Socket Length By Brand

[jumbojak]

I'm interested in some new sockets, particularly 1/4 drive shallows and want the new to be a bit shorter than the typical Taiwanese imports. It's odd how that tiny difference can make such a difference, but I've run into a few situations where the slight increase in length was a pain.

Specially I'm looking at either a set of Armstrong or Proto, but the proto I have in 3/8 drive seem to have the same length profile as the imports. I would assume that Armstrong would be similar to USA Craftsman, which is the length I'm after.

USA Craftsman is out of my range on eBay - you'd think they were made of frickin gold based on prices - so the Williams USA might be an option as well. SK and Wright are out of my price range I'm looking for reasonably affordable shorter sockets.

I don't really care about warranty or a flawless finish. They will get used and bounce around in a bag or a road box.

 

[Outwest]

Check out Blackhawk, their prices are fair. Cripe Distributing may have some 1/4 sets of Armstrong and Napa branded would be the same I believe.

 

[plinker]

Armstrong may be pricey if you can find them, they are the same as Craftsman more or less. Allen would be the same as well. Williams & S-K are the same height as well. Williams may be your best bet, but you may be able to find a deal on S-K's if you shop around.

 

[Fedwrench]

Proto 1/4 drive six point chrome metric 4-15 mm are 7/8 long overall.

Matco (real MATCO not silver eagle) 1/4 drive six point chrome metric 4-15 mm are 13/16 long overall.

Craftsman US made 1/4 six point chrome metric 4-14 mm are 7/8 long overall. Armstrong should be the same since only the name on the socket is different.

SK 1/4 drive chrome six point 4-15 mm are .87 to .88 inch long overall or around 7/8.

If you want really short 1/4 drive chrome six point sockets, Koken Zeal shallow sockets are 14-15 mm tall in the 4-14 mm range.

If looking at NAPA sockets, please ensure that they're US made because, there was a period between US made NAPA professional hand tools and the current Carlyle lineup when NAPA hand tools were Gearwrench clones.

Good luck in your quest.

 

[bob15]

If you're not worried about the warranty, could could always grind them to the length you want. Or if you have access to a lathe, you could shorten them there are well. Going with black oxide would eliminate the chances of the chrome pealing after the "custom shortening".

 

[jumbojak]

Check out Blackhawk, their prices are fair. Cripe Distributing may have some 1/4 sets of Armstrong and Napa branded would be the same I believe.

Aren't Blackhawk the import brand for Proto? I would assume they have the same added length.

 

[jumbojak]

Armstrong may be pricey if you can find them, they are the same as Craftsman more or less. Allen would be the same as well. Williams & S-K are the same height as well. Williams may be your best bet, but you may be able to find a deal on S-K's if you shop around.

I came across a few deals on Armstrong so the price would be reasonable. SK pricing seems to be high as gas though. I like SK but they're out of the range unless I find that magical closeout seller...

 

[jumbojak]

Proto 1/4 drive six point chrome metric 4-15 mm are 7/8 long overall.

Matco (real MATCO not silver eagle) 1/4 drive six point chrome metric 4-15 mm are 13/16 long overall.

Craftsman US made 1/4 six point chrome metric 4-14 mm are 7/8 long overall. Armstrong should be the same since only the name on the socket is different.

SK 1/4 drive chrome six point 4-15 mm are .87 to .88 inch long overall or around 7/8.

If you want really short 1/4 drive chrome six point sockets, Koken Zeal shallow sockets are 14-15 mm tall in the 4-14 mm range.

If looking at NAPA sockets, please ensure that they're US made because, there was a period between US made NAPA professional hand tools and the current Carlyle lineup when NAPA hand tools were Gearwrench clones.

Good luck in your quest.

Thank you sir!

I looked for NAPA USA but the offerings all seem to be transition period... If the Proto are of the shorter variety I'll probably go that route. I have something of a thing for Proto.

Koken was a thought but I'm not willing to drop that kind of money. At least, not the kind of money sellers seem to be asking for.

 

[jumbojak]

If you're not worried about the warranty, could could always grind them to the length you want. Or if you have access to a lathe, you could shorten them there are well. Going with black oxide would eliminate the chances of the chrome pealing after the "custom shortening".

That would certainly work, but my current setup is mishmashed and misplaced enough that I want a new starting point. I'll keep the old ones for custom jobs.

 

[toolmutt]

Aren't Blackhawk the import brand for Proto? I would assume they have the same added length.

Still USA made according to the website. And the 10mm shows to be 51/64 overall length. I really like the Blackhawk stuff I have. And I have lots of Proto, too.

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/...-by-Proto®-1|4"-Drive-Socket-10-mm---6-Point/

 

[jumbojak]

Still USA made according to the website. And the 10mm shows to be 51/64 overall length. I really like the Blackhawk stuff I have. And I have lots of Proto, too.

https://www.protoindustrial.com/en/...-by-Proto®-1|4"-Drive-Socket-10-mm---6-Point/

I'll dig a little deeper. Blackhawk sets seem to be hard to come by. It could definitely be an option though. Thank you.

 

[Lisamelting]

I just purchased a Blackhawk 1/4" combination wrench to replace one I lost. The new one still says made in USA.

 

[Fedwrench]

Aren't Blackhawk the import brand for Proto? I would assume they have the same added length.

Yes and no. Blackhawk ratchets are Taiwan made as are some of their medium to large socket sets. However, many Blackhawk tools are still US made. Unfortunately, you have to research each tool and even then, where it's made could change without notice.

 

[jumbojak]

I just purchased a Blackhawk 1/4" combination wrench to replace one I lost. The new one still says made in USA.

Interesting, I was under the impression that they were transitioning overseas. I knew the ratchets were imports and assumed that the sockets were too. The more you know...

 

[tomalophicon]

Koken Zeal sockets are short and really nice.