Tekton vs Sunex vs other

[VinceG]

Wow some of you guys over think it. Buy a brand you like and use it. I am a Diesel tech with 25+ years in and have many different brands I have had clearance issues with thicker cheap impact sockets on intake and exhaust manifolds. I just grind them till they fit. If they break I buy a better necked down version or use a chrome one. I've used a stubby chrome 1/2 drive wobble extension on a 1/2 Impact running shop air of 115PSI (Snap-On) on semi drive line bolts for 20 years. Yes it has broken and yes my Rep replaced it under warranty.

 

[kythri]

Wow some of you guys over think it. Buy a brand you like and use it.

Gosh, it was so simple all along. Thank you for that gift of clarity!

 

[ptgarcia]

I have these. I call them Mexican-American style because they're what I like.


OEMTOOLS 25591

OEMTOOLS 25592

 

[toddmorr]

I have these. I call them Mexican-American style because they're what I like.

awesome line, why this forum is so entertaining.

 

[KBigg]

 

[65k10]

They're allusive in the U.S. Again, you post a link to something that doesn't ship to the U.S.
No-one is disagreeing that those type of sockets are more easily available in other parts of the world...


Nice looking sockets though

Agri Supply sells King Tony impact sockets. Kind of a small selection, but it is a US source for them. Size selection in some of the sets is a little odd with what is included and what is left out. For example, the shallow 3/4", 1" drive sets include 1-3/16", but omit 1-1/8".
https://www.agrisupply.com/searchcenter.aspx?keyword=king+tony+impact&prv=&adv=&hawkb=

 

[M6erfan]

just took a look...

I'd only be interested in metric sets and they skip to many useful sizes for me. I.e: their deep metric impact set skips 22mm & 27mm, deal killer for me...

 

[65k10]

just took a look...

I'd only be interested in metric sets and they skip to many useful sizes for me. I.e: their deep metric impact set skips 22mm & 27mm, deal killer for me...

I hear you. Other than some SAE Pitts Pro sockets I bought, pretty much everything I have for impacts is Sunex and one set of Tekton. It mostly came down to both brands were easy to source and had fairly complete size ranges. It's not a big challenge, but I kind of hate having to buy socket sets, then having to fill in gaps.

 

[Mr_B]

I have these. I call them Mexican-American style because they're what I like.

I have these, I call them Japan Style as it stamped on them .

 

[Mr_B]

Sunex supplies a huge variety of Impact sockets and even supplies Matco’s ADV line.

Don't think that exactly correct,
Sunex does not make the sockets they a rebrand from taiwan manufacturer who also supplier to Matco taiwan rebrand adv line at one time and maybe still currently .

 

[Yarpo]

So I'm curious to hear from some of the Sunex fans, like Yarpo, why they think they are such good value? I bought this single 21mm 3/8" drive Sunex to give them a try since everyone seems to talk so positively about them, but so far I don't see it. The drive end is so crude it almost looks home made. The etching is so far off-center I can't even read it in my tray, and both the etching and stamping is microscopic. The only positive I can give them is they are thinner, but that's never been a big concern for me with impacts. I can't say I can ever remember trying to stick one of those fat Mastercraft sockets into a hole that was slightly too small to the point the Sunex would have fit. And the tapered sockets are such small sizes I don't know if I've ever used them more than a couple times. And if clearance on a particular bolt is such an issue, I'd probably just slap a chrome socket on it and cross my fingers.

I don't think Sunex are the end all be all, but I think they're a better value than Tekton and Kythri touched on most the points that I think make them "better" to me, so to speak. When they're not that far apart in price simple features like being stamped and necked down make a fair bit of difference. If they didn't exist and Tekton was all I could buy I'd have no issues. I owned a SAE set that I've since given to my uncle (I got a tool box so, fair trade) who was one of the two mechanics I worked under when I was working on fire trucks and hes still rattling away on them with little complaint. He did mention that when he swapped them out that they appeared rather thick and hes since mentioned not being able to use them a time or two, not sure if it was because of them being A.) Thick or B.) Not necked down however. A homeowner using these a few times a month may never run into that issue, hell a mechanic may never run into that issue, but its a problem that can present itself. Could you grab a chrome and sub it in? Absolutely. Do I want to climb out from underneath the truck or weasel my way out of the pump compartment to grab it? Absolutely not

I think my favorite sockets are my GP 3/8" Semi deep. A socket that as you note Tekton doesn't unfortunately even make. I probably take them on and off my impact/ratchet over 25 times a day and never noticed the drive end not being tapered. Kinda interesting! Appears both my Sunex and GP are this way and every other socket I have is tapered like yours.

Just noticed the right edge on the 10mm looks toast. Going to have to check that out!

I think Sunex and GP are hard to beat, but Genius tools and Pittsburgh pro both make great impact sockets that are also cheap.

These are pretty close to "japan style" I think?

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003TSQOE6/?tag=atomicindus08-20

These are necked down, stamped, O-ring grove and cheap.

