Steelman Pro Long swivel sockets

[X1 Mike]

Anyone have opinions on these? I don't have an immediate need for these but I kinda want them. I don't have any Steelman tools so I can't speak to their quality. Anyone have firsthand experience?


https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CK427H2/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[ChrisLS8]

Rather get regular impact swivel sockets cause that extension length might not always work. Rather tailor it for the job at hand

 

[X1 Mike]

Rather get regular impact swivel sockets cause that extension length might not always work. Rather tailor it for the job at hand

I already have regular impact sockets, this is a want not a need.
I'm concerned about quality not need.

 

[LXCam]

I’ve got several steelman products. Everything I’ve seen seems to be built like a brick **** house but swivel impacts are their own animal. But for that price I’d sure give them a whirl.

 

[2oolhound]

I agree with Chris, regular swivel (impact) allow you to choose the length of extension. With those you're stuck with that length.

 

[CJM8515]

A cheaper and better option https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VX0N8C8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[X1 Mike]

I agree with Chris, regular swivel (impact) allow you to choose the length of extension. With those you're stuck with that length.

I like being stuck with that length. I asked about quality not usefulness to you.

 

[X1 Mike]

A cheaper and better option https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VX0N8C8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

With that same thought you shouldn't have swivel sockets just swivel extensions. At about $9.50 per socket I think they are a great deal.

 

[Fedwrench]

Looks like Gearwrench has a similar set.

http://www.gearwrench.com/impact-pr...ersal-impact-metric-extension-socket-set.html

http://www.gearwrench.com/impact-pr...versal-joint-impact-extension-set-6-9-12.html

I don't have any experience with the Steelman or Gearwrench versions but, I do have a couple of Snap on versions. They can be quite useful. The extension length actually is pretty handy. It provides a little stand off which at times, improves access from not trying to get right on top of a fastener.
Steelman can be a bit of a hit or miss brand but, I think they would be worth trying out. Good Luck in your quest

 

[Jason280]

They look interesting, but I still don't see where they would serve a real need (for my uses).

 

[M6erfan]

I've never owned a Steelman product but their ratchets get pretty poor reviews. Steelman doesn't get a lot of forum time around here so input on quality is probably going to be limited. You're probably better off doing a search.

 

[LXCam]

I've never owned a Steelman product but their ratchets get pretty poor reviews. Steelman doesn't get a lot of forum time around here so input on quality is probably going to be limited. You're probably better off doing a search.

The poor reviews are because they weigh 8000x’s a normal ratchet, the directional selector is an exercise in guesstimation and the back drag so stiff you’re not certain which direction you selected.



But beyond that, they’re bullet proof


Btw, I’ve got all three of the rats.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7005532&postcount=791

But the following two posts pretty much sum them up.

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7005920&postcount=792

https://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showpost.php?p=7005943&postcount=793

 

[M6erfan]

Those might be the ugliest ratchets I've ever seen.

 

[Wamsutta]

9 inches isn't long enough. When you need one, you'll need one longer than that. 29 inches would've been more like it.

 

[Fedwrench]

9 inches isn't long enough. When you need one, you'll need one longer than that. 29 inches would've been more like it.

Nope. For bell housing or similarly located fasteners, you want the 3 foot 1/2 drive X 3/8 drive impact extension with a pinless impact swivel socket of the correct size or a 3 foot locking impact extension so your socket doesn't get flung who knows where

 

[jkesselr]

I like being stuck with that length. I asked about quality not usefulness to you.

Well, then LX gave you your answer. Built like a brick *********. Other than getting that question addressed, it seems your mind is made up, so just order them.

 

[Danglerb]

I have the slightly more costly 4 pc Snapon non impact set, and for some jobs they are great. I'm sure I will end up buying a couple of these, but not a whole set, maybe just 10mm and 15mm.

Nuts, individual pieces of the set best price I am finding is about $25 each, which makes two of them about half the cost of the set of 11. This is not looking good for my wallet.

