hex sockets

[defed]

i think it was mentioned here, but i did find some 'blackhawk by proto'....i think they were 12 pc sets of standard length for what looks like a good price, especially compared to other brands that only have 7 pc sets. haven't bought anything yet, too many choices.

 

[NC-Fordguy]

Carlye. Just to stir the pot

 

[Bouchard93]

has for keys I would suggest these

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B00132CGTW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

and for sockets i would suggest these

http://www.amazon.com/dp/B003733KH2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

I got both and has a heavy DIY'er not a problem one

 

[Outlawmws]

Bouchard, tell that girl in your Avy to put the damn tools away and stop playin' around!

 

[hifi_hokie]

IMHO Hex keys & hex sockets, drill bits, easy outs, and tap & die sets.... Buy the best you can find. It usually makes the difference between a job completed or not.

Also can be filed under "things that fail in annoying and time-consuming ways".

Good to know that people have had good luck with Proto hexes. From reading around here, it seemed like you had to go gold Snap-On or nothing

 

[Hiball]

From reading around here, it seemed like you had to go gold Snap-On or nothing

Just because someone "Recommends" a certain Brand or Style of tool for that matter doesnt mean its the Gospel, or its the ONLY Brand that can be used to complete a task. I do believe that is the "Source" of alot of tension around this place.. A question is Asked? 20 people give Similar Opinions on a Tool and the 5 guys who think Brand X is better than Brand Y.. get Bent.

IMO ONLY.. There are Lots of Good Tool Brands, I Honestly Feel Snap on excels in certain Areas, Torx/Hex/Snap Ring Pliers/Drive Bits/Pics/Flare Wrenches/Ratchets to Name a Few.. As state above.. This doesnt mean everything else is Junk, Nor should you go without, just because you cant ascertain Snap on.

Thats Silly...

 

[PAPERMAKER]

I use Proto at work every day and have had to replace one 1/4in xtra long one so far in 3 years

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/PROTO-Socket-Set-1AF35?Pid=search

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/PROTO-Socket-Set-1AF34?Pid=search

 

[diesel research]

I use Proto at work every day and have had to replace one 1/4in xtra long one so far in 3 years

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/PROTO-Socket-Set-1AF35?Pid=search

i use this set mostly. The 5/16 sure looks like it might let go someday, but keeps hanging in there. the corner "splines" have definitely twisted a few degrees.

 

[Spudland_Dave]

Just because someone "Recommends" a certain Brand or Style of tool for that matter doesnt mean its the Gospel, or its the ONLY Brand that can be used to complete a task.

Amen!

That being said...I use alot of hex sockets for various set screws on shafts, etc. For years I had Craftsman versions...they were OK, did the job, but I broke alot of them (must have been on my 6th 3/16th socket), then recently between them closing the Sears in town and the fact I've got a great relationship with my Snappy Guy, when I break my Cman's I replace with SnapOn. I must admit the 3/16th SnapOn does seem much stronger then the Craftsman. Thats just purely my observation & feel in the hand when using it.

I've got a set of 1/4" Drive Armstrongs which are also nice.

 

[defed]

any one ever use sockets such as these? they appear to be 'one piece', but are made for 'impact' and are proto's lower end offering, so i'd think they should be a bit heavier duty. you can see better if you click 'enlarge image' and zoom in some. they look kind of stubby tho, perhaps for more durability for impact.

i found a set for a really decent price, and i could add the blackhawk/proto 12 pc sets for metric and SAE and have a set from 1/16"-3/4" and 2-19mm for about $120 total. still leaves me needing some long bits, but this seems like it may be the way to go.

http://www.grainger.com/Grainger/BL...8&srccode=cii_10043468&cpncode=31-149882786-2

 

[71goldss]

I bought this set last year based on many great reviews. I haven't had a chance to use much yet, but they look like good quality.

http://www.foxruntools.com/32pc-master-hex-bit-socket-set-part-atd-13783.aspx

I also bought the master torx set at the same time. I've used it a few times with no problems. I'm very happy with it.

http://www.foxruntools.com/72pc-master-torx-bit-skt-set-part-atd-13772.aspx

 

[defed]

is that the place you bought them from? did some reading on them, seems they are made in taiwan, and possibly the same/as good as vim and cornwell.

 

[71goldss]

is that the place you bought them from? did some reading on them, seems they are made in taiwan, and possibly the same/as good as vim and cornwell.

Yep, and I believe I got both sets for around $100 total and free shipping. Shipping was real quick too, and they accept PayPal, which is what I prefer myself.

 

[defed]

looks like about $110 for both (now), have to check shipping. don't really need the torx set, but if shipping for the hex is, let's say $15, and free w/ both, then it would be worth getting both.

 

[jptbay]

i see genius has quite a few set variations, but i've never heard or used them before.

Genius bit sockets are very good. One of the snap-on dealers on this site recommends them as well FWIW.

I have several sets. SAE, Metric, Torx, and triple square. Never let me down yet.

 

[71goldss]

looks like about $110 for both (now), have to check shipping. don't really need the torx set, but if shipping for the hex is, let's say $15, and free w/ both, then it would be worth getting both.

I come up with $104.13. Not too much over the $100 since purchasing mine. That torx set comes in real handy. Very glad I bought it!

 

[defed]

you are correct, i was rounding on my initial estimate. free shipping at $100, otherwise it's $9.95.

 

[71goldss]

Here's another interesting thread.

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=165813

 

[defed]

was just reading that one a little while ago.

 

[bmwboy]

Here's a little trick I've done for years. Saves you some money too. Instead of getting the long length hex sockets, get yourself a set of Allen sockets and cut off the small side of the 'L'. Stick that in your regular 6 point socket. I use a little dum dum to get it to stay in if in an awkward spot. Hope this helps

 

[defed]

heck, should have just bought 2 sets of inexpensive sockets and L keys and made long and short sets! i know ppl have used L keys to replace the broken allen, but for some reason, it never occurred to me to make the whole thing. even if one bought 'cheaper' sockets and better L's, the socket more than likely won't be the weak part.

i ordered the ATD set along from fox run.

 

[muck0nator]

we had the standard and metric short hex sets at work both for 49 bucks at napa, ive only ever used a hex socket a few times so i didnt bother getting them but looks like it would of been a decent buy for you

 

[marcone]

Here's a little trick I've done for years. Saves you some money too. Instead of getting the long length hex sockets, get yourself a set of Allen sockets and cut off the small side of the 'L'. Stick that in your regular 6 point socket. I use a little dum dum to get it to stay in if in an awkward spot. Hope this helps

Tried that at first but wasn't happy. A normal socket has some play build into it that makes the whole thing flimsy and also the wall of the normal socket is much less beefy than that of the hex socket, making it prone to breaking in high torque application.
Picture below of a 3/8 6mm Gedore hex socket and 3/8 6mm normal Draper socket.

 

[bmwboy]

youre right it is a little smaller on the walls. ive yet to have that set up break but im sure its possible.