MAC 1/4 socket set questions before purchase? Good?

[SASORacing]

I am just wondering where these are made and if they are any good, how they compare to other brands? For around $250 how do these stack up, this set is metric challow and deep 1/4.

item # SMM246PTR

 

[bobcatdan]

Those are tried and true Mac sockets so if your willing to spend the money, you're buying a quality set.

 

[Skin]

Made in Texas along side Proto. They're fine. If that's an auction though its priced pretty high. $150-$175 more realistically.

 

[SASORacing]

Kind of a tough question unless for those who have the DEEPs and can check.

Can the nut / bolt slide all the way down to the end / bottom of the socket? Or does it stop ?

 

[bob15]

A bit pricey considering you can buy this SK set new for $ 140....which has deep and shallow metric & SAE and the extensions and ratchet.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/SK-91848-1-4-DRIVE-METRIC-SAE-DEEP-SHALLOW-6-POINT-SOCKET-SET-SET-/281662862458?hash=item41946a347a&item=281662862458&vxp=mtr


or even this SAE & metric Mac set for $ 250

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Mac-Tools-BIG-1-4-Drive-SAE-Metric-12-Point-Deep-Shallow-Socket-Set-/191563230066?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash=item2c9a0eeb72

 

[Skin]

Kind of a tough question unless for those who have the DEEPs and can check.

Can the nut / bolt slide all the way down to the end / bottom of the socket? Or does it stop ?

They have the shoulders, just like every other socket manufacturer today. I don't understand why you'd want a fastener to fall all the way down. Never understood it actually.

 

[SASORacing]

If anyone has a link to buy this set for cheap, but brand new please PM me! Pretty please!

Bob15, Its funny I actually own the SK set in the green case too (SK day) But I am drawn to these MAC sockets because I love the look and feel of my old impacts that I bought off the MAC truck when I was young in school. So its kind of a gift to me even though I dont need them, I want them badly!

 

[SASORacing]

They have the shoulders, just like every other socket manufacturer today. I don't understand why you'd want a fastener to fall all the way down. Never understood it actually.

My old Craftsmans are like that, I dont have much of a prefrence, I was just wondering actually.

 

[Farmall 1066]

Had that same set for going on 20 years. I'd buy again.
I'm sure other good brands like SK would be just as good, but I love those Mac's.

 

[wrenchr]

For $50.00 more you can buy it right off the truck. They are very good quality.

 

[bob15]

They have the shoulders, just like every other socket manufacturer today. I don't understand why you'd want a fastener to fall all the way down. Never understood it actually.

Sometimes the should will get in the way if you are trying to get at the hex of a fastener over a jam nut. Look at the below DCR pump in the upper right hand corner....going horizontally. The Proto deep socket is the only socket with a deep enough broach which will allow removal of the part without disturbing the outer jam nut.

In most other cases, yes I agree, the deep broach can be frustrating.

 

[bob15]

If anyone has a link to buy this set for cheap, but brand new please PM me! Pretty please!

Bob15, Its funny I actually own the SK set in the green case too (SK day) But I am drawn to these MAC sockets because I love the look and feel of my old impacts that I bought off the MAC truck when I was young in school. So its kind of a gift to me even though I dont need them, I want them badly!

Understandable. Just make sure the touchy feely thing is worth the extra money (a lot extra to me)

 

[Wamsutta]

Those sockets are not only fine, they are the best. Better than Snap-on in my opinion. They have thinner walls than Snap-on, and I like the way they narrow the base or the neck (depending on the size.)

 

[Skin]

Sometimes the should will get in the way if you are trying to get at the hex of a fastener over a jam nut. Look at the below DCR pump in the upper right hand corner....going horizontally. The Proto deep socket is the only socket with a deep enough broach which will allow removal of the part without disturbing the outer jam nut.

In most other cases, yes I agree, the deep broach can be frustrating.

If you want to get to the lower hex you'll have to align and back out both together anyway.

Most complains I've read seem to stem from the fact that people cant grasp that the deep broaching is there to accommodate a stud so in that respect they function in the exact same way as a socket without the shoulder. There really isn't much of a downside, and quite a noticeable benefit, which is why mostly everyone has switched to that style of broaching.

 

[bob15]

If you want to get to the lower hex you'll have to align and back out both together anyway.

No, a 12pt socket will slide all the over the jam nut, even when they aren't aligned.The jam nut is 15mm, but the inner nut is 16mm, so the socket will go right over the smaller nut. A 6 pt won't work, nor will shallow broached sockets.

 

[Fedwrench]

Those are classic MAC goodness. However, after turning wrenches for too many years, I've become cynical and cheap so, I would either use the SK you have or buy the Protos at considerably less.

 

[1950mercury]

USA Mac chrome sockets are awesome. They are easy to pull off a ratchet when you have greasy hands

 

[zcbauer89]

They still make that set to this day and is a great set. Mac makes great sockets.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

I would rather have a set of Williams USA for a fraction of the price.

 

[JAKE-THE-TOOL-MAN]

Mac sockets are my favorite, I have many sets including the one you posted. USA made and excellent quality.

 

[151marker]

They also have a 44 piece set wirh ratchet that goes for $300-340. Sae and MM, shallow and deep. But it does short you a couple sockets though.

 

[arz71]

Those are tried and true Mac sockets so if your willing to spend the money, you're buying a quality set.

I have that same metric set, and they are excellent quality.

I have a lot of Snap-On but a lot of my tools are MAC and prefer MAC due to the design and like the knurling on ratchets and extensions.

My ratchets are 32 teeth, just like the old school ratchets.

 

[arz71]

One thing I like on the MAC sockets is the end of the socket on the ratchet is beveled and that helps get in areas than have full width at the base of the ratchet/breaker bar.

Something the others don't have MAC does and one of the reasons I prefer them.

 

[Kirbot]

I bite my tongue a lot when I see tool truck prices anymore. I don't use my tools all day every day, and it's your money to spend as you see fit.
But...

HOLY **** that's a lot money for some 1/4" drive sockets!

I paid about $22 for my Gearwrench set (thanks to advance auto's 40% off coupon)
I admit I don't use them every day, but I've never heard any horror stories of them breaking easily.


Is it REALLY worth $230 more for the Mac set?

Even if you want USA made sockets, there are plenty of choices for half the money.

 

[151marker]

What's a knuckle worth?

 

[Kirbot]

What's a knuckle worth?

When using a wrench, it’s best to pull (see left image). If you do need to push, use the heel of your hand. That way if the wrench slips, you won’t bark a knuckle.

 

[LUKE221]

Personally i would get craftsman or proto in 1/4" and save the mad money for 3/8" drive

 

[bob15]

They also have a 44 piece set wirh ratchet that goes for $300-340. Sae and MM, shallow and deep. But it does short you a couple sockets though.

See post # 5. $ 250.00

 

[151marker]

See post # 5. $ 250.00

Used. $300-340 new from dealers.

 

[Farmall450]

They have the shoulders, just like every other socket manufacturer today. I don't understand why you'd want a fastener to fall all the way down. Never understood it actually.

Craftsman doesn't have shoulders, and you'd want it when there is a threaded portion sticking though the nut.

 

[Skin]

Craftsman doesn't have shoulders, and you'd want it when there is a threaded portion sticking though the nut.

Doesn't make sense. Any threaded stud will fit right through the middle and go all the way down until you hit the drive of the ratchet. The shoulder is only around the edges. Your statement is a perfect example of the falsity about the design I've already mentioned. The only thing it does cause is the socket to follow the nut instead of the nut unwinding in the socket, but honestly when is that ever an issue? In either case in order to take the socket OFF you'd need the exact same amount of clearance.

Most of my Cman have shoulders. Depends on the size.

 

[jonjon1]

Mac sockets are nice, I tend to prefer sk for the cost and snap-on because I like'em and service is easy...
I have a 1/2" mac set and the 19 wore out pretty fast IMO, they replaced it for free and all is well, but I think s-o lasts the longest and is the strongest, sk is right there and a lot less money...

 

[SantaAna12]

I think used Mac is a good value. I would choose them all day over SK. Not necessarily the price your paying, but in general. You might throw this one back, and set a saved search on Ebay for this set. There are some great deals on old Mac sets.

Good luck!

 

[SASORacing]

Yeah like I said in this thread, Ialready own a SK set, which was around $130 for mm and sae deep + shallow + ratchet extensions, great value. I think this MAC set could be had for $220 which is more expensive, but its sort of a novelty collection item for me.

 

[SASORacing]

I ended up making an offer on the Bay and got a new in plastic set for a total of $197.50 shipped. I hope it will be worth it? anybody have any pictures they want to share haha?

 

[SASORacing]

Those sockets are not only fine, they are the best. Better than Snap-on in my opinion. They have thinner walls than Snap-on, and I like the way they narrow the base or the neck (depending on the size.)

I hope they are thinner Can someone confirm this allegation? They look great, men's jewelry!

 

[TheRobotCow]

Hmm...

Maybe it's just me but i rather spend $50 more and get them brand new

http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Socke...ep-Shallow-Chrome-Socket-Set-in-Plastic-Tray-

Snap on shallow and deep 1/4 metric sockets is $100 more
https://store.snapon.com/Shallow-Deep-Sets-mm-chrome-1-4--124STTMM-P630913.aspx

And a Cornwell set will run you about $330
http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...Piece-1{47}4”-Drive-Metric-Socket-Set-6-Point

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...-1{47}4”-Drive-Metric-Deep-Socket-Set-6-Point

 

[nicksnothereman]

I am just wondering where these are made and if they are any good, how they compare to other brands? For around $250 how do these stack up, this set is metric challow and deep 1/4.

item # SMM246PTR

$250 for old stock? Can't say that's reasonable. You on good terms with the mac guy because you gotta be careful with aftermarket purchases of truck brands even if it's new. Nowadays they probably record purchases.

Quality wise great but 1/4"...I guess you're working on motorcycles so torque requirements might be less.

 

[SASORacing]

Hmm...

Maybe it's just me but i rather spend $50 more and get them brand new

http://www.mactools.com/en-us/Socke...ep-Shallow-Chrome-Socket-Set-in-Plastic-Tray-

Snap on shallow and deep 1/4 metric sockets is $100 more
https://store.snapon.com/Shallow-Deep-Sets-mm-chrome-1-4--124STTMM-P630913.aspx

And a Cornwell set will run you about $330
http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...Piece-1{47}4”-Drive-Metric-Socket-Set-6-Point

http://www.cornwelltools.com/webcat...-1{47}4”-Drive-Metric-Deep-Socket-Set-6-Point

Is there a differnce between the Mac tools link and the ones I bought?

Mine are old stock? They look the same with the same yellow tray, but there different?

 

[TheRobotCow]

Is there a differnce between the Mac tools link and the ones I bought?



Mine are old stock? They look the same with the same yellow tray, but there different?

I didn't see that you purchased them. I don't think there is a difference, especially since the part number is exactly the same. Not only are you getting the cool older packaging you saved about $120.


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