SuzukiGS750EZ
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Hey guys. I'd like a 3/8 swivel socket set. I don't want to pay a ton because I don't use them often, but I'd like then to be quality. Impact perhaps. Metric for now. Any ideas?
Swivel socket recommendation
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RedneckWelder
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A lot of people say the Matco pinless are top shelf (and so is the price). You may want to look at the Armstrong ones as they are the same for a lot less money.
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SuzukiGS750EZ
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How are harbor freight ones? Only reason I ask is price vs quality. I've never bought harbor freight tools. Actually all I have are higher quality tools. Lately I've been wondering if I should buy tools I use less at a lower price point.
Fedwrench
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You can't beat the quality/fit/finish of either Grey Pneumatic, Sunex, or Gearwrench Impact swivel sockets. For under a $100 you can get a nice durable set that runs 10-19mm or so.
I own Matco and Armstrong pinless but, there's really no need other than personal preference to spend that kind of money.
I own Matco and Armstrong pinless but, there's really no need other than personal preference to spend that kind of money.
MrJason
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X2 Gearwrench makes a quality set for an inexpensive price.
You don't have to spend 3 bills, to get what you need. About 100, and you're set.
Waggoner72
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Matco would be my suggestion for the price.
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bob15
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Have you looked at SK? Also, look at ebay.....you can find good deals on US made sets, both new and used.
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SuzukiGS750EZ
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I like grey pneumatic. I have a deep and shallow metric set along with the 3/8 universal/extension set. I'll look at the swivel. I wonder if napa would be cheaper than sunex
Hpozzuoli
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SASORacing
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Pinless for sure, check out Matco.
AaronMartin
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Check out these swivel socket sets: http://thecoolesttools.com/universal-swivel-impact-socket-sets-38/
Gearwrench, SK, Sunex, Genius, etc. all make quality tools. And a lot of people don't trust Harbor Freight swivel sockets, but I own a 3/8" and a 1/2" set, and I've had the 3/8" set for about a year now. Some have bent/undone the metal spring with an impact gun. I've almost done that to one socket, but it was fine, and other than that, they've been great. Time tested, I approve of the HF swivel sockets. But, the Gearwrench/SK/Sunex/Genius don't have that coiled metal spring, and they are higher quality than the HF ones. If you're not a professional daily abusing them with a high torque impact gun, I would have no problem highly recommending the HF swivel sockets. But there's something else about HF tools that wins me over, over say a tool truck tool or an online one:
The number 2 best thing about these swivel sockets and HF tools (number 1 being their incredible low price), is HF's awesome lax warranty policy. I've warrantied tools at HF absolutely hassle-free, and I'm sure they've warrantied a few swivel sockets without hassle as well.
If I bought from the tool truck and needed a swivel socket warrantied, I'd have to wait a week or maybe longer for them to order it and for it to come in. With HF, I walk in, and walk right back out with a new socket, just like that. And for an automotive tech that can't wait a week, that makes all the difference for me, and that alone sells me on HF. That's two votes for HF so far, but who's counting.
Gearwrench, SK, Sunex, Genius, etc. all make quality tools. And a lot of people don't trust Harbor Freight swivel sockets, but I own a 3/8" and a 1/2" set, and I've had the 3/8" set for about a year now. Some have bent/undone the metal spring with an impact gun. I've almost done that to one socket, but it was fine, and other than that, they've been great. Time tested, I approve of the HF swivel sockets. But, the Gearwrench/SK/Sunex/Genius don't have that coiled metal spring, and they are higher quality than the HF ones. If you're not a professional daily abusing them with a high torque impact gun, I would have no problem highly recommending the HF swivel sockets. But there's something else about HF tools that wins me over, over say a tool truck tool or an online one:
The number 2 best thing about these swivel sockets and HF tools (number 1 being their incredible low price), is HF's awesome lax warranty policy. I've warrantied tools at HF absolutely hassle-free, and I'm sure they've warrantied a few swivel sockets without hassle as well.
If I bought from the tool truck and needed a swivel socket warrantied, I'd have to wait a week or maybe longer for them to order it and for it to come in. With HF, I walk in, and walk right back out with a new socket, just like that. And for an automotive tech that can't wait a week, that makes all the difference for me, and that alone sells me on HF. That's two votes for HF so far, but who's counting.
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I have the Matco ADV sockets which from my understanding I read they are rebranded Gearwrench. May be wrong though. I honestly don't like how fat they are compared to the snap on ones I used to have. I used to use a 13mm to take off hubs on Grand prix, impalas, and etc but now my 13 swivel barely fits.
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SuzukiGS750EZ
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Gm hubs are one reason I want them. Another is the front brakes on a scion tc.im also wondering if I should get semi deep or standard.
Wamsutta
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Are you going to be using them on nuts or bolt heads?
Swivel impacts and swivel sockets are completely different tools for very different circumstances. There may be places where impact swivels are great. I personally don't have them and haven't needed them. I have many times needed shallow swivels. Engine bay and interiors, consoles, dash boards, under seats, etc.
My recommendation is to buy shallow chrome swivels in 10,12-14 or 15mm. 16,17, 18 I've found little use for. You want high quality flank drive style.
