Magnetic Chrome Sockets - Do They Exist?

[YoshiMoshi3]

See title. The only magnetic sockets I can seem to find are impact rated. Are there any chrome magnetic sockets? Are there any alternatives besides Koken Nut Grip for retaining nuts/bolts within chrome sockets, that are a bit cheaper than Koken?

 

[Cruzan80]

Searching magnetic socket inserts shows tons of options. Not sure if you meant chrome sockets "by themselves".

 

[YoshiMoshi3]

Searching magnetic socket inserts shows tons of options. Not sure if you meant chrome sockets "by themselves".

Hi yes. Not inserts. But chrome sockets with a built in magnetic.

Like this but chrome. There is obviously magnetic chrome spark plug sockets. But what about regular chrome sockets like a 10 mm magnetic chrome socket?

 

[Fedwrench]

Wera offers Nut holding sockets similar to Ko-Ken's.

Wera 003727 8790 HMA HF Zyklop Socket, 1/4" Drive with Holding Function - 12mm

Wera 003727 8790 HMA HF Zyklop Socket, 1/4" Drive with Holding Function - 12mm - best deals on German tools and high quality engineering. Free same day shipping available.

www.kctool.com

KoKenusa.com is having a 25% off site wide President's sale thru 2/16/26.

I've never seen magnetic chrome sockets other than spark plug sockets that I can recall.

Ko-Ken nutgrips are vastly superior to any of the magetic sockets I've used but that's just me.

 

[willf650]

Don't know of a magnetic set but I just got a set of Kokens.

While looking the brands I saw were Tone, Wera and Koken. All use a ball retention and this would be preferable to a magnet so it doesn't pick up and retain metal shavings.

They were all similar in price and the Kokens were cheapest at Harry J Epstein's using the Koken discount code.

 

[CGT80]

I have magnetic inserts in some of my sockets. Craftsman used to make the plastic inserts. They work great, but I only have them in my 3/8 short fractional sockets.....some of my most used sockets.

 

[Steve_P]

Another vote for the Koken nut grip.

There are also magnetic extensions

https://www.amazon.com/ARES-36007-3-Piece-Magnet-Extension-Adapter/dp/B0BF3N586V/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[KnurledNut]

I'm not aware of any chrome magnetic sockets.

I use some industrial Apex magnetic sockets that are a non-impact plain steel finish.
Some of my deep ones have a unique spring loaded magnet that allows for bolt clearance.
Shown here with a pin-locking 1/4 drive plain steel spinner handle.

 

[a6hux]

Laser Tools 9267 Deep Magnetic Sockets Set with Power Bit Adaptor 3/8"D 6pc

High quality deep magnetic socket set with drill driver adaptor. Ideal for exhaust studs, handbrake adjusters, turbo actuators and general automotive use.

www.lasertools.co.uk

 

[richfinn]

Facom make magnetic chrome sockets as part of an oil change set, but they are more expensive than the Ko-ken nut grips.

The Ko-ken are great BTW, worth every penny

 

[65ranchero]

What are you trying to do?
If it for a one or 2 time where the socket faces down and the nut will fall out because it's in a difficult spot use a little butyl tape to temporarily hold it in place.

 

[Kasal]

Facom has some models.M.B series for oil sump draining.

 

[ecotec]

You guys keep bringing up those magnetic inserts. I know that I have some or had some.

Do you guys use them?

 

[ecotec]

I'm not aware of any chrome magnetic sockets.

I use some industrial Apex magnetic sockets that are a non-impact plain steel finish.
Some of my deep ones have a unique spring loaded magnet that allows for bolt clearance.
Shown here with a pin-locking 1/4 drive plain steel spinner handle.

I find these magnetic impact looking sockets branded Apex, Metra, Brown and a few other names at estate sales relatively often.

I have always assumed that they are factory tooling.

 

[Pinne]

You guys keep bringing up those magnetic inserts. I know that I have some or had some.

Do you guys use them?

I bought a set out of curiosity but the magnets are just too weak to really be helpful.

I'm also curious about the Snap-on magnetic adapters, but not curious enough to buy them at retail.

 

[Crazyjake8493]

I have a set of these that work well enough. Makes any shallow socket magnetic, but won't work on deep sockets.

 

[KnurledNut]

I find these magnetic impact looking sockets branded Apex, Metra, Brown and a few other names at estate sales relatively often.

I have always assumed that they are factory tooling.

I too have seen a lot of this tooling, as several factories in the region used them.
A lot of Apex stuff is really unique designs. I am always intrigued by it.
Like this 3/8 drive 17mm surface drive socket with magnets: