Surface Drive vs SuperTorque

[met89]

I am looking to buy a couple standard length 6 point socket sets in 3/8 drive, one set metric and the other SAE. I like both Williams and Koken (although I'm open to other non-box store brands if you have suggestions) and have always liked the idea of Snap-On's Flank Drive/Williams' SuperTorque sockets.

I saw that Koken has something similar called Surface Drive, how does this stack up to similar concepts from other brands? If you were starting out and building a set, would you go for standard geometry or something like Flank Drive/SuperTorque/Surface Drive?

As far as my application, my typical use is going to be light duty automotive, moderate duty lawn mower/small tractor maintenance, around the house DIY and the occasional medium duty automotive work.

Thanks!

 

[neophyte]

The Koken Surface Drive looks to me like mire of a variation of the six point Metrinch socket design, rather than a more common flank drive.
I haven’t personally used either though.

 

[desrosd]

I am looking to buy a couple standard length 6 point socket sets in 3/8 drive, one set metric and the other SAE. I like both Williams and Koken (although I'm open to other non-box store brands if you have suggestions) and have always liked the idea of Snap-On's Flank Drive/Williams' SuperTorque sockets.

I saw that Koken has something similar called Surface Drive, how does this stack up to similar concepts from other brands? If you were starting out and building a set, would you go for standard geometry or something like Flank Drive/SuperTorque/Surface Drive?

As far as my application, my typical use is going to be light duty automotive, moderate duty lawn mower/small tractor maintenance, around the house DIY and the occasional medium duty automotive work.

Thanks!

Last year I replaced a lot of my 80's Craftsman non-flank drive sockets with Williams sockets from Zoro. Living in a rust state, I've found the Williams sockets to perform much better. However, had two problems. One, the sockets were dropped shipped directly from Williams and two of the sets had incorrect sockets - which Zoro quickly took care of. Two, the size stamping on the sockets is very shallow and difficult to read, one socket label was upside down. My only regret is my old eyes have a hard time reading the sizes.

 

[Dave455]

I have had nothing but positive experiences with both manufacturers.

If you go down the KoKen route you want the regular sockets. The regular sockets (like most quality sockets these days) use “off corner” engagement. KoKen call it Flat Drive, Snap On Flank Drive, and so on.

The surface drive sockets are very different, and almost a specialist tool for things like chromed fasteners.

If I was only buying one, buy the regular sockets.

Flat Drive bottom left. Surface Drive bottom right.

 

[met89]

Thanks for the info! I ended up ordering a metric and SAE set of the 3/8 standard depth flat drive sockets. Looking forward to getting them.

 

[Dave455]

Thanks for the info! I ended up ordering a metric and SAE set of the 3/8 standard depth flat drive sockets. Looking forward to getting them.

You can’t go far wrong with those!

Enjoy!

 

[merkyworks]

I’m slowly transitioning most of my metric sockets from Craftsman to Koken standard/zeal. I have been extremely happy with the fit/finish and function of Koken, I’ve really come to like the different exterior profile as well.

 

[KnurledNut]

Surface drive sockets are regularly used in industry for assembly line work. They do less damage to all fasteners but especially painted ones or soft materials like plastic.

These usually are mated with power nut-runners, and the socket geometry will engage with the fasteners with the tool already rotating, kinda the same way we often do with powered ratchets.

They also work well on swelled or damaged fasteners.

Worth noting, Gearwrench calls their standard off-corner engagement design Surface Drive but it is simply their version of flank drive, not the above.

 

[ronkz650]

I have Koken in surface drive, the Zeal and the nut grip. They all work great. The surface drive fits real loose on a bolt, so sometimes that's a nice thing, easy to fit over the bolt. The zeal fits real tight and sometimes with dirt and grime can be difficult to even get on an old bolt. They both have their uses. Don't be afraid of the surface drive.

 

[F-22]

Can you even buy "regular" sockets for a reputable brand today? I don't think there's any downside to the "flank drive" style.

 

[KnurledNut]

Can you even buy "regular" sockets for a reputable brand today? I don't think there's any downside to the "flank drive" style.

The old style sockets have their place occasionally. Options are always good.
They work better with taps and square bolt heads in a pinch.
The sharp points grab round security lug nuts better when beat on.
Most recently, I used a traditional style magnetic socket to drive a thread restoring chaser. I had to repair 24 holes and this setup performed well. A Flank drive socket would have had a much sloppier fit.

 

[Sumboodie]

I’m slowly transitioning most of my metric sockets from Craftsman to Koken standard/zeal. I have been extremely happy with the fit/finish and function of Koken, I’ve really come to like the different exterior profile as well.

What's wrong with Craftsman?

Ive neheard of Kroken.

 

[F-22]

The old style sockets have their place occasionally. Options are always good.
They work better with taps and square bolt heads in a pinch.
The sharp points grab round security lug nuts better when beat on.
Most recently, I used a traditional style magnetic socket to drive a thread restoring chaser. I had to repair 24 holes and this setup performed well. A Flank drive socket would have had a much sloppier fit.
View attachment 1949322

I understand but I think we can agree those are very niche and unconventional use cases. The tool manufacturers probably don't intend them to be used in that way...

 

[KnurledNut]

@F-22
Unconventional often gets the job done.

 

[seber]

What's wrong with Craftsman?

Ive neheard of Kroken.

I originally started with Craftsman sockets for home use. they worked fine for that. Then I started using them on the ranch. Whole nother story. I would crack one about once a week. Eventually they all got replaced with SK. I can't stand the SK ratchet, but the sockets have held up to more than they had any right to.

 

[Sumboodie]

I originally started with Craftsman sockets for home use. they worked fine for that. Then I started using them on the ranch. Whole nother story. I would crack one about once a week. Eventually they all got replaced with SK. I can't stand the SK ratchet, but the sockets have held up to more than they had any right to.

Weird. I've been using Craftsman for ~25 years and never broke one that I can remember aside from the chrome peeling off one and cutting my hand.
I do mostly truck and heavy equipment work... oh, and don't own any "impact" sockets.

Not saying there isn't better, but they've served me well.