 

[CR888]

Kinda stupid IMO the set goes from 9mm-19mm. Would be better to include size 8 and do away with one of the least used sizes or make it a 12pc set. I think quality will be similar to other upper end Taiwan tools. I like Steelman as a brand, they have a go as far as innovation goes but they are quite pricey compared to similar quality Taiwan tools as your paying for warranty etc.

 

[Billythekid1]

I have some made by apex not sure if the r rebranded but mine r really nice quality built

 

[Mr_B]

I have the slightly more costly 4 pc Snapon non impact set, and for some jobs they are great. I'm sure I will end up buying a couple of these, but not a whole set, maybe just 10mm and 15mm.

Nuts, individual pieces of the set best price I am finding is about $25 each, which makes two of them about half the cost of the set of 11. This is not looking good for my wallet.

the set is close to 200bucks ...

Bit over priced and unless doing regular specific task requiring this length they not that useful .
My lad has the swivel extensions and he broke 2 of them, do work hard on them though, warranty is a bit drawn out .
Value at a deal price but not so much at average retail and no idea on the long term warranty support on hand tools .

 

[KnurledNut]

Get em $5 bucks cheaper from the Amazon seller directly....just a thought...

https://www.tooltopia.com/steelman-97886.aspx

 

[BK13]

Need is vastly over-rated, LOL.

I've been kinda looking at the KoKen version of that, but I really don't have a need for them. That for sure doesn't mean you won't find them in my box one day...

 

[X1 Mike]

Well, then LX gave you your answer. Built like a brick *********. Other than getting that question addressed, it seems your mind is made up, so just order them.

Mind is not made up. I'm just trying to guide the discussion. My question is only about the quality of the impact extension. Sometimes it's tough to get an answer to the question and not get sidetracked too much.

Kinda stupid IMO the set goes from 9mm-19mm. Would be better to include size 8 and do away with one of the least used sizes or make it a 12pc set. I think quality will be similar to other upper end Taiwan tools. I like Steelman as a brand, they have a go as far as innovation goes but they are quite pricey compared to similar quality Taiwan tools as your paying for warranty etc.

Not skipping sizes works perfectly with my OCD. I'd rather have the tool and never use it than have gaps. lol

 

[Ign]

A cheaper and better option https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00VX0N8C8/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Yeah I've got that set. My biggest problem is if they go with my 1/2 or 3/8 drive stuff LOL

As for quality...I haven't used 'em much or hard so I can't say

 

[1320]

I have the SAE set and have used few of the sizes a few times. They seem to work well for the most part. The 1/2" size did get bound up on me one time, but I was able to free it by hand. They came completely dry with no lube of any kind. I emailed Steelman asking what or much lube they ought to have and never received a response.

You can tell which sizes I've used and which I haven't because the used ones never sit "straight" on the ball after even one use. It's not a problem, but they don't look "nice" anymore.

Northern Tool's Klutch brand has an SAE and metric set of these as well that seem to be made by the same OEM.

 

[CR888]

I have the SAE set and have used few of the sizes a few times. They seem to work well for the most part. The 1/2" size did get bound up on me one time, but I was able to free it by hand. They came completely dry with no lube of any kind. I emailed Steelman asking what or much lube they ought to have and never received a response.

You can tell which sizes I've used and which I haven't because the used ones never sit "straight" on the ball after even one use. It's not a problem, but they don't look "nice" anymore.

Northern Tool's Klutch brand has an SAE and metric set of these as well that seem to be made by the same OEM.

Not the kind of company I'd pay a premium for their Taiwan tools when your paying extra for their warranty. If they won't respond to a product query, good luck trying to warranty a tool down the road. I'd buy same quality at much less, self warranty and avoid future headaches/anger. But the tools here are not a design that's very common.

 

[Danglerb]

Snapon and Apex both make similar, not sure on the range of sizes, both a bit more costly.

 

[X1 Mike]

Not the kind of company I'd pay a premium for their Taiwan tools when your paying extra for their warranty. If they won't respond to a product query, good luck trying to warranty a tool down the road. I'd buy same quality at much less, self warranty and avoid future headaches/anger. But the tools here are not a design that's very common.

