New impact sockets-laser etched vs. engraved

[Flatsbroke]

I need to pick up a set of HF metric impact sockets to leave on my service truck. Big question: etched vs. engraved? I think etched is more visible but engraved will hold up better with wear. Thoughts?

 

[lightning02]

I have both. Just how it worked out. I perfer engraved.

 

[Bunit98]

I've always loved engraved because you know it will be there forever. I've had laser etched ones wear off and you don't know the size nor the make which *****. I personally will only buy engraved from now on.

 

[1950mercury]

Buy sunex they are etched and stamped...

The etching wears off... I wouldn't buy etched only

 

[jakemac]

I dislike etched tools. Unless they never get used, the etchings tend to disappear with use and cleaning. Engraved all the way.

 

[Fedwrench]

the thing to remember is that all etchings are not created equal. Take MATCO for example. I'm not what they etch with but, on their chrome or impact sockets long after the red/blue/gold inks wears off, there is still a legible shadow of the size marking that is easy to read.

I also vote for SUNEX impact sockets because they are relatively low priced for a quality tool and unlike Grey Pneumatic and others, they also have the size stamped into the socket in addition to the gold etching.

Gearwrench also does this on most of their impact sockets too.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

If I was buying impacts at HF, I'd only buy the "Pro" Pittsburg line… which unfortunately I believe is only etched. Their CR-MO (chrome moly) and not CR-V (chrome vanadium) like the "regular" Pittsburg line, which I don't know whether its stamped or etched.

 

[d.mcfarland]

The CR-V work fine. Many here abuse them and they work the same as others.

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Same as which others? Other HF lines or brands?

 

[Jim Diesel]

If you have an option, stamped or engraved. That way the markings will last the life of the tool.

 

[HomeTheaterMan]

Engraved is my choice as well. Nothing worse than not being about to tell which size is what in 10 years.

 

[gdocktor3]

I wrote the sizes in permanent marker on some of my old, rusty engraved impacts. So far it hasn't worn off. You could use a white or colored permanent marker I guess too. Just a thought

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

Stamped.

 

[bryan750]

stamped all the way

 

[MarkWilliams60]

Niether. I can't see either one !
Here's a fix.
http://steellabels.com/

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

I don't see that holding up much better than disappearing laser etch.

 

[gdocktor3]

Niether. I can't see either one !
Here's a fix.
http://steellabels.com/

I can't believe all the reviews are 5 star on their site. I see these getting destroyed rather quick when doing real heavy work. Scraping along an object in tight spots would scrape it up and tear it I'd think. Maybe not