Is Snap On Flank Drive what I need?
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isb cornbinder
Well-known member
Yes.
Yes, price is no object.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
I think you must mean Flank Drive Xtra? The "plus" in Flank Drive Plus is for the open end of a wrench.
Yes. Sorry about that.
Walkers
Well-known member
Both are flank drive, the plus sockets are a little thicker with deeper grooves to make pulling the sockets off easier. I would have poo pooed the deeper grooves, but I recently finished a very oily repair project that was nothing but 8mm, 10mm, and 12mm sockets. I had to keep a flat blade screwdriver handy for swapping sockets.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
This video is decent:
They describe the FDX as an everyday socket, not specialty. From what I've seen I don't think they would mar a fastener like an fd+ wrench does but have no first hand experience with them.
Money no object I think I'd go with the Xtra. Snappy's own ratchets are some of the worst for socket removal (especially when new) and I have lots ,so the inset band would sell me.
They describe the FDX as an everyday socket, not specialty. From what I've seen I don't think they would mar a fastener like an fd+ wrench does but have no first hand experience with them.
Money no object I think I'd go with the Xtra. Snappy's own ratchets are some of the worst for socket removal (especially when new) and I have lots ,so the inset band would sell me.
Thanks. My FL80 is a bear to get sockets off sometimes.
Sorry, but I want Snap On. Price isn't an issue for me.
plinker
Well-known member
I have some semi deep FDX sockets, I'm not sure I'd want to use them as go to's as they fit pretty tight on new hardware. I dont see them marring/damaging bolts (I dont think any socket will except a turbo socket).
I like them for rusted away hardware where the hex was 13mm and is now considerably less, but a 12mm is too small to fit. Rusty bolts would get stuck in the socket. I use impact sockets most of the time FWIW.
I like them for rusted away hardware where the hex was 13mm and is now considerably less, but a 12mm is too small to fit. Rusty bolts would get stuck in the socket. I use impact sockets most of the time FWIW.
Shop-hound
Well-known member
Snap on does advertise the FDX as an everyday, but in actual use I found (and there are some other threads on here about it) the nuts/bolt heads get stuck in the damn things as the clearance is so tight. They are great for rounded or corroded fasteners, but in my experience a specialty socket.
For everyday sockets standard flank drive for sure. Make sure to get the semi deeps too. You will be surprised how handy they are and are my first grab.
For everyday sockets standard flank drive for sure. Make sure to get the semi deeps too. You will be surprised how handy they are and are my first grab.
I get it. Just pointing out that you're fretting over nothing. When money is no object, just get whatever is the latest. Don't even need to start a thread for it.
garfunkle24
Well-known member
I am glad we've had some hands-on users posting. After reading the OP's thread I was curious about them myself.
Boogerman
Well-known member
For cost no object, and mostly good condition fasteners, I'd take slightly different approach. Not knocking choice of Snap-on, I have 1/4, 3/8, 1/2" drive, regular and deep of them. Some would call me fanboy; I just have bought best could get that I liked, when cost was no object. Posters like dchawk81 don't get it, even when they say they do. Their bias is towards saving money, not getting the best available. Biased towards "best value", not best, and presume cost no object buyers buy for the prestige and newest shiny thing, not because of preference.
However, in your case, for the use described, unless you prefer Snap-on, or want them for the premier name/brand, I'd get my hands on a few different ones, and buy ones that feel best and work best with your ratchets. Your Snap-on dealer will be glad to let you try some. If you can get your hands on some Proto and Wright, try them. If you have any hope of touching Ko-ken, try them. My own personal preference is Snap-on in 1/4" drive, Proto in 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I own complete sets of both Proto and Snap-on in those drives, SAE and Metric, regular and deep, so that's preference choice, not bias towards what I own, and certainly not bias towards "best for the price". I own only Proto in 3/4", but have owned Snap-on and Williams partial sets in the past, in 3/4" I have no preference, but bought only one complete set, and that was Proto. I have also owned Wright, Indestro, Matco, Craftsman, Bonney, SK, Williams import and Williams USA, and a few odd others. I tried to like German sockets, but can't get to liking the matte finish. My preference has boiled down to the two above choices. MAC would be in running if weren't hard to get. I've liked few MAC I've owned from time to time. My choice has been arrived at by preference, not necessarily that others were deficient. If you try a few different ones, your preference might well be something else.
