Should bit sockets have the bit parallel to body of the socket?

[reader2580]

I just bought a set of new Proto bit sockets from Zoro. Part number J4900-7C. I don't think a single one of the bits is parallel to the body of the sockets. They are all crooked to some degree. Is this to be expected from bit sockets? I expect better from American manufacturers, but not sure returning this set for another set would get me anything better. The reality is they are probably usable, and I am not a tool polisher. I expect these to see very limited use.

I feel like Tekton or Koken would have gotten me better quality control.

 

[Shiftless]

They are all crooked to some degree

Like one degree, two… ? How did you determine they were significantly out of alignment? Just eyeball?
Post pics.
You're right, it probably won’t matter.

 

[reader2580]

Note that I never wrote they are significantly out of alignment. I was looking at the largest 3/8" size and noticed the bit didn't seem straight so I twisted it with my hand and it definitely is not straight. I estimate is is maybe five degrees off from straight. After I noticed the first one was not straight I checked others and the majority are not straight to some degree.

My question is if this is normal for bit sockets? I am sure they will work just fine for my intended use. I just thought I would see better quality from Proto. If a wrench or socket was forged to the wrong size I am certain everyone here would say to return it.

 

[Junkdrawer Dog]

Send them back with a written explanation of your findings and concerns. Follow up with an email to customer service, making sure to reference your RMA or RGA number.
They should respond with replacement product or a refund.

 

[reader2580]

I don't really want to send them back as they will work just fine. I don't expect another set would really be any better. I also plan to use them this weekend. After this weekend I might not use the set for a few years. I need to torque some set screws for electrical in my new garage.

I am just wondering if it is normal for bits to not be straight in bit sockets?

 

[JradM]

That strikes me as weird, especially for Proto. I don't think that's the sort of thing for which you'll find an ANSI standard though.

I've never checked for alignment on my bit sockets - but I bet I would if I could visually see they were misaligned. If you have to spin them to tell, well that might be a bit picky. It's not like you use them in a lathe.

If you can see a tilt - or find that it wobbles when you use them, I think that's a problem. A really tiny misalignment though... I doubt most people would notice. There's usually other sources of wobble anyway - in the ratchet, ratchet to socket fit, extensions, etc. Even how you turn the ratchet or spinner handle won't be dead straight.

 

[WWheeler]

Does that line of bit sockets from Proto have the tiny set screw to secure the bit to the socket?

That's the kind of bit sockets I prefer, as I can replace the bits, though I don't own any Proto. All the ones I've had like that would be very slightly askew, as a result of tightening the set screw, but not enough to hinder use in any way.

 

[whateg01]

I'm not picturing what you mean. I also don't have that set. If the bit is held in place by a spring, it can push the bit to one side. Is that what you mean? It sounds like there's play in the socket that lets the bit move around. Is that what you are describing?

 

[1982fxr]

Pics

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

I just checked a couple of cheap Carolus/Gedore red 1/4” bit sockets that I had at hand, they are straight. There is no visible crook. I’m sure that when checked against some measuring equipment they wouldn’t come out 100% straight, but to the naked eye, nothing that would concern me or make me question wether they are supposed to be the way they are or not.

My opinion, if you can see the bits are not seated properly & straight inside the socket with your naked eye, that would be a cause of concern for me - and I would get in touch with the manufacturer about it.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[reader2580]

I think the bits are permanently mounted in the sockets. No set screws, and I can't figure out how the bits would come out. I realize that I have to replace the bit socket if something happens to the bits, but I accept that risk.

 

[Nobody-named-Olli]

Normally you can drive the bits out with a punch. The bottom of the bit should be visible inside the socket.

Kind regards,
Olli

 

[reader2580]

This whole thread is basically a moot point now. I realized that I am supposed to have seven bit sockets, but I only have six bit sockets. The 7/32" bit socket is missing. I will be contacting Zoro now. I don't think I need 7/32" right now, but I paid for seven sockets, not six.

I can't see the bottom of the bit from inside the socket.

 

[reader2580]

The only reason I rolled it around in my hand was because I noticed that the bit didn't seem straight. As already stated, a moot point as I already got a return label to send the set back to the missing socket.

 

[four.cycle]

new "Tekton" 1/4" drive metric hex bit set = bits appear to be in line with sockets.
made in China $10.00 46-piece 1/4" drive socket and bit set = bits appear to be in line with sockets

Were the hex bits inserted into the steel socket and secured with a set screw?

I think the bits are permanently mounted in the sockets. No set screws, and I can't figure out how the bits would come out.

Apparently not... in which case they're either driven into the socket using an interference fit, or they're staked in to secure them.

With that longer bit, I can see how they might become "tilted" in the manufacturing process. The examples I've posted here are the shorter variety.

I'm not seeing how it would make a great deal of difference in application, though. Is one or two degrees off really going to matter?

 

[Chipm]

I can't see the bottom of the bit from inside the socket.

You should get a brand with replaceable inserts. I have an old Ace Hardware set from when I first started working on cars. It is sentimental and I use it daily; replacing an individual socket would be nearly impossible now. I recently twisted a bit, and simply replaced the bit insert.