SK Hex bit sockets
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ihateminimumwage
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I personally didn't like the clip retention used on the SK 3/8" bit sockets I had. Too much play from the socket to the bit. I prefer a nice pressed in set, or the larger SKs with a roll pin through them. I've had an older Armstrong made set of Kobalt 3/8" for years now with no issues. Recently got some really nice Williams 1/4" drives that have been awesome, and I wouldn't hesitate to buy them in 3/8" if I needed them (SAE are USA and Metric are Taiwan).
mikebaker1129
Well-known member
Yes on Wright,they do make them. The new SK design is a friction fit and they are of good quality,as were the older type with the set screw.
The bit in my SK was warrantied .
The c clip retention type were very sloppy.
Williams USA are top notch as well.
The bit in my SK was warrantied .
The c clip retention type were very sloppy.
Williams USA are top notch as well.
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Wes J
Well-known member
Stay away from the hex sockets where the bit size is reduced where it goes into the socket. 3/8 and 10mm are often done like that by companies that should know better. I've broken enough to say that's a **** design.
Fedwrench
ALLIANCE MEMBER
I don't have any current production SK bit sockets but, I've had problems breaking my SK 7 & 8 mm bit socket bases or the chrome bit holder. I don't think I was abusing them and I was using them on a long handled 3/8 drive flex head ratchet. I prefer to use the one piece impact rated hex bits from VIM and Blackhawk.
davethorik
Well-known member
I have an SK 3/8 drive sae set, it's ok but all the small sockets have the bit pressed in, and the 3/8 has a roll pin with what I would term excessive slop, been like that since new.
I then found a steal on a set of Wright 1/2 drive sae. These are great sockets, my only complaints are the plastic case they come in is stupid, should just come on a plastic rail like their other socket sets. Also, Wright has a more limited size selection than other brands. The set I have only goes to 5/8, I needed a 3/4 so I bought that size in Proto.
I then found a steal on a set of Wright 1/2 drive sae. These are great sockets, my only complaints are the plastic case they come in is stupid, should just come on a plastic rail like their other socket sets. Also, Wright has a more limited size selection than other brands. The set I have only goes to 5/8, I needed a 3/4 so I bought that size in Proto.
Thanks for the replies, got me looking around since it sounds like SK is decent but may be better options out there.
Specifically I'm looking for a SAE 1/4 drive set. I have a metric Gearwrench set that is just "ok".
I looked at Snapon and it's just too much for my budget. ($195)
It looks like the Williams is Tiawan (I prefer to stay with US)
I do see that Proto has a U.S. Made set for under $70.....
Specifically I'm looking for a SAE 1/4 drive set. I have a metric Gearwrench set that is just "ok".
I looked at Snapon and it's just too much for my budget. ($195)
It looks like the Williams is Tiawan (I prefer to stay with US)
I do see that Proto has a U.S. Made set for under $70.....
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I work as a millwright I have a shallow set of sk sae hex bit sockets they are awesome and are real good quality. However I do use my westward long ball ends considerably more do to the long recess in a lot of set screws in equipment
ihateminimumwage
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This is the Williams set I have. USA and .50" - 5/16"
https://www.toolsdelivered.com/Will...e-Tools-1-4-Inch-Drive-Chrome-Bit-Socket-Sets
bob15
Well-known member
DON'T buy the Wright set (or any company's with stepped bits) unless you like to keep extra bits around. When a stepped bit breaks you need to get replacement bits.
With the Snap On, older Protos (not sure on their newer stuff), Bonney's and probably a couple others companies; if a bit breaks, you can take a regular "L" key (Allen wrench), cut it to length and insert it into the socket and you are back in business. Cannot do that with stepped bit sockets.
I also find Wright bits too brittle and snap too easily.
Used socket bit tools would be a real good option, money saver and allow you to get the best tool style out there.
The pictures are of both style hex socket, with both being 3/16 bits.
With the Snap On, older Protos (not sure on their newer stuff), Bonney's and probably a couple others companies; if a bit breaks, you can take a regular "L" key (Allen wrench), cut it to length and insert it into the socket and you are back in business. Cannot do that with stepped bit sockets.
I also find Wright bits too brittle and snap too easily.
Used socket bit tools would be a real good option, money saver and allow you to get the best tool style out there.
The pictures are of both style hex socket, with both being 3/16 bits.
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dutchgray
Well-known member
That above although I don't mind the stepped bits if they are small sizes and are 1/4" hex so you can use ordinary driver bits, but you need the strait style for long bits really.