Spline drive sockets worth it?

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Are spline drive sockets worth it? I received a kobalt ratchet a few years ago which extended and it came with spline drive sockets. I have yet to use them (there were maybe 6) but i see a lot of manufacturers sell them now. Are they gimicky or do they have their uses? I have a decent set of sockets but if someone were to buy JUST spline drive sockets, would they be able to get alone without damaging fasteners?

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Quality spline drive tools are awesome. The **** SAE/Metric combo tools are a gimmick. I have a set of spline drive Proto ratcheting wrenches and it's amazing how well they grip fasteners, especially fasteners that have already begun to round off.

 

[SuzukiGS750EZ]

Are they a specialty socket or something you can use daily?

 

[Strouty]

Honestly I think they are great for old hardware, but if you have a nice new bolt or nut, they can mark up the surface, especially if the hardware is stuck. I like my proto ratcheting wrenches, I also have SK spline sockets, but most of my sockets are six point and I have no problems with them.

 

[gdocktor3]

I have the Kobalt pass thru sockets also, but I've never actually needed to use them so can't say how great they work, but I know the SK spline sockets were awesome. I say were because they no longer make them. I do however have Matco, Proto and Expert ratchet wrenches with spline box ends that really do work great. I can't say I've ever damaged the fasteners with any of the spline ends, but definitely with the anti slip open ends of the Matco.

 

[Bobioz1]

Unless your working with spline head fasteners, I just don't see the point in them.

 

[General Geoff]

I like my SK 94545 set, they've held up great and they work equally well on hex, 12 point, and square fasteners. As gdocktor3 said, SK no longer makes this (I think Facom actually made this set when it was being produced).

I don't care for the crappy 'universal' metric/sae combined sockets which supposedly fit two or three sizes per socket.

 

[Bigblue&Goldie]

Unless your working with spline head fasteners, I just don't see the point in them.

I generally agree, but the way they bite into standard fasteners is rather impressive.

 

[saryon7]

I had an undersized caliper bolt that my snap on socket was rounding over. (In my experience snap on sockets are some of the best at saving rounded bolts) My buddy pulled out a craftsman spline drive and it came right off. Surprised me enough to buy an SAE and metric set of them for myself. Haven't had a need for them since though. Nice piece of mind for $30 though. It is always nice to have another option prior to having to do something more time consuming to remove a rounded bolt.

 

[FMC1959]

Just saw this today on Tooltopia's specials...
http://www.tooltopia.com/steelman-78537.aspx

I guess if you work in a tire center the spline sockets can be handy

 

[90zcar]

I never found the need for them


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[ihateminimumwage]

Had a mix of SK, Snap-On and Chinese Craftsman. Sold them recently since I only used one once on an E-Torx bolt, and ordered a set of E-Torx sockets the next day.