Snap On hex bit question

[Jason280]

I need to replace a Snap On long 5mm hex ball bit, and have been looking online.

Other than the socket, what is the difference between these two products:

https://store.snapon.com/Ball-Hex-L...t-Metric-Ball-Hex-Long-Long-5-mm-P651616.aspx

https://store.snapon.com/Ball-Hex-L...Driver-Metric-Ball-Hex-Long-5-mm-P631920.aspx

Is the difference just the socket itself? If so, why not get any generic USA 5mm socket and braze the bit in place and save $20?

 

[Ole Slewfoot]

open the 'repair parts' tab....

 

[ocloc24]

I actually did something similar, I had like 4 extra complete sets(USA Bondhus and Craftsmen) that I put together from loose allen keys(non ball end) I had in a drawer, I cut the arms off of each size then epoxyed them into a cheapo 1/4" Drive socket socket set I had. I made them up about 2 years ago and I use them all the time and they've all held up surprisingly well. Basically free, no skips, even the odd sizes like 5.5mm. I use them when I need the reach but not the angle. You can lay into them harder.

I went snap on for the long ball just for ease of warranty, plus they're my favorite brand for hex sockets.

 

[gregpack]

You could indeed make your own.

Bondhus makes bits designed to press in to your existing socket set.

 

[4x4gearhead]

Couldnt you warrant the broken one? Or did it grow legs?

 

[Htscheg]

They are covered

 

[Michael_in_DE]

They have to be covered.

I know Matco covered mine 3 weeks ago. After seeing how easily it snapped through, I won't be using them much. but sometimes, you have to have them I guess.

 

[pi_guy]

There is a little detent that holds the bit in place.
I would worry if you braised the unit you might effect heat treatment.
I converted a wrench to a special tool by using one of the replacement bits, it just pressed in.

 

[B.S.A. (ret.)]

The ball-end hex drivers are not designed to have full torque pressure applied to them. That is why you see the ball machined on to the long leg of the "L" keys, not the short end where more torque can be applied. They are great for starting screws in difficult spots with limited access, but one should switch to a standard hex key when snugging it up and socking it down. Good news is that Snap-On will cover this misuse under their warranty

 

[Jason280]

You could indeed make your own.

Bondhus makes bits designed to press in to your existing socket set.

Hmmm, I wonder if it would be cheaper to just source a Bondhus bit...

 

[bmwpowere36m3]

Knock the old bit out, buy the $11 Snap-On bit (they'll ship free under $500) and knock the new one in. Or call them and try to warranty it.

 

[md21722]

There is no difference other than the socket. On the truck this would be warrantied & they would tap the old one out with a punch and hammer and tap the new one in, or put it in a vice. There is a slight interference fit - a shop press is not required. If you don't have a truck, corporate should warranty it as well.

 

[bob15]

If you make your own, there is no need to braze it in. Just stake the new hex bit with a center punch and tap it in. At worst, just use a little epoxy to keep the bit from falling out.

 

[mikebaker1129]

Hmmm, I wonder if it would be cheaper to just source a Bondhus bit...

Yes, I just picked up 28 Bondhus bit sockets with the bit for $80 on eBay. I am pretty sure the seller had 5mm ball bit sockets.
Seller was jtcharger-2001
She had 10 Bondhus long ball end bit sockets available.

 

[Wamsutta]

Why not chase down a truck and get the bit replaced? That's what I did for a 3/16'' hex socket. The guy had the bit swapped out in about 2 minutes.

 

[Jason280]

It's not a warranty issue.

 

[Wamsutta]

Then what is the issue? You got me puzzled on that one for sure.

 

[Jason280]

No real issue, just need an extra one or two.

 

[mikebaker1129]

No real issue, just need an extra one or two.

I get it, on a common size that you use, it is nice to have extra bits so when one wears or twists like a pretzel you can swap it out an keep working.
3/16, 5/32 ,5mm,6mm and 9/64 are the common sizes I use.

Mac now has a press in type bit that the whole socket socket has to be warrantied out ,instead to the set screw type. I tried to buy some extra bits yesterday only to find out they no longer offer them.
I passed on his offer to warranty, I think he thought I was crazy.