Impact socket: GP, SK, Proto or Snap-on?

[e.ghillino]

Hi all,

I need a set of deep metric impact sockets and I just can't decide which one.

After reading various post on the forum I restricted the selection to the following candidates:

Grey Pneumatic (GP) 1326MD, cost ~ 140
http://www.gpsocket.com/index.cfm?event=setview&productsetid=22301&id=4576

SK 4047, cost ~270
http://www.skhandtool.com/products/impact-sockets/product.aspx?ID=3420&view=view

Proto (J)74216, cost ~350
http://www.stanleyproto.com/default...216&strSiteName=PROTO&strDefaultCatalog=PROTO

Snap-on 325SIMM, cost ~800
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=81829&group_ID=20767&store=snapon-

The general consensus seams to be that GP impact sockets are great, but I would be willing to spend a little more for better quality. Now which one of the above upgrades makes the most sense for the price?
I feel that not necessarily spending more the quality is better, I read a few complaints on the Snap-on impact sockets rusting easily, even though they look awesome.

Please help!

Thanks.
Ciao,
Enrico

 

[Skin]

Many companies make quality impacts. What you'd be spending more for would be domestic [USA] vs import [Taiwan/China]. Sunex and GP and to a lesser extent GearWrench, all offer very affordable sets and are without a doubt the best bang to buck ratio. They also often come in molded cases which is handy for storage. My complaint with the first two is they rely on etching as opposed to stamping for displaying their sizes. GP i know doesnt roll stamp their sockets and i believe Sunex stopped doing it as well.

Impacts will rust in the right environment and more so if you're a weekend warrior and they dont see much use. I have Proto's that arent older than 8 months and a number of them have got a little bit of rust. Its just because they dont get used that often and are stored in a less than dry environment. Brand wont save you there storing in a dry environment and keeping them oiled will.

Honestly you could buy any of the sets you listed, and many more you didnt, blind and be perfectly happy. Its one of those tools that just about everyone does well.

 

[Farmrod]

buy the GP you wont be disappointed

Chris

 

[boogerboy72]

use gp's all day, wouldn't think about any other.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

buy the GP you wont be disappointed

Chris

I don't have any GP but the price sure is tempting
Tony

 

[jay50]

Expand your list of choices and include Craftsman.
Pick them up on sale and save you some coin.

I use them professionally and they are great.

 

[ToolsDelivered.com]

Snap On tools has an industrial tool division (Snap-On Industrial) that Snap-On employed sales people market directly.

Snap On also has an industrial tool division (J.H.Williams Tool Group) that is marketed through only private tool distributors.

Williams has USA made impact sockets and imported sockets both, and the country of origin is clearly marked on the website and the catalog. USA made sockets of any industrial company are usually made to federal specs because of US Government and Military buying.

http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Content/16.htm

 

[Even 11]

I have the S-K ones and really love them. If you can track down a set or wait a month or 2 I'd recommend these!

-Dane

 

[Fedwrench]

If you're considering Grey Pneumatic, you should also consider Sunex unless you don't like red plastic boxes. They're virtually the same aside from the packaging.
How often do you see yourself using the larger sockets over 27mm? I'm asking because Sears runs their 1/2 drive deep metric socket set on sale for about $45 but, the sizes stop at 27mm. You could complement the on sale craftsman set with an axle nut socket set from KD, OTC or any other brands as they're rebadged by many. Check ebay to explore more options and compare prices on grey pneumatic and sunex socket sets at tooltopia.com also consider the smaller sizes found in some sets, I've never used a 1/2 drive 10mm socket.

 

[pdizzleinmt]

i love my gp's. plus you cant really beat the price

 

[mrbreezeet1]

If you're considering Grey Pneumatic, you should also consider Sunex unless you don't like red plastic boxes. They're virtually the same aside from the packaging.

I have the sunex 3/8" impact universals for many years, have been great sockets.

I've never used a 1/2 drive 10mm socket.

I use mine all the time, but thats just me.

Thanks,
Tony

 

[e.ghillino]

Thank you all for your precious comments!

So GP seems to confirm the positive reviews I read.

