut / modified a few of them.
My 3/8” extra-long ball end sets are both snap-on. They’re only used on specific, very hard to access tasks - I can’t risk a cheap brand rounding the fasteners.
My 1/2” are GP. Had them for ~12 years. No issues. Have cut / modified a few of them.
Professional Tool User
Well-known member
My vote goes to VIM. With hex and torx sockets, the main concern is breakage, which will eventually happen under heavy use regardless of the brand. Fit is a secondary issue. It makes more sense to buy new hardware if it isn't expensive to make your life easier. Hardware located in places where they go through too many heat cycles become brittle over time.
CHI_Tool&Die
Well-known member
So for a long time on this board I have recommended Proto. BUT the prices today, even with the elusive 20% Zoro coupons are ungodly high. And Proto has gotten lazy and started machining the tips for smaller sizes so you have a 3mm machined tip on a 6mm shank and that ***** if you break it cause you cannot simply grind it down nor does it always allow access with a larger shank. My last Tekton ones, which I also used to recommend, have sucked hard. Broke two and the fit hasn’t been as great. Wright/Martin are nice but again stupid expensive and machined. I have some Williams on order to test them out.
I’d agree with Blake, the Capri are a really nicely rounded set. They are uniformed sized bits and the set encompasses all the sizes you’d need. Plus I like the shallower bit exposure. The only negatives I have are that Capri does a mixed set so some will be 1/4, 3/8, etc. I’d rather be able to grab a whole set in one drive size or another. I’ve also had issues with the sockets fitting loosely on my extensions and certain ratchets. I gave away my first set only to recently come around and buy another. I have yet to break any and they are affordable. I’d also check out NAPA’s Carlyle sets. A bit more money but also more diversified. I just can’t justify the MiUSA stuff when the Taiwanese stuff is just as good if not better.
I’d agree with Blake, the Capri are a really nicely rounded set. They are uniformed sized bits and the set encompasses all the sizes you’d need. Plus I like the shallower bit exposure. The only negatives I have are that Capri does a mixed set so some will be 1/4, 3/8, etc. I’d rather be able to grab a whole set in one drive size or another. I’ve also had issues with the sockets fitting loosely on my extensions and certain ratchets. I gave away my first set only to recently come around and buy another. I have yet to break any and they are affordable. I’d also check out NAPA’s Carlyle sets. A bit more money but also more diversified. I just can’t justify the MiUSA stuff when the Taiwanese stuff is just as good if not better.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Its the nature of the beast. Very few companies offer modified profiles to prevent damage.I'm looking for a set of hex head sockets that won't give up/ruin head bolts when removing them.
You might consider Wera. Their hex plus profile has machined reliefs on each flat so there is more contact area with the fastener, instead of the sharp corners digging in.
https://www-de.wera.de/en/great-tools/hex-plus/