Lisle tool company

[bareass172]

So as part of my Christmas shopping I decided to pull the trigger and get a set of the Lisle Tap Sockets (#70500) for myself. I'm sure many of you know that occasionally you get in a spot and need them, so they've been on my wish list forever. I considered the Irwin adjustables, but have always been happy with my Lisle stuff. I got them in and noticed what looked like cracked steel in the base of all of them. I knew that this wasn't integral to the socket working and was sure it was just some by-product of the manufacturing process that I wasn't familiar with, but having never seen this before I was curious so I dropped Lisle an email. This was the reply I got:

"What you are seeing down inside the Tap Sockets are broaching trees. With our equipment we use a square broach and press it into a round hole to make the 3/8” and 1/4” square drive openings on the socket. Most manufacturers have forging equipment to make sockets. Unfortunately Lisle Corporation does not have forging equipment. This is the process Lisle has used to make the Tap Sockets for over 20 years. Our manufacturing process doesn’t look as pretty as a forging process, but we are able to manufacture these sockets here in our plant in Clarinda, IA instead of having them made overseas."

I found this interesting and thought you guys might also, so I asked permission to post the response and here it is. Just a little piece of info on the process, pretty neat if you ask me.

On a side note, the engineer from Lisle who answered my question said he lurks here sometimes.

 

[muddinguy]

my Matco set is the same way

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

It's nice to see they gave you an informative response instead of some generic reply. Lisle generally makes solid tools at a great value and it sounds as though they haven't lost site on the importance of U.S. manufacturing (I know some of their stuff is imported). I've been meaning to pick up a set of these sockets for a while now.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

my Matco set is the same way

Likely because they are made by Lisle..........

 

[RedneckWelder]

my Matco set is the same way

Probably made by Lisle.


Re- broaching trees. Some of the drainplugs I see have these broaching trees in the square drive center. Sometimes I take a few seconds with a cold chisel and knock them out. Didn't know what they were called until now, I just knew they were left over from the manufacturing process.

The Lisle tap sockets are very nice. I don't use the tap handles that come in kits, those ****, I prefer a normal ratchet with a tap socket.

 

[nomonkeybus]

Yes I have noticed that as well.

 

[Stooge]

I've bought a few hex bit sockets from lisle last year and they looked the same way. I didnt really look into it, just figured that i didnt pay much for them and that was reflected in the processing. I do like them though.

 

[Flash and Flare]

I will continue to purchase Lisle merchandise. Earlier this year I had broken a couple torx bit sockets.
Their replacement policy was as painless as Sears from days gone by.
F&F

 

[stearn786]

My E torx set is the same way. I doubt it makes a difference to the longevity of the sockets if mine are any indication. I've beat them silly with my Snapon 3/8" impact and they've held up.

 

[blackwire]

My lisle hex bit sockets are also the same way. It does not seem to effect the performance in any way. In fact, they have held up much better than other sets I had previously.

 

[MFolks]

Wonderful to use in tight places, where even a long tap wrench would not fit. Works great with the sliding "T" bar tool.

 

[Flattie]

I must be an idiot, but is a tap socket a tool you put a thread tap in, then attach a ratchet on the other end?

 

[devoncoolman]

Yeah doesn't effect the use of the socket. Mine have it as well. As well as many other tools i have. Its there because the square is broached. Lisle could spend the time to remove all of the left over steel but the price would reflect this probably doubling the price. If it bothers anybody just get your chisle out and remove it.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I must be an idiot, but is a tap socket a tool you put a thread tap in, then attach a ratchet on the other end?

A tap has a square shank which usually would go into a tap handle. Instead of going into a tap handle, you put the tap into the square hole in the socket. The socket goes on the socket wrench the same as any other socket.

 

[PelicanPines]

I have these lisle tap sockets. Only used them a few times so far but love them.

 

[HighPlainsWrencher]

I bought a set a little over a year ago to use at work and they get used on a regular basis. They look a little rough on the inside but they have held up great. I need to replace the one of the sockets because a tap broke off inside of it and I cant get it removed from the socket.

 

[Farmall 1066]

So THAT'S what those are!!!!!!
Always kinda figured, but never was sure. Got 2 sets and love them.

 

[alan camby]

I like my Lisle tap sockets. Not a fan of their hex sockets.

 

[rancherbill]

Here's how they are made. Look at 4:12 and you can see square broaches.

 

[Super Mech]

Same thing on my Blue Point set. Probably made by Lisle also. Hard use for years and never had a problem. Lisle makes some good stuff.

 

[Bruce57]

Thanks for the heads up on these. I was going to pick up some 8 point sockets instead. These will save me some bucks.

 

[Super Mech]

Thanks for the heads up on these. I was going to pick up some 8 point sockets instead. These will save me some bucks.

IME 8pt sockets are too sloppy on a tap. Tap sockets hold the tap tight and straight.

 

[Jim C.]

I must be an idiot, but is a tap socket a tool you put a thread tap in, then attach a ratchet on the other end?

A tap has a square shank which usually would go into a tap handle. Instead of going into a tap handle, you put the tap into the square hole in the socket. The socket goes on the socket wrench the same as any other socket.

Hey Flattie, don't feel bad, I wasn't 100% sure about what they were either. I just figured they were some kind of tapping socket that worked with a ratchet. I've never had a need for a socket like that so I didn't even know they existed until I read this thread. That's one of the things I like about this site, there's a lot of knowledge among the members and always something new to learn.

Bigblue&Goldie.....thanks for the explanation. I'm gonna have to check those out.

Jim C.

 

[BDT/NWMN]

I have #1 through #11 Lisle tap sockets, and am pleased with them.

 

[bobemmerich]

My serpentine belt sockets are the same way. So are some of my hex bits.

 

[n8n]

damn you guys, I keep forgetting to order these and now you've got me realizing that I really do need them... how many times I've used an 8pt. socket or 12pt. combo wrench to tap a hole that I couldn't get at with a t-handle...

 

[bonneyman]

Here's how they are made. Look at 4:12 and you can see square broaches.

Cool vid!

 

[ihateminimumwage]

Thanks for getting the info from Lisle, OP. Was wondering about the "Trees" in the drive end when I bought a set for my last job.

I mentioned in another thread, I was more surprised to see guys at the last job throwing these on a cordless impact with a tap and "power tapping" them quickly though. Worked insanely well, but I wouldn't get anywhere near a blind hole with that setup.

 

[rayh91]

Love their honesty and made in the USA

Will keep buying Lisle tools.

 

[signcrafter]

Here's how they are made. Look at 4:12 and you can see square broaches.

I think they just press a square broach in and that is what creates the "trees" left in the bottom. A rotary broach like that I think removes all the waste material as it grinds it out. I could be wrong though because I have never done either process.

 

[Buckgnarly]

I freakin love my set, so much that I bought the add on big size set. I don't even bother with a tap handle anymore, these plus slider bar is all I use anymore. WAY more solid than adjustable tap handles.