Is it really paying a premium when they are a hundred bucks for 11 sockets? I was considering getting a Snap-On but just the 10mm and it was sixty five bucks or something like that.

 

[BajaScout]

9 inches isn't long enough. When you need one, you'll need one longer than that. 29 inches would've been more like it.

Seems to be the average....


Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[1320]

Not the kind of company I'd pay a premium for their Taiwan tools when your paying extra for their warranty. If they won't respond to a product query, good luck trying to warranty a tool down the road. I'd buy same quality at much less, self warranty and avoid future headaches/anger. But the tools here are not a design that's very common.

I'm with you on the non response, but where can you find the same product at much less? I figure Steelman is not the OEM for these sockets, but I'm not sure who is. The Klutch brand versions are, I think, manufactured by the same OEM and are sometimes less expensive than the Steelman Pro.

Snapon and Apex both make similar, not sure on the range of sizes, both a bit more costly.

I've heard several times about the Apex brand swivel extension sockets, but I've never seen them. I looked a few months ago and then again just now and came up with nothing. Does anyone have a link to where some are listed or at least a part number so I can find out some information about them?

 

[Rabid Badger]

I don't understand why these exist. I guess it would reduce torque loss compared to a swivel socket on an extension, but I'd rather put my money toward a more powerful impact.

 

[Billythekid1]

Google apex swivel extension

 

[Danglerb]

I don't understand why these exist. I guess it would reduce torque loss compared to a swivel socket on an extension, but I'd rather put my money toward a more powerful impact.

Its more control than force, hard to describe without using the tool, but its much nicer in practice than using an extension with the swivel and a socket, and they of course sell various lengths of extensions with swivel, universals, and wobbles.

I'd be more gungho talking about them except I haven't bought a set yet and don't want them to run out before I make up my mind.

A hint at use is that most of the impacts like this are from industrial lines like Apex or Snapon industrial, not mainstream automotive.

 

[Kaane]

I bought the 11 piece version for $105 on Amazon. They work really good, not too much torque is lost. Seem very well put together, only issue is the markings are kind of faint.

 

[CR888]

I'm with you on the non response, but where can you find the same product at much less? I figure Steelman is not the OEM for these sockets, but I'm not sure who is. The Klutch brand versions are, I think, manufactured by the same OEM and are sometimes less expensive than the Steelman Pro.



I've heard several times about the Apex brand swivel extension sockets, but I've never seen them. I looked a few months ago and then again just now and came up with nothing. Does anyone have a link to where some are listed or at least a part number so I can find out some information about them?

I clicked on the Amazon link & the price was $193au as I'm in OZ but that seemed fairly pricey. But swivel sockets usually are and these oddball ones leave you with few choices. I'd shop around a bit first check out the Apex ones before making a decision. The reviews on the Steelman are pretty good, some say they deliver the torque well through the extension, I'm sure you'd be happy with them. I'm just suggesting mainly to SEARCH as usually these Taiwan tools are not unique to one brand. It would be nice if it had a size 8 in the set too.

 

[X1 Mike]

I clicked on the Amazon link & the price was $193au as I'm in OZ but that seemed fairly pricey. But swivel sockets usually are and these oddball ones leave you with few choices. I'd shop around a bit first check out the Apex ones before making a decision.

I will keep the pricing disparity in mind if I move to Australia.

 

[decableguy2000]

Looks like Northern Tool has them as well.

https://www.northerntool.com/shop/tools/product_200716837_200716837

 

[Dieselhammer]

The only steelman tool I have is a 2-5/8" axle nut socket for the inner nut on heavy truck steer axles, it was everything i expected for $22, but that's also a simple tool to make.

 

[oldldh]

If one needs a really serious club...May I recommend the Steelman Pro 1/2" drive 160 tooth ratchet...

I have all three of the 160 tooth ratchets...

They're all right, but I wouldn't go crazy about them...

As clubs, they're dynamite...

As ratchets, not so much...

 

[CR888]

I wonder what the XL 1/2" 180tooth flex ratchet would be like, I think its like 30". All them clicks & club like build could work well.