Options for 1/4” 12pt SAE Impact Sockets

[MooseCustomMotors]

So, I really could use/want a set of 1/4” drive SAE impact sockets in 12 point, shallow to be specific.

So far I know of Mac’s swivel set, which if I can’t find a better option I’ll buy these, even though I currently don’t have a Mac dealer. I am also aware of the Grey Pneumatic duo sockets but as far as I can tell I have to buy the whole kit instead of just the SAE 1/4” shallows.

Any other choices I’m missing? I’d also be interested if someone used to make these, I’d go on a hunt for something discontinued if necessary.

Thanks in advance. Figured this would be a good place to ask.

 

[Tools4Me]

Snap-on makes them, but as far as I know you have to buy them individually instead of as a set with a plastic tray. You might not need all 10, but buying all 10 would cost around $134 or so.

GTMD6- 3/16"
GTMD7- 7/32"
GTMD8- 1/4"
GTMD9- 9/32"
GTMD10- 5/16"
GTMD11- 11/32"
GTMD12- 3/8"
GTMD14- 7/16"
GTMD16- 1/2"
GTMD18- 9/16"

Just type the individual socket part number you want into the Snap-on search box at the top of the following link, and you will find the listing for that particular socket.

Snap-on Store

shop.snapon.com

Vega also makes them, but only in the 4 most common sizes, so a full 4pc set of their sockets would include 1/4", 5/16, 3/8", and 7/16".

12-pt Impact Sockets Std Length - 1/4

Made from S2 modified shock resistant steel for professional performance and durability. Rounded corners on hex and square opening for stress relief.

vegatools.com

Apex also makes them. Look at the following link.

Apex Bits

Apex® 1/4'' square drive sockets, SAE, 6 point and 12 point, standard length.

apexbits.com

1106-D 3/16"
1107-D 7/32"
1108-D 1/4"
1109-D 9/32"
1110-D 5/16"
1111-D 11/32"
1112-D 3/8"
1114-D 7/16"
1116-D 1/2"

Apex can be hard to source if you aren't buying in larger qualtities, because there are often sold with individual order minimums. You best bet is finding them on Ebay if you want individuals at a decent price.

EDIT- a couple people after this post are mentioning Sunex. I have the 2020 Sunex digital catalog pdf on my computer, and I don't see any 1/4"dr regular length 12pt impact sockets available in SAE. The only 1/4"dr Sunex I can even find in 12pt impact form is their metric magnetic swivel socket set (11pc set number 1825). It doesn't look like they make a matching SAE set.

 

[CGarage]

Sunex makes a set and I believe 12 Pt is available......

 

[ZRX61]

Another vote for Sunex.

 

[VFlorea]

I was unable to find a set by Sunex, they have a 1/4" impact 12pt but it's metric.

 

[dnschmidt]

I'm still confused as to why anybody would want a 1/4" 12 pt. impact SAE set. Why 12 pt.?

 

[CGarage]

I'm still confused as to why anybody would want a 1/4" 12 pt. impact SAE set. Why 12 pt.?

Nothing to be confused about. On a lot of modern vehicles, especially European, there is very limited space to work. 12 point, 1/4” drive is the ultimate solution to hard access fasteners.

 

[MooseCustomMotors]

As to why, I wrench professionally and we use a large quantity of ARP fasteners in our builds. That means a lot of 12 point fasteners. There’s also a fair amount of factory 12 point stuff found on Harley Davidsons. I’m a big believer in don’t use chrome on power tools but do to my lack of 1/4” 12 point impacts find myself using chrome sockets in a few spots more often than I’d like. Size wise I could get away with a 3/8 5/16 7/16 1/2 and a 9/16. Don’t really need any other sizes.

Thanks for the replies, those Snap On ones I’m pretty sure are not impact rated, which ***** because 90% of the rest of my sockets are Snap On and that would be my first choice. I’ll double check with my dealer/Snap On corporate if need be this afternoon but to the best of my knowledge that’s just a regular socket with a black finish.

I am also only finding the Sunex ones in metric, if someone has a SAE part number that would be awesome.

I wasn’t aware of the Vega or Apex offerings, I’ll definitely check those out!

 

[dnschmidt]

Nothing to be confused about. On a lot of modern vehicles, especially European, there is very limited space to work. 12 point, 1/4” drive is the ultimate solution to hard access fasteners.

He wants SAE. Your right. a lot of EUROPEAN vehicles prefer 1/4" drive but they sure as hell don't prefer imperial sizes.

 

[dnschmidt]

By the way. You can order VEGA through R. S. Hughes which I have found to be a good outfit.

 

[MooseCustomMotors]

By the way. You can order VEGA through R. S. Hughes which I have found to be a good outfit.

I saw that. It looks like around $13 plus shipping for all 4 sizes and an arrival date of July 30th. Going to pull the trigger on them, if they end up sucking no big loss financially.

 

[MooseCustomMotors]

Just a update, didn’t want to wait on the Vega ones so I ordered the Mac swivel set. Thanks for the help.