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Matco pro non slip sockets

Sugarfryz

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Mar 13, 2016
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Anyone ever had experience with these? Thinking about buying a set for work. Seems like it could really help with rusted bolts. Wondering if anyone ever used these.


 
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MattPersman

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The Mac precision torque are better IMO if you have a driver. They are imported though if that matters to you, I know rounded rusted bolts don't care.
 

gdocktor3

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Apr 18, 2015
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It seems like a pretty cheap price for matco USA impacts. I know the Mac precision torque sockets work real well.
 
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Look like a copy of Ko-Kens Surface Drive sockets. Not sure if anyone else does them?

I have these in both a 3/8" standard set and 3/8" deep set. Both Metric.

S4.jpg


KokenSurfaceDriveSocket.JPG
 

gtlaw

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Dec 19, 2011
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I have a 1/4" drive gray pneumatic set that has that same profile. It can be annoying because sometimes fasteners get stuck in them.
 
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Sugarfryz

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Mar 13, 2016
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I will buy these Monday when my Matco guy shows up, he'll probably have to order them but I will let you guys know.
 
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Sugarfryz

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Mar 13, 2016
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Forgot I posted this thread! For all those interested I did buy this set, just so happened he had a sale, if you buy 3/8 deep you get 1/4 deep. They are good for impact and hand tool use. I was doing a set of calipers today. On a real rusted piece of junk, my snap on impact sockets were rounding the caliper bolts off. It doesn't happen often, those
Sockets are great. I got my Matco no slip sockets on my gun and it took the bolt off and put it back on without hesitation. I've also used them on exhaust systems and got the rusty bolts out, eliminating the need for a torch. I recommend these highly.
 
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hautpot

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May 25, 2015
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what do you use surface drive normal for?

I mean what can surface drive do better than a twist socket or spline socket or whatever damaged nut socket they are designing these days.
 
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superautobacs

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Oct 31, 2008
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Vancouver, BC
what do you use surface drive normal for?

I mean what can surface drive do better than a twist socket or spline socket or whatever damaged nut socket they are designing these days.

The biggest difference I see between using twist or spline, or any off-corner engagement (commonly referred to as "flank-drive"), is that Ko-ken's Surface Drive provides one of the most fastener-friendly engagement. That is, it greatly reduces surface marring to the engaged fastener to a minimum. That's why it is recommended for use on aluminum, chrome plated, or any fastener that is prone to surface damage.





For the record, those are NOT re-badged Ko-ken impact sockets.
A Taiwanese company called Cendai (IIRC) produced "surface drive" type sockets and wrenches, from way back in the 1980s. They were sold as "Metrinch" brand (Metric-and-Inch-in-one type of tool).
There's another Japanese company called FPC that offers a series called "Parabola", which offers a similar pattern.

All have been discussed in the past on GJ.
 

hautpot

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So is surface drive a so-called "best-kept-secret" wonder socket? I wonder if all these benefits (and I do agree they are outstanding) why are they not more common place?

For comparison: it also used to be before spline was very uncommon, but now they put them on sockets and ratcheting wrenches.
 

Loscaldazar

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Feb 23, 2013
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So is surface drive a so-called "best-kept-secret" wonder socket? I wonder if all these benefits (and I do agree they are outstanding) why are they not more common place?

For comparison: it also used to be before spline was very uncommon, but now they put them on sockets and ratcheting wrenches.

How many issues do you have with a 6 or 12 point socket rounding off a bolt? I know I certainly don't run into that issue. The bolt will snap well before the head will round off if I have the socket on it square.

If I can snap a grade 12 bolt, I don't think I need a better socket at that point.
 

2ndGearRubber

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Mar 24, 2014
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They are fantastic.

1/4 sizes can be used as stud pullers, the only downside is sometimes rusty stuff gets stuck in the socket, which honestly does happen with all sockets. It just happens more often with these.


I like to think of them a turbosocket Jr. The best part is they can re-install beat up fasteners. Nobody likes putting beat hardware back on a car. But when buying something at a hardware store isn't an option, and you HAVE to reuse the OE bolt, these sockets let you do that.


Here in rusty PA, they're amazing.
 

ultgar

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Jan 11, 2005
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New Jersey
Surface drive - looks similar to Facom's convex sockets (NSB series). Facom's are only available in 1/2" drive, as deep impact sockets. Popular for dealing with lug bolts and nuts. Contacts the fasteners on the flats (like the Koken) rather than on the corners.

nsb17a.jpg


nsb17-mbtorque.jpg
 

Bluejoe

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Feb 29, 2016
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212
So you had to order your sets or did Matco guy have them available on the truck. Did you say they are having a sale or special pricing. I'm looking into getting some 3/8" and 1/2" sets. This might be the time to get a deal.
 

Scimmia

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Dec 2, 2014
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How many issues do you have with a 6 or 12 point socket rounding off a bolt? I know I certainly don't run into that issue. The bolt will snap well before the head will round off if I have the socket on it square.

If I can snap a grade 12 bolt, I don't think I need a better socket at that point.

Sure, if you're dealing with 1/4" bolts. Large sizes can and will round off before breaking, especially if the head is already damaged by rust.
 

bryan750

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Dec 6, 2010
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103
These do look just like my metrinch sockets(bought the set on closeout at Sears years ago) and they work really well and are my go to when there might be any type of rounding problem or I want to keep the finish on the nut or bolt I am installing.
 

wafrederick

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Jul 3, 2010
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I have the 3/8 drive shallow metric set and has saved my **** on rounded off on rounded off fastners several times.My Matco dealer had the set in his tool truck and decided to buy it one day.Told him they work,used the 10mm and 13mm so far.
 
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Sugarfryz

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Mar 13, 2016
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452
So is surface drive a so-called "best-kept-secret" wonder socket? I wonder if all these benefits (and I do agree they are outstanding) why are they not more common place?

For comparison: it also used to be before spline was very uncommon, but now they put them on sockets and ratcheting wrenches.



Honestly have no idea why they aren't more popular, not sure if they are new or not. The advantage I find to the twist type is it doesn't destroy a fastener like the twist type does. I can take the rounded off fastener and install it with the same socket. I work on cars for a living so I deal with a lot of rusted up bolts that have been covered in road salt and water. Makes them pretty weak. Trust me, my snap on sockets rarely round a socket off, but when I do this is a huge help.

Also great thing about them is you can use them as normal sockets as well, rated for impact use even. You can use them on perfectly fine fasteners, and even inverted torx fasteners. I found very little information about them online before I just figured I'd go for it and bought a set. I find them helpful
 
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Sugarfryz

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Mar 13, 2016
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452
I have the 3/8 drive shallow metric set and has saved my **** on rounded off on rounded off fastners several times.My Matco dealer had the set in his tool truck and decided to buy it one day.Told him they work,used the 10mm and 13mm so far.

I love them! Most often not necessary but i love how it'll take those rounded off pieces of rust right out without hesitation
 
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Sugarfryz

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Mar 13, 2016
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So you had to order your sets or did Matco guy have them available on the truck. Did you say they are having a sale or special pricing. I'm looking into getting some 3/8" and 1/2" sets. This might be the time to get a deal.

He actually had them on the truck, and I'm not sure if the deal if the same everywhere. I'd check with your Matco guy. For me it was a sale, buy one get one type deal.
 
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Sugarfryz

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Mar 13, 2016
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452
So you had to order your sets or did Matco guy have them available on the truck. Did you say they are having a sale or special pricing. I'm looking into getting some 3/8" and 1/2" sets. This might be the time to get a deal.

You can also just use them like regular sockets. Doesn't have to be for rounded off fasteners
 
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