Snap-On Sockets

[MarcSeattle]

Is it just me, or are recent Snap-On sockets hard to read?

Yes. I sold my Snap-On sockets just for that reason. I still have my Snap-On allen sockets and the torx sockets and it irritates me every time I reach for one. I use Ernst rails and have the rails marked with sizes but it's odd that Snap-On would use a poor design.

BTW, anyone know of a size ID system for allens and torx? I'd love to find something like little rubber bands with numbers on them that would slip around the allen/torx shaft.

 

[regguy1]

Are Snap-On sockets worth the money? I know they are quality and made in USA, but $234 for a set of SAE shallow 6-point sockets is pretty steep. That is 9-10 times what I paid for a set of DeWalt sockets. I have some DeWalt, GearWrench, SK and one set of Snap-On. When I look inside at the way they are made and the broaching, clearly Snap-On looks better to me. Very refined and precise. I have not looked at Matco or Mac. If I am going to spend the money for tool truck quality sockets, I would go with Snap-On. I don't think SK is made in USA anymore. I would appreciate any input on what you guys think on sockets.

I had a 15MM 1/2" drive impact flex socket replaced by my Snap On guy, the new ones don't have a band around the pin they're just welded and look cheap compared to previous ones. I sold my 1/2" drive set on eBay and bought a set of Sunex. The Sunex sockets look great and have the safety band... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LUQBWI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[Wrench97]

I had a 15MM 1/2" drive impact flex socket replaced by my Snap On guy, the new ones don't have a band around the pin they're just welded and look cheap compared to previous ones. I sold my 1/2" drive set on eBay and bought a set of Sunex. The Sunex sockets look great and have the safety band... https://www.amazon.com/dp/B002LUQBWI/?tag=atomicindus08-20

The new ones a smaller and get into tighter places, pinless sockets are actually stronger then the old pin type with the band that can wear, break and have the pins fly out.

 

[threewood]

No doubt Snap On sockets are good but for how much they are there are good alternatives that can do the same job. Williams, Proto, Wright, old Craftsman, Icon, etc. I love me some Snap On but do not own a set of their sockets.

 

[Wamsutta]

Are Snap-On sockets worth the money?

Whenever I use a Snap-on socket with a Snap-on extension, they always snap together real tight. I don't have to worry about a Snap-on socket ever falling off its sibling extension. And another thing I like is the way the socket always engages with the friction ball on the extension at the correct time. Are they worth the money? That all depends on whether you're able to experience the full benefit of their quality.

 

[KomatsuTech]

The only reason that I have a set in 3/8" shallow and semi-deep is, Snap On has the smallest O.D. that I am aware of. I need that from time to time at work.

Other than the Snap On I use Proto, Craftsman, Pittsburgh, and Tekton.

 

[Snapped-off]

It's a lot easier to walk off the truck with an armful of sockets when you get them on promo/BoGo deal.

 

[joel63]

It's a lot easier to walk off the truck with an armful of sockets when you get them on promo/BoGo deal.

That has happened to me a few times.
Those promo/bogo deals are very difficult to resist. They got me twice this year.

 

[mepstein]

I buy mostly mid quality tools. For me, it’s a trade off between quality and quantity. I like nice tools but I also want lots of sizes and styles. I’m not a tech but I used to manage a Porsche restoration shop. The snap on model does nothing for me. It seems very antiquated. I can get tools overnight for minimal or free shipping. Warranties are not a problem and not often needed. I can get a half dozen of the same tools for the same price as one off the tool truck. My buddy has $100k of snap on and specialty tools. They are nice and he likes them but he’s the first to admit it’s 5% tool and 95% how you use them.

 

[getbentMUSTARD]

It's a lot easier to walk off the truck with an armful of sockets when you get them on promo/BoGo deal.

Agreed. My Snap-On guy gave me a bundle deal with 1/4" Metric shallow, mid & deeps for a price I felt I couldn't say no to. Otherwise I likely never would have bought them.

 

[Dakotadadv8]

Believe in the best sockets you can afford, IMHO they are the truck brands SO. It is the tool that connects to the fastener. Will supplement the FD sets with FD Xtra for 3/8 drive.