Magnetic Sockets?

[cowchaser]

Is there such a thing as magnetic sockets out there in the never ending tool world?
The reason I ask is sometimes I will use my cordless drill with a socket adapter to take off nuts faster. Didn't know if snap on or craftsman or someone made magnetic sockests so when it come off the bolt the nut will just stay inside the socket instead of falling off. Maybe I am just weird and the only one that does that.

 

[d33pt]

they make magnetic nut driver bits. only for the smaller sizes though, like around 1/2" or 12mm or so.

 

[tony p]

Proto seem to have sockets with magnet inserts; for eg, here...
http://www.stanleyproto.com/xhtml/LITERATURE/PROTOGRIPMAGNETICSOCKETS_T20513.PDF
I'm sure I've seem them elsewhere too - possibly one of the Japanese manufacturers.

If you're working with non-ferrous, or non-magnetic stainless, fasteners Koken do sockets with a 'sprung ball bearing' gripper (like the drive square of a ratchet) - they work pretty well.

 

[patrickw10]

HF used to sell socket insert ive never used them so i dont know how they work.

 

[eurokid]

Snap-On and Cornwell make magnetic impact sockets, standard and deep with spring loaded magnet. I'm sure there are others but that's all I know of for sockets. VIM makes a "master nut setter" kit that's magnetic for impact drivers that use 1/4" shank. Available in standard and metric. I have the metric set and they're great. Very good quality too.

 

[stopdroplol]

I snatched a few Cornwell 1/4" impact sockets off ebay a couple weeks ago. I discovered when they got here that they had magnets inside exactly like what you're describing. The magnets are fixed in place though and make the socket very shallow. Haven't had a chance to use them yet so i don't know how they work. I could take some pics tomorrow if you want.

 

[Fedwrench]

Yes, Grey Pneumatic and Sunex make complete sets in 1/4 and 3/8 drive. They come in hany when you don't want to risk dropping a bolt is a screwed up place.
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-9712mg.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-9723g.aspx
http://www.tooltopia.com/grey-pneumatic-1213mg.aspx

 

[Jason Ga]

Snap on makes these adaptors for different drives and in 2 sizes. They work pretty well!

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item.asp?P65=&tool=all&item_ID=970&group_ID=235&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

 

[air]

Not quite what you are probably looking for, but I have some Gearwrench Magnetic Oil Drain Plug sockets that are pretty cool. Definitely nice not having the plug go in pan when doing oil changes! The little thumb wheel works nice also.

 

[Bart Simpson]

Is there such a thing as magnetic sockets out there in the never ending tool world?
The reason I ask is sometimes I will use my cordless drill with a socket adapter to take off nuts faster. Didn't know if snap on or craftsman or someone made magnetic sockests so when it come off the bolt the nut will just stay inside the socket instead of falling off. Maybe I am just weird and the only one that does that.

Yes there are magnetic sockets,you should be able to get them from any decent industrial tool supplier like Apex , Snap On , Proto, etc.
They are generally used for assembly line work and are heavy duty with good magnets.
I would look at Apex as they really specialize in this type of thing.


See links

http://www.all-spec.com/search?keywords=APEX%20SQUARE%20SOCKETS&f=s&pl=TOL-2C

http://www.autohardwareonline.com/apexindex.htm?gclid=CJrsq5Wdy6YCFULNKgodMwpTIA

http://www.shoplet.com/Armstrong-to...086/spdv?ci_src=5784816&ci_sku=SEPTLS06920086

http://www.shoplet.com/Proto-ProtoG...HF/spdv?ci_src=5784816&ci_sku=SEPTLS5777416HF

http://www.toolschest.com/egle5273.html?mr:referralID=3b06c0d8-254f-11e0-b21a-001b2166c2c0

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/cata...114862&Cat_NAME=1/2"+Drive&store=snapon-store

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/cata...113394&Cat_NAME=3/8"+Drive&store=snapon-store

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/cata...112421&Cat_NAME=1/4"+Drive&store=snapon-store





There are other options , you can get those magnetic inserts to put in your sockets .
These are cheap but may not have much holding power ?


See links

http://www.summitracing.com/parts/WMR-W777/?rtype=10

http://www.brmagneticsockets.com/




Snap On has offered those short extensions with the magnets on them for many years.
The magnetic tip sticks up through the socket.
They used to be in a 6 piece set with 2 for each drive size for 1/4" - 1/2" but the 1/2" ones have been discontinued.
You could pick up the complete set on eBay fairly cheap if your patient and snipe.


See links

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tool...daptors+/+Magnetic,+chrome&store=snapon-store

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/tool...daptors+/+Magnetic,+chrome&store=snapon-store

There are other companies offering similar short extensions and even long ones with the magnets, but I believe all of these are imported , check the other truck brands and Gearwrench , they have them.




If your really just speeding off some fasteners with a drill then maybe you would be better suited with some magnetic nut driver bits.
They call them nut setters , you can get them in any decent hardware store in the drill bit dept .
If you want top of the line industrial ones look at Apex , they have a wide variety.


See links

http://www.shoplet.com/Makita-Magne...7/spdv?ci_src=5784816&ci_sku=SEPTLS4587848037

http://apexdistributor.com/index.php?_a=viewCat&catId=25


You could also just pack some grease in the socket as it will hold the nut from flying out.
It is an old trick and works well when you need to keep a fastener in the socket when installing it in a tight spot.

 

[Hank McMauser]

I think gearwreench has magnetic extensions so the magnet wiill stick thru the socket engaging the nut heres a link to some
http://www.cripedistributing.com/gearwrench-magnetic-extension-81238-p-7496.html

 

[ajchien]

I wonder if you can put a socket into a magnetizer and make them magnetic.

 

[wafrederick]

Lot of times,I pack the socket full of grease to hold the nut or bolt in the socket instead of using the magnetic sockets.Works great if you don't have the magnetic sockets on hand

 

[Old Donn]

I think gearwreench has magnetic extensions so the magnet wiill stick thru the socket engaging the nut heres a link to some
http://www.cripedistributing.com/gearwrench-magnetic-extension-81238-p-7496.html

Got this set some years back, was disappointed. The 1/4" & 3/8" worked about half the time. The 1/2" didn't work at all. Maybe some others have had better luck. My advice would be take a pass on these things, save your money.

 

[bonneyman]

Just buy a few small rare-earth magnets and drop in the bottom of the socket. Lee Valley has them, good stuff.

I've taken small magnets and epoxied them into the socket - 1/4" and 5/16", since that is the sizes of panel screws. I hate dropping them!

 

[comedyman809]

i have proto magnetic impact sockets.

1/4'' drive, 3/8" sockets that i know of, i think they are rebranded apex brand.


i also seen snap on too.