Magnetic Sockets - Do you use 'em?

[T45]

Been thinking about pickin up a couple of sizes, I see people like them for small fasteners for dashwork/ inside where dropping parts can be a PITA. Any other uses where the speed/convenience is worth having them?

Also, they seem to be a bit more like impact sockets in terms of dimensions, even tho some of them are more designed for screwdrivers and hand tool use, which makes me wonder if this causes any problems?

Lastly, what is a good drive and depth profile/? I'm leaning 1/4 drive standard, but they also come in deep and 3/8 where some popular sizes overlap.

Any advice or comments would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[rlitman]

Are you talking about magnetic hex drivers like this?

They're great when you're driving flanged hex cap screws that they fit. I'm not sure what else you would use them for...

The only hardware store fasteners I've had these fit were either 1/4" hex or 5/16" hex.
At work, I have a 7mm one for some European equipment, and find they're a timesaver when doing hundreds of fasteners.

 

[JKady]

I have a set of magnets that you can slip inside a socket when needed, they're a lifesaver for things like torque converter nuts.

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

If you have to put in a bunch of self drill hex screws, you will be glad to have them.

 

[FigureItOut]

I can't tell you where else they're useful but I sometimes go for days without using a regular socket or ratchet. Working mostly on interior and trim etc, I use these GP magnetic deep sockets and an SK 1/4" hex to 1/4" square adaptor, and this 3 pc. Wiha set with 7, 8 & 10mm. Other than torx, those two sets suit me for the majority of my driving needs. For whatever reason, I just don't see magnetic sockets in chrome for a doable price anywhere, but these GPs are plenty thin in the wall for me. The springs work very smoothly. I tried the similar Sunex set and sent it back twice before getting this one.

I also have these two VIM sets, the long ones are hollow and very deep, and the 12 piece set has two of each size, one hollow and one magnetic. The very long ones aren't super nice in fit and finish, but the 12 piece set are gorgeous tools. Both work very well and even the hollow ones fit fasteners well enough that I can carefully get them into or out of position without the fastener falling out.

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[kunkernator]

I have never actually used one. If I ever need magnetic retention, I just stick a magnet to the side of the socket.

 

[Ska-T]

Probably not what your were thinking of, but I find a magnetic deep socket for spark plug removal/installation is very useful.

 

[2ndGearRubber]

Very key, I have them in 1/4 drive metric. Nice for removing/installing through a blind hole, or where you need to remove the fastener around obstacles, where you cannot fit your hand.


It saves tear down time by letting you work around things. Great for AC line replacement, without pulling bumpers.

 

[gdocktor3]

I bought the magnetic hex socket bit things from HF when they had their last "parking lot blow out extravaganza 29.0" for like $4 or something and actually use them quite often when doing small stuff. They were doused in oil in the package for protection which surprised me. On the other hand, I ordered two magnetic extensions from cripe a few months ago (gearwrench & Sunex) and never use them. Could regular sized magnetic sockets come in handy, yes absolutely. For me, I get along just fine with my regular sockets. These are what I have. I don't recommend much from HF, but these work just fine for what they are. http://m.harborfreight.com/9-piece-...t-65806.html?utm_referrer=direct/not provided

 

[ChevyEFI]

Not often.

But I found this combination of sockets handy for removing plugs recently.

 

[oldldh]

Or magnetic extensions...

Like these...

GearWrench...

 

[JeepsAreBuilt]

I use magnetic sockets so much now that when I use my regular sockets at home, I keep dropping the fasteners.. even the same one repeatedly, because I'm so used to the magnetic ones. I use a locking socket hex adapter extension, so the magnetic socket dose not get pulled away from my impact gun.

 

[wafrederick]

I do use the Magnetic sockets and well worth the money to used.I have the Matco ADV deep and shallow metric sets.The 7mm gets used for GM instrument cluster retaining screws a lot taking out and installing them in the dash.Have used the 15mm to prevent dropping GM torque converter bolts into the bellhousing area.

 

[fourjeepin]

Yep, like mentioned above, I use them with self drilling when working on downspouts or HVAC ducts

 

[FigureItOut]

I do use the Magnetic sockets and well worth the money to used.I have the Matco ADV deep and shallow metric sets.The 7mm gets used for GM instrument cluster retaining screws a lot taking out and installing them in the dash.Have used the 15mm to prevent dropping GM torque converter bolts into the bellhousing area.

Those little 7's all over a GM interior are a ***** without magnetics. They're black too, hard to spot when they drop.

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[928'er]

I've got a little Craftsman set of four magnetic inserts in different sized plastic surrounds that fit inside of sockets. Come in handy surprisingly often.

 

[jsaw]

I have a 1/4" drive set and use them all the time,

 

[Wamsutta]

Or magnetic extensions...

Like these...

GearWrench...

Have you tried those? They push the nut out of the socket; so therefore, the socket can only grab half the thickness of the nut.

 

[T45]

Yeah, I see three basic types on the market

1) magnetic sq drive sockets like the GPs above, Apex, Snap on etc

2) drivers for "sheet-metal screws", with hex-shaft drive (various oems)

3) magnetic extension/converers

Am leaning toward the #1 format.

 

[oldldh]

Have you tried those? They push the nut out of the socket; so therefore, the socket can only grab half the thickness of the nut.

That doesn't matter to someone of my age...

Mine are only half as thick as they used to be...

(I'm sorry for doing that --- I couldn't resist...)

I haven't had any trouble using them, I only use them to get fasteners started in tight, hard to reach places...

The magnetic sockets are more secure...I'll give you that...

 

[yowzer]

There's also Koken's nut grip sockets, which use a spring loaded ball bearing to securely hold a bolt head in the socket. No magnet required, and excellent retention.

 

[Wamsutta]

The magnetic sockets are more secure...I'll give you that...

Thank you; that was my whole point.

 

[shockwave]

I use them all the time for timing belts for covers and intake manifold jobs

Now only if they made magnetic universal sockets for bell housing on transmission jobs

 

[Tuc04]

I use them all the time for timing belts for covers and intake manifold jobs

Now only if they made magnetic universal sockets for bell housing on transmission jobs

Koken makes some nutgrip universals. They only go up to 14MM though.

2441m are 1/4" drive sockets and 3441m are 3/8" drive.

I have regular nutgrip sockets and they hold very well.

 

[superautobacs]

My arsenal of 10mm variants:

From top:

Engineer spring retention driver

Ko-ken magnetic driver

Ko-ken nut-catcher socket

Ko-ken nut-catcher driver

Close-up:

 

[FigureItOut]

Now only if they made magnetic universal sockets for bell housing on transmission jobs

https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B006L2YDYK/ref=gp_aw_ybh_a_1?ie=UTF8&refRID=ZCFMYQRSY7QV97WEAJG0

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