It's true I should have added Craftsman to the list, I also saw that people are satisfied with their sockets.

Very interesting indeed the suggestion on J.H. Williams Tool Group! I didn't even know it.
I went on their website and I found one set that would work for me at page 221 of their catalog, code MS-14-24RC :
http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Cat-21-1-225/Deep_Sockets_Impact.htm

I did a quick search and this set is sold on Ebay for 270 dollars and it really looks like the Snap-on one! Does anybody know what is the difference between the two? Here is the link:
http://compare.ebay.com/like/270682302837?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

Thanks again, it is great to hear your opinions!

Ciao,
Enrico

 

[AdamsAutoAdvice]

Craftsman/Ingersoll Rand

The Craftsman impacts currently available are rebranded Ingersoll Rands to my understanding. Supposedly they are very good quality for the money. I would consider checking them out.

 

[pipsters]

I bought the SK 4047 that you have linked. Paid $233 on January 31st of this year. I like them.

I also bought the Craftsman 52 piece impact set as well. Paid $152(?) for it. They are my usual "go to" impact set. I wish they made a set like the SK's have though, 10-36mm.

I wanted an encompassing set including axle nut sockets (I have rented Advance Auto Parts set 5x now). I also wanted USA. And I kinda just bought the SK's because I wanted to have them.

What I've learned is unlike chrome sockets, impacts are basically a wear item. They are constantly pounding against a nut or bolt and the drive end and socket end will wear over time. That means (to me) they are a consumable, and I would like to have them easily replaceable, and don't absolutely need to be US made.

What I would do differently, if wanting to stay USA as much as possible:

• Buy the Craftsman set again, they are really good and easily replaced, and cover all common SAE and metric needs you will ever have.
• Buy the Harbor Freight axle nut set. Why? Axle nut sockets take a POUNDING, my 30mm SK socket is already starting to get a little wear on the drive end. With HF's axle nut socket, I just take it in and get it replaced.

If you don't care about USA, but do care about quality:
Buy the Sunex or GP 26 piece sets

Sunex over GP because you can't mail the GP sockets back into GP, they have to go thru an authorized dealer. The *only* online authorized GP dealer is www.toolsource.net (yes I called GP).

Not that you will ever have to warranty an impact, I really can't see it unless you wear the suckers out. Which is unlikely for a home DIY scenario. But those big sockets really do get some wear on them quick (I would guess all do). Actually it might be better that way, as either the socket wears or the anvil tip wears.

I'm actually going to be picking up the Sunex 10-36mm 12 point set here in the future for those 12 point axle nuts (like my wife's VW). No US companies make 12 point sets that I can see.

I do own a 10-19mm 12 point SK set too, also bought "just to have". No real need. But I think it's neat to have them.

 

[pipsters]

Re: Craftsman/Ingersoll Rand

The Craftsman impacts currently available are rebranded Ingersoll Rands to my understanding. Supposedly they are very good quality for the money. I would consider checking them out.

I don't believe that to be true. IR's are imports and the Craftsmans are made by Danaher, I believe in Apex, NC but that might be inaccurate.

 

[ToolsDelivered.com]

Thank you all for your precious comments!

So GP seems to confirm the positive reviews I read.

It's true I should have added Craftsman to the list, I also saw that people are satisfied with their sockets.

Very interesting indeed the suggestion on J.H. Williams Tool Group! I didn't even know it.
I went on their website and I found one set that would work for me at page 221 of their catalog, code MS-14-24RC :
http://www.jhwilliamstoolgroup.com/Cat-21-1-225/Deep_Sockets_Impact.htm

I did a quick search and this set is sold on Ebay for 270 dollars and it really looks like the Snap-on one! Does anybody know what is the difference between the two? Here is the link:
http://compare.ebay.com/like/270682302837?ltyp=AllFixedPriceItemTypes&var=sbar

Thanks again, it is great to hear your opinions!

Ciao,
Enrico

It is how they are distributed, warranty is the same, branded Williams of course.

Pretty good deal here: http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Williams-MS-14-24RC-Hand-Tools-Sockets-Drive-Tools-1-2-Inch-Drive-Impact-Metric-Socket-Sets

Snap-On uses Williams to compete with Armstrong, Proto, SK, & Wright because they are also sold through private distributors also. Think of it like Snap-On Industrial uses it's own sales employees to sell the Snap-On on huge contracts to Boeing & Exxon , and it uses private distributors to sell Williams to small manufacturers, smaller businesses, and individuals.

 

[Fedwrench]

Re: Craftsman/Ingersoll Rand

The Craftsman impacts currently available are rebranded Ingersoll Rands to my understanding. Supposedly they are very good quality for the money. I would consider checking them out.

That would be incorrect. Craftsman impact sockets are made in Armstrong factories and each socket has USA stamped on it.

 

[wafrederick]

GP makes great impact sockets and you will have to buy from somewhere else if you pick GP.Matco no longer sells them,dropped them.My dealer does not sell them on the truck anymore,he did get the letter and email on this.IR's impact sockets are made overseas,in Taiwan.I have one 12 point impact socket so far,a 12 point 12mm 1/2 drive shallow Matco impact socket and I use this one on Ford driveshaft bolts most of the time

 

[kams1973]

Genius is another brand you may want to consider.

 

[diesel research]

My complaint with the first two is they rely on etching as opposed to stamping for displaying their sizes. GP i know doesnt roll stamp their sockets and i believe Sunex stopped doing it as well.

People have made this claim before but I have saw no proof what so ever to back up the lack of sunex stamping. 2 days ago a member received his, they were stamped.

As for the etching itself, I wouldn't worry too much. Just found a craftsman floating around in the box that had all of the black phosphate rubbed off from use. The etching was still clear and legible, even though the socket now looks like a crappy chrome job.

Mentioned this before, will say it again. Not sure whats going on, but taiwanese coating is far more durable than most USA coatings. Not just in appearance, but rust protection. Even did a wire wheel test on my snap on vs sunex. The sunex would barely come off even though it is atleast 7 years old. The snap ons are a few months old (as far as actual use goes). Most have rusted quite a bit even in regular use/cleaning/oiling. (it is humid here)

Why don't I run exclusively sunex? They are beefy sockets. Occasionally a bit too beefy. Snap ons are a bit thinner and have never broke either. The snappys square drive does seem to get hammered and deformed/mushroomed out a little easier. I really outta use a die grinder and dress some of the sharp edges that are forming.

There are some kobalt/williams USA impacts floating around. A bit better, but still crappy coating and bulky. The single craftsman must be another techs.

The snappy became REAL easy to read after wire brushing due to the large numbers.

The protos/wrights I used are of sizes so big you will never likely see them in person or buy them. I didn't either, they were company purchased and many in 1-1/2" drive size. 3" to 4-1/2" usually.

 

[dirtrider]

I'll vouch for the Craftsman's I have both metric and standard 1/2 deep impact sets from 12-27mm and 3/8 - 1 1/16 and they are a few years old, not the new laser etched ones. And they have lasted really good no rust at all and haven't had to replace any yet, not even close. But I don't use impact sockets a whole lot either. I haven't tried either Sunex or GP but hear good things. Matco did sell GP until they came out with their ADV sockets and GP did not wan't to do business with Matco anymore. I don't know what you mean by a little bit of money but Sunex and GP are considerably cheaper than Snapon/Matco but if I had the money right now to blow I would buy the Snapon's no questions asked, but depending on the price point your willing to pay Sunex,GP and Craftsman are probably close and a lot less expensive.

 

[dwm]

You might try something like Eezox for rust protection. It's been working for me here in Michigan, even on the tools that see lots of condensation cycles (in the detached garage).

For weekend warrior, I like the GP Duo-Socket.

