The Critic
Well-known member
For a while, these were regarded as the “gold standard” for pinless swivels. Is this still true?
Matco Impact Swivels
- Thread starter The Critic
- Start date
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Yes, as far as I'm concerned. 
However, the Astro pinless at a fraction of Matco's cost, are an excellent value and work almost as good. The Astro's are a little stiff when new, and the socket walls are a little thicker but, they perform excellently for their price. 
However, the Astro pinless at a fraction of Matco's cost, are an excellent value and work almost as good. The Astro's are a little stiff when new, and the socket walls are a little thicker but, they perform excellently for their price. I’ve had mine forever. They’re fantastic. I also have the snap on and prefer the Matco. The Matco swivels seem to be a tad smaller and fit into tight spots better. They’re tough also. I’ve only broken a 15mm over the past few years and they get used everyday.
I’ve got a few sets of Sunnex swivels also for back ups and home use. For the cost, they’re very nice.
I’ve got a few sets of Sunnex swivels also for back ups and home use. For the cost, they’re very nice.
OP
The Critic
Well-known member
Already own the Astro's in 3/8 and 1/2 - they work great.Yes, as far as I'm concerned.
I just need (err want) some semi-deeps.
Matco/Gearwrench pinless isn't really that good IMO. I've mentioned before having the collar blow out at a steep angle, the PRC ones jam pretty bad once they wear in. I prefer using the collarless pin style for impacts. For semi deep I don't think there's much space savings over a semi deep on a swivel adapter.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
Matco and Current Gearwrench aren't the same. The X core that gearwrench sells is a similar design but, the metal on the gearwrench x core is too soft. Now about 10 years ago, when Armstrong was still in business, the pinless impact swivel sockets sold under Craftsman, Gearwrench, and Matco were all the same, and all made in the Armstrong factory in the USA. I've never had a Matco hand grenade on me.
bubinga
Well-known member
Regarding the Astro set I looked at online, To me the bottom portion looks to be a little taller than say a Snap-On I could be wrong I don't know if that's a disadvantage or not.
Last edited:
Michael_in_DE
Well-known member
There are also some 3/8 pinless impacts made by (for?) Husky.
Husky 3/8 in. Drive SAE/Metric Pinless Universal 6-Point Impact Socket Set (14-Piece) H14PCINOPINSM - The Home Depot
Provide strength while retaining access to hard to reach fasteners with the addition of this Husky Drive SAE Pinless Universal Impact Socket Set.
www.homedepot.com
oilslick
Well-known member
I’m going to get these in sae just to try , seems to good to be true. Too bad they don’t have more sizesThere are also some 3/8 pinless impacts made by (for?) Husky.
Husky 3/8 in. Drive SAE/Metric Pinless Universal 6-Point Impact Socket Set (14-Piece) H14PCINOPINSM - The Home Depot
Provide strength while retaining access to hard to reach fasteners with the addition of this Husky Drive SAE Pinless Universal Impact Socket Set.www.homedepot.com
Weren't they made by AJ Manufacturing at that time?
bubinga
Well-known member
Look decent and all, too many skips for me though. Yes, l know l can use a 7/16" as an 11 mm.
Mine are NOS from cripe USA made so I figured they're probably the Armstrong but maybe not.Matco and Current Gearwrench aren't the same. The X core that gearwrench sells is a similar design but, the metal on the gearwrench x core is too soft. Now about 10 years ago, when Armstrong was still in business, the pinless impact swivel sockets sold under Craftsman, Gearwrench, and Matco were all the same, and all made in the Armstrong factory in the USA. I've never had a Matco hand grenade on me.
STREETFIGHTER50
Well-known member
- Joined
- Sep 24, 2013
- Messages
- 89
I’ve had my Matco 3/8” drive metric set since 2002 and they’re still in great shape. They were expensive $300 back in the days off the tool truck. Lately I’ve been looking into getting some more of the cheaper brands. A 3/8” drive SAE set and both 1/2” drive SAE and metric sets. The Astro ones are looking pretty good. Maybe Husky might be another option. Does anyone know if the available Harbor Freight sets are pinless??
bcradio
Well-known member
They are not pinlessI’ve had my Matco 3/8” drive metric set since 2002 and they’re still in great shape. They were expensive $300 back in the days off the tool truck. Lately I’ve been looking into getting some more of the cheaper brands. A 3/8” drive SAE set and both 1/2” drive SAE and metric sets. The Astro ones are looking pretty good. Maybe Husky might be another option. Does anyone know if the available Harbor Freight sets are pinless??
I have the old USA Armstrong, same as Matco, and they are fantastic. As Fedwrench said, these are not the same as the current Gearwrench junk. There is a PF test on universal adapters? and the newer GW absolutely bombed. The older USA Matco, Armstrong, Cman are not the same product as the new GW junk.
I think I paid $200-230 for the same Armstrong set 10+ years ago; I know it was over $200. So, yes, it was very painful for me. If I was buying today, I'd get the Astro as a home user.
Wamsutta
Well-known member
I think I would just buy Snap-on or Proto if I was to buy some. I like to be able to look on Google Maps and see the actual building they're made in.
bcradio
Well-known member
I don't have a set of the Icon swivels, but almost positive they have a pin.
The Pittsburgh definitely do as I own those
Yes, look at the pictures on the website and compare to other pinned designs. You can see the hole for the pin.