I have not tried FDX Snap-on, but would definitely be worth trying them to see how feel and work. If they're irritating to put on and off the bolts, I'd definitely pass.
Preferences are different, different people, some here love semi-deep; I try, was underwhelmed. Think now in a vehicle box, not kept in the shop. Many like 6 point, I prefer 12 and have both to choose from. Some like matte, I like full polish. Choose what you like, highest prestige brand not necessarily best for your use, but definitely if cost no object pick a top tier brand, not Carlyle or Tekton or Toptul or Dewalt.
However, in your case, for the use described, unless you prefer Snap-on, or want them for the premier name/brand, I'd get my hands on a few different ones, and buy ones that feel best and work best with your ratchets. Your Snap-on dealer will be glad to let you try some. If you can get your hands on some Proto and Wright, try them. If you have any hope of touching Ko-ken, try them. My own personal preference is Snap-on in 1/4" drive, Proto in 3/8" and 1/2" drive. I own complete sets of both Proto and Snap-on in those drives, SAE and Metric, regular and deep, so that's preference choice, not bias towards what I own, and certainly not bias towards "best for the price". I own only Proto in 3/4", but have owned Snap-on and Williams partial sets in the past, in 3/4" I have no preference, but bought only one complete set, and that was Proto. I have also owned Wright, Indestro, Matco, Craftsman, Bonney, SK, Williams import and Williams USA, and a few odd others. I tried to like German sockets, but can't get to liking the matte finish. My preference has boiled down to the two above choices. MAC would be in running if weren't hard to get. I've liked few MAC I've owned from time to time. My choice has been arrived at by preference, not necessarily that others were deficient. If you try a few different ones, your preference might well be something else.
I have not tried FDX Snap-on, but would definitely be worth trying them to see how feel and work. If they're irritating to put on and off the bolts, I'd definitely pass.
Preferences are different, different people, some here love semi-deep; I try, was underwhelmed. Think now in a vehicle box, not kept in the shop. Many like 6 point, I prefer 12 and have both to choose from. Some like matte, I like full polish. Choose what you like, highest prestige brand not necessarily best for your use, but definitely if cost no object pick a top tier brand, not Carlyle or Tekton or Toptul or Dewalt.
Buckgnarly
Well-known member
I'll agree with others, the FDX+ is great for worn rusted stuff, but I would NOT want to use them for eveything.
Sounds like you need to buy some semi deep! Agree on the 1/4" SO sockets, they're the best I've used, although I like their 1/2" chrome too. I'm less taken with their 3/8 chrome, prefer my Sealey Premier (imported, probably China) 3/8" regular/deep, feels stronger and nicer in the hands.
I started the thread because I wanted to know if the regular Flank Drive is more appropriate for everyday use with fasteners in good condition.
Regular Flank Drive is what you want in the majority of situations. Almost every single modern socket will have some version of Flank Drive, as the patent expired ages ago.
Dakotadadv8
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I have SO FD sockets and will add FDX sockets deep in all 3 drives, $ is not an issue buy the best you can afford.
It's almost impossible to find non flank drive in any brand, even on the cheapest of cheap box end wrenches.
That's why I said you can literally use anything on good condition fasteners.
VolvoRyan
Well-known member
Snap-On's 20 year patent for "Flank Drive" expired in the late 1980's, so every tool by every brand made since has "flank-drive".
If you want Snap-On, go for it. They make a heck of a nice socket.
-Ryan
If you want Snap-On, go for it. They make a heck of a nice socket.
-Ryan
Replace???
What's wrong with your Craftsman sockets? Don't get me wrong, I certainly do not blame you for wanting a new set of sockets and Snap on is a fine choice..... But in my world, I don't REPLACE any of my tools if they're not broken, I simply ADD to my tools. If I was in your shoes, I would be ADDING a Snap on set TO my existing Craftsman set. It's okay for a guy to have more than one set of sockets. lol.