 

[diesel research]

http://www.gpsocket.com/index.cfm?event=pageview&contentPieceID=807

Any Grey Pneumatic products that have been purchased from an UNAUTHORIZED dealer (Including, but not limited to - traditional retailer, mail order outlet, or online dealer) WILL NOT be honored or serviced under the existing Grey Pneumatic warranty policy. Grey Pneumatic is aware of numerous instances in which unauthorized dealers exist, most prevalent are internet re-sellers with no warehouse, storefront or live customer service. These companies are not authorized and generally provide no service after the sale. Grey Pneumatic sells premium products only through authorized Warehouse Distributors, Mobile Tool Distributors, Retail Store Fronts or their online representation to insure that Grey Pneumatic customers obtain quality pre-sale and after-sale support and service. PROTECT YOUR WARRANTY, buy from an authorized Grey Pneumatic dealer or authorized on-line dealer. If you are not sure that a dealer is authorized, please check with us by email or phone, we will be happy to direct you to the nearest authorized dealer.

Make sure your supplier is approved.

______________________________

Hi all, FedEx just delivered a package today that I ordered from Tooltopia a couple days ago. ...1/2" standard and metric Sunex impact set.
Anyway just wanted to say the impacts are very nice and I like the fact they laser marked them along with engraving for the sizes. They feel very heavy duty and have a great finish. T

 

[Skin]

People have made this claim before but I have saw no proof what so ever to back up the lack of sunex stamping. 2 days ago a member received his, they were stamped.

If i'm wrong, i'm wrong. I only assumed that because on the site you cannot see one position where there is a stamp displayed.

if I had the money right now to blow I would buy the Snapon's no questions asked

I find their pricing on things like the above mentioned larger impact set and other things like their larger combo sets disgusting personally. Snap-On stuff is obviously expensive, nothing new there, but $810 for 25 sockets? Might as well ask if they give you a reach around when they put you over the counter. Thats at least tripple quite a few other domestic brand sets and nearly 6x more than Sunex/GP.

 

[TheGrooveking]

I was in Berland's House of Tools this last week looking at Grey Pneumatic impact sockets and grabbed a catalog while there. In reading the catalog I saw a note that made me think, it was "Wipe down Grey Pneumatic impact sockets with non-deterent oil to help keep them from rusting". Now this may not seem like a big deal, but I don't think most people are using non-detergent oil, which the detergents can cause problems, one of which may be to help remove the definition of the laser etching.

TheGrooveking

 

[TheGrooveking]

Alos worth noting the Gearwrench sockets are decent, but their cases are set up so that sockets are in both halves of the case, so to place them in your toolbox in an open position you'll take up twice the space, versus the Sunex or Grey Pneumatic sets.

TheGrooveking

 

[CLee0507]

The Sunex set I got above in the picture (the metric) the lid can't be removed unless you cut it off. The SAE set looks like it might come apart. Maybe the case is different for the regular & deep combo sets, I don't know. I just store them closed in the case anyway though so it doesn't bother me.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I find their pricing on things like the above mentioned larger impact set and other things like their larger combo sets disgusting personally. Snap-On stuff is obviously expensive, nothing new there, but $810 for 25 sockets? Might as well ask if they give you a reach around when they put you over the counter. Thats at least tripple quite a few other domestic brand sets and nearly 6x more than Sunex/GP.

Right! Nice tools, nice fit and finish, nice feel for the most part,
But Too Damm High for a lot of there stuff!
$800.plus for 25 sockets, sorry, not happening here.

Quote:
Originally Posted by
Hi all, FedEx just delivered a package today that I ordered from Tooltopia a couple days ago. ...1/2" standard and metric Sunex impact set.
Anyway just wanted to say the impacts are very nice ..............>>SNIP

CLee0507, does Tooltopia handle the warranty on these or is there local retailers that can handle the warranty?
Thanks, Tony

 

[LawnDart79]

I also wouldn't rule out Wright Tool Co. I have a few of their tools and love them. They make awesome impact sockets.

http://www.wrighttool.com/

 

[diesel research]

Would not call SO "nice" finish. mediocre or ok is much more accurate. Impact sockets need not be a thing of beauty so long as they work. Just saying the finish coating isn't a lot more than a sharpie marker in appearance. lol Lot of bare metal splotches showing through on some unused swivels here. That's ok if these don't rust overnight like some of the 3/8 drive stuff. Pretty strong, as I haven't had to warranty any. Fit in tighter locations, hence the purchase of a few.

Solely as far as appearance/finish, think back to craftsman vs snap on as far as chrome plating quality goes. Except in this case we are talking black phosphate and snap on is the craftsman in the analogy.