For impact, I would get inexpensive stuff. I think they get beat up, don't need to fit as tightly etc.
I am currently in the market for stubby shallow swivel torx. I need up to t30 or so for interiors work.
My recommendation is to buy shallow chrome swivels in 10,12-14 or 15mm. 16,17, 18 I've found little use for. You want high quality flank drive style.
For impact, I would get inexpensive stuff. I think they get beat up, don't need to fit as tightly etc.
I am currently in the market for stubby shallow swivel torx. I need up to t30 or so for interiors work.
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Fedwrench
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One problem with the Harbor Fright set at least for me, is that the set doesn't come with a 15 or 18mm socket. 
Two very common sizes that I use all of the time on late model cars.
Two very common sizes that I use all of the time on late model cars.outdoorsman310
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the harbor freights might be ok, they might explode easily though. I had one explode first use and others have not exploded yet. you could start with em if you dont use them often. the sunnex and other stuff people are recommending is much better than harbor freight and would be a better choice.
AaronMartin
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One problem with the Harbor Fright set at least for me, is that the set doesn't come with a 15 or 18mm socket.
The HF 1/2" set has 13mm, 14mm, 15mm, 17mm, 18mm, 19mm, 21mm, but the 3/8" set doesn't have 15 or 18.
mybuick6
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mine are mac and havent broke one in 20 years. mostly use them for caliper brackets and hub bearings i have 3/8 and 1/2.
Definitely get impacts for those types of fasteners.
I have deeps however I would not recommend anyone buy them. The only reason I purchased them is for convenience. In reality you can just as easily slap a deep socket on an impact swivel adapter. Shallow impact swivels, however, are actually significantly shorter than a shallow socket on an adapter so there is benefit there.
I like sunex/GP for budget tools.
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SuzukiGS750EZ
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Which is better quality, sunex or gp? Gp is 5$ more than sunex. Same sizes and amount of sockets.
Fedwrench
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There are two things that separate the two brands: Grey Pneumatic uses blue plastic boxes and Sunex uses red plastic boxes. Secondly, Sunex sockets have a small stamped size number in addition to the high vis gold markings. Grey Pneumatic only has the gold size markings.
You'd think the same factory in Taiwan cranks out both brands.
You'd think the same factory in Taiwan cranks out both brands.
a lot of reviews complain the HF impact swivels come apart. I have their regular impacts and they're great but if I needed impact swivels I would at least look around for something else and see the budget I would need before settling on them.
I have Gearwrench non impact swivels in 3/8 and they are great. They cost very little so I would recommend them, and then get impacts later if you still need.
I have Gearwrench non impact swivels in 3/8 and they are great. They cost very little so I would recommend them, and then get impacts later if you still need.
wafrederick
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The HF sets are made out chrome vandium.GP makes theirs out of chrome moly steel.I have one GP set,have not broken one yet.
I just picked up the SK set 33351.
They are USA 3/8" swivel impacts, 10-19mm, stamped and triple laser etched, with a case. $111 shipped, can't complain. They will go nicely with my MG325 or DeWalt 12V Max or perhaps a new Fuel
They are USA 3/8" swivel impacts, 10-19mm, stamped and triple laser etched, with a case. $111 shipped, can't complain. They will go nicely with my MG325 or DeWalt 12V Max or perhaps a new Fuel
RedneckWelder
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If you're gonna pay tool truck prices for impact swivels might as well go with the Matco pinless.
I would but I'm not to fond of my Matco guy. My cornwell guy may work with me on a set. I can live with a set of pinned swivel sockets.
SASORacing
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Matco pinless = best
If you get a deal through a distributor they can be cheaper.
If you get a deal through a distributor they can be cheaper.
... until you hammer on a stuck bolt (Usually why I'm trying to get at it with a swivel on an impact). They lock up if you hammer too hard on them and then they never swivel right again. Get stuck, catch, jump off bolt heads, etc... I like my NAPA Pro's instead now
SASORacing
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Another option is just a pinless impact joint, much cheaper than buying a flex set. It gets the job done I guess.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BUP2BB/3-8-DRIVE-IMPACT-UNIVERSAL-JOINT/
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BUP2BB/3-8-DRIVE-IMPACT-UNIVERSAL-JOINT/
RedneckWelder
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The only issue is that a impact joint instead of the full socket set won't fit into many tight areas.
That is the whole reason for the existence of the swivel sockets, otherwise nobody would pay the money for a set of them, they'd all just buy the one joint.
bcradio
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Another option is just a pinless impact joint, much cheaper than buying a flex set. It gets the job done I guess.
http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/product/BUP2BB/3-8-DRIVE-IMPACT-UNIVERSAL-JOINT/
Craftsman version is cheaper
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SuzukiGS750EZ
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I have a grey pneumatic version already
u118224
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I just picked up the SK set 33351.
They are USA 3/8" swivel impacts, 10-19mm, stamped and triple laser etched, with a case. $111 shipped, can't complain. They will go nicely with my MG325 or DeWalt 12V Max or perhaps a new Fuel
Ditto for me, they're very nice, and not much more expensive than Sunex or GP.