Congrats on the new Snap on sockets. Enjoy them. I certainly enjoy my SO tools....
I'll be giving my old Craftsman sockets to my daughter.
Dakotadadv8
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OP I would give your daughter the Flank Drive Sockets and keep the FDX. That is how I am justifying buying 12 sets of FDX sockets, 1/4, 3/8, and 1/2 drive shallow and deep metric and sae over a period of time. Keep the $ flowing.
Kurt4440
Well-known member
Does your daughter work on projects with you? Typically, I help my daughter with her projects.
Are you updating your toolbox(es) and other tools as well?
She bought her first house and I'm giving her some of my old Craftsman stuff as a starter essential tool set for a homeowner.
I have a complete set of 1970s-1980s vintage Craftsman tools that I got from my father. They are perfectly serviceable, except for the ratchets which I replaced with Snap On.
My plan is to slowly replace the Craftsman tools with Snap On and other Tier 1 tools and to give the Craftsman to my daughter.
I mean I have 6 point snap on for when it counts. But that don't mean nothin.
Good condition fasteners are so nothing that it's not even a thought.
When you're talking preferences, you don't need others to tell you what to buy.
2ndGearRubber
Well-known member
Do not buy FDX sockets for regular use. You'll be annoyed with having to force then onto things and fasteners getting stuck in them. FDX is a truly amazing product, and I've tried a lot of them for the rusted and rotten. Turbo sockets, matco 6 point spline, koken zeal, tons of brands of regular sockets. FDX laughs at them all.
Buy regular snap on sockets for regular use. FDX are a specialty item.
Koken zeal sockets are very nice. Thinner than snap on for a given size. Also shorter. Thus can be a plus or a minus. Again, a specialty item IMO. Zeal also skips sizes. Like 1/4 drive has no 15mm, or 9mm. What am I supposed to hammer onto a rotted out 10mm?
Buy regular snap on sockets for regular use. FDX are a specialty item.
Koken zeal sockets are very nice. Thinner than snap on for a given size. Also shorter. Thus can be a plus or a minus. Again, a specialty item IMO. Zeal also skips sizes. Like 1/4 drive has no 15mm, or 9mm. What am I supposed to hammer onto a rotted out 10mm?
Dave455
Well-known member
I have some of each.
I usually reckon that KoKen tools are about 90% of Snap On quality, for about 35% of the price (where I am).
There are many similarities. Both Snap On and KoKen are designed for the professional user, and both will take a lot of work. Both companies offer a huge range, but KoKen offer the most comprehensive.
Both companies have their fans, but in reality both offer products they excel at, and others where the competition wins. KoKen ratchets are nice, and great value, but the Snap On Dual 80’s are better. Koken hex and torx drivers however, are tougher than Snap On.
For sockets, Snap On win slightly on quality / toughness of finish, but KoKen are better value. If money is not an issue, stick with Snap On.
Understand what the Z Series tools are. They’re often described as KoKen’s “premium” line, but they’re really not. What they are, are tools specifically for automotive work, particularly on modern vehicles where space is tight. If you’re going to use them, and get the most out of them, you really need to get the Z series ratchets and accessories too.
The Z series sockets are a tight fit (they have tightened the tolerances considerably) but the tools are also as small as they can be, with relatively thin wall sockets. The short sockets are also low profile. This can be a big plus, but… in normal use if there is any appreciable bolt projecting through a nut, the socket won’t give full engagement.
For normal use you are better off using the regular line.
If you were to get the regular Snap On sockets, for normal use, and supplement with some KoKen Z Series for tight spaces, you would be well covered!
vssjim
ALLIANCE MEMBER
They stole it from Bonney Tools and had to pay after loosing in a court case Bonney had Loc-Rite way before Snap on stole it
Dakotadadv8
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If both of my kids want my Snap On tools they can have the FDX and the FD sockets. However they need to come over and help the old man do repairs and maintenance.