______________

Never saw sunex in a B&M retailer except for northern tool, then again they seem bullet proof enough. If I get 10 years of use out of them (VERY easy) I won't bat an eye to buy an open stock replacement. That 4140 alloy stamped on the side of them seems to be tuff stuff.

If you are a bit leery on quality, buy a single open stock impact socket from them. One that you use hard on a daily basis, and try it out. Worst case scenario is out $4-$5 (which could get replaced later)

 

[jammer1001]

I got a set of GP's from my Mac guy and there great!! The price was write and the case makes for great storage.

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Would not call SO "nice" finish. mediocre or ok is much more accurate. Impact sockets need not be a thing of beauty so long as they work. Just saying the finish coating isn't a lot more than a sharpie marker in appearance. lol Lot of bare metal splotches showing through on some unused swivels here. That's ok if these don't rust overnight like some of the 3/8 drive stuff. Pretty strong, as I haven't had to warranty any. Fit in tighter locations, hence the purchase of a few.

Solely as far as appearance/finish, think back to craftsman vs snap on as far as chrome plating quality goes. Except in this case we are talking black phosphate and snap on is the craftsman in the analogy.

Yeah, impacts that is true, I guess nice fit and finish I am thinking more of the SO chrome plated ratchets and chrome plated wrenches.
The metric combination wrench set and the 3/8 drive chrome metric deep well set I have, and I have the chrome 3/8 drive metric and SAE universal sets, also a 1/4" drive metric universal set.
A few chrome plated ratchets, and some extensions, and a hand-full of 1/2" drive impact swivel sockets.
They are all pretty nice.
But it's not like I have ALL SO like some guys.
I could never afford it, nor do I think you need it.
Like I said the sunex 3/8 drive impact swivel socket sets ,metric and SAE, have served me well for a # of years.
Only broke 1 sunex swivel socket, and the NAPA REP got it warranted for me.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[diesel research]

Yes their chrome is pretty nice. They also have very nice stampings on the impact sockets. Gets easier to read as the coating flakes/rubs off.

Napa sells sunex? I know they did/do sell GP, didn't know about sunex.

 

[jhelrey]

I was going to buy GP from the Mac guy but I looked online and found them much cheaper at Tooltopia. I used the Mac guy to buy the missing sockets that I wanted for kicks and grins.

I beat the hell out of them and they are doing very well!

 

[mrbreezeet1]

Yes their chrome is pretty nice. T

Napa sells sunex? I know they did/do sell GP, didn't know about sunex.

Not 100% sure, he got it warranted for me, not sure if they sell it or not. I know it took him a while, so maybe not.
I know I got them originally off a gypsy tool truck.
Thanks,
Tony

 

[mrbreezeet1]

I was going to buy GP from the Mac guy but I looked online and found them much cheaper at Tooltopia. I used the Mac guy to buy the missing sockets that I wanted for kicks and grins.

I beat the hell out of them and they are doing very well!

OK, but can/will Tooltopia handle warranty if needed?
Thanks, Tony

 

[simonb]

get the toptul set
$100, good quality
they wont break unless used improperly

 

[TheGrooveking]

I also wouldn't rule out Wright Tool Co. I have a few of their tools and love them. They make awesome impact sockets.

http://www.wrighttool.com/

Wright for the win! Hiball turned me on to these, I like them better than any other brand including Snap On and Matco. Of course the Wrights are more expensive than the Sunex or GP's, but they're still half the price of Snap On.

TheGrooveking

 

[wornoutoldman]

Made in USA Williams or Snap on scourced from ebay or craigslist would be my choice.

 

[e.ghillino]

Thanks for all the pointers you guys gave me.

I'm intrigued by the J.H Williams, they look exactly like the S.O (skinny with long nose, the size is stamped not laser etched) and the price this time is right:
http://www.toolsdelivered.com/Willi...ools-1-2-Inch-Drive-Impact-Metric-Socket-Sets

I wonder what the difference is, of course the S.O. logo by itself is very cool, but 600 bucks for it?

Thanks again.
Ciao,
Enrico