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/346312.html

Snap on - GW - GW - GP - HF

 

[Shane6377]

These are necked down, stamped, O-ring grove and cheap.

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/346312.html

Those do look like decent sockets but the 1/2" and 3/8" drive sets I found are tapered. The 1/4" drive set looks to be necked down. Maybe they offer other sets that I couldn't find. They have very few reviews but the reviews are favorable. They are more expensive than both Tekton and Sunex (per socket) on Amazon but may be found cheaper elsewhere.



Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[Yarpo]

Those do look like decent sockets but the 1/2" and 3/8" drive sets I found are tapered. The 1/4" drive set looks to be necked down. Maybe they offer other sets that I couldn't find. They have very few reviews but the reviews are favorable. They are more expensive than both Tekton and Sunex (per socket) on Amazon but may be found cheaper elsewhere.

Sent from my iPhone using The Garage Journal mobile app

I bought a bunch of them on special buy from amazon, so when I spent 25 dollars or more I was able to snag each socket for just 2 or 3 dollars. Obviously more expensive than buying a set but they filled in empty spaces nicely.

I'm not sure what differentiates whether or not the sockets one would receive are necked down or not, I wanted to say it looked like NOS was not necked down and the new sockets where, but after more digging I'm not sure that's the case either. Maybe I'll email them and ask

Edit; Just emailed them, I'll let ya know what I find out.

Until then here's another full set in larger drive sizes that appear necked down. Unfortunately only based on photo analysis as you mentioned earlier

Also looks like they tapper the drive end in on the super large sizes, I like that.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CS01OU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://d2y5sgsy8bbmb8.cloudfront.n...-786b5332c86a/default.jobtemplate.mp4.480.mp4

 

[CR888]

Yeah I have 2 set of Genius Taiwan CR-V impact sockets. The larger sizes are better than the middle/smaller sizes. I find them a bit soft for CR-V and deform pretty easy, not a bad choice, but also not the best compared to other Taiwan offerings IMO.

 

[Handyandy23]

I think my favorite sockets are my GP 3/8" Semi deep. A socket that as you note Tekton doesn't unfortunately even make. I probably take them on and off my impact/ratchet over 25 times a day and never noticed the drive end not being tapered. Kinda interesting! Appears both my Sunex and GP are this way and every other socket I have is tapered like yours.

Thanks for the tip on the GP semi deeps, didn't see them before. Checked them out and the price is almost identical to the Sunex set, but I do think I prefer the Sunex.

The GP set is 13 pcs, sizes 7mm-19mm. Sunex is 14 pcs, sizes 8mm-22mm. I use 21 and 22mm a lot on my truck so it would be a lot more useful to me to have those available in 3/8" impact sizes (currently I don't have any 3/8" in 22mm) than the 7mm. But overall features and value the two sets look very similar.

 

[Tallpilot]

My 3/8" GP semi-deep impacts have rapidly become my favorite as well. GP doesn't get as much love as other brands here because they can be persnickety on warranty(must buy from authorized dealer, etc). But if you use Mr. B's self warranty then that doesn't matter. They are usually a little more expensive than Sunex but come with the 'magic' features mentioned in this thread.

 

[Yarpo]

Those do look like decent sockets but the 1/2" and 3/8" drive sets I found are tapered. The 1/4" drive set looks to be necked down. Maybe they offer other sets that I couldn't find. They have very few reviews but the reviews are favorable. They are more expensive than both Tekton and Sunex (per socket) on Amazon but may be found cheaper elsewhere.

Genius tools emailed me back before lunch today. Pretty quick response time!

It appears they're making two different version of most of their kits. A cheaper budget socket as well as a CrMo socket with most the fancy features. Check out CM-332M, those are sweet. The nicer kit appears to be about double the price, roughly 80 dollars for 32 PCs, while the CrV kit is about ~45 dollars.

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/geni...ric-deep-impact-socket-set-cr-mo-cm-332m.html

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/genius-tools-32pc-3-8-dr-metric-deep-impact-socket-set-tf-332m.html

Thanks for the tip on the GP semi deeps, didn't see them before. Checked them out and the price is almost identical to the Sunex set, but I do think I prefer the Sunex.

The GP set is 13 pcs, sizes 7mm-19mm. Sunex is 14 pcs, sizes 8mm-22mm. I use 21 and 22mm a lot on my truck so it would be a lot more useful to me to have those available in 3/8" impact sizes (currently I don't have any 3/8" in 22mm) than the 7mm. But overall features and value the two sets look very similar.

Those look pretty nice, GP appears to neck down the small sockets fully but not much an issue and the only thing I see that's different. I like the two extra sizes offered by Sunex, but I also use my 7mm a lot. 6 and 7 seem to be on all kinds of BMW hose clamps. I think Sunex offers a better warranty but GPs set is about 10 dollars cheaper it appears. Tough choice, I don't think you can go wrong with either!

My 3/8" GP semi-deep impacts have rapidly become my favorite as well. GP doesn't get as much love as other brands here because they can be persnickety on warranty(must buy from authorized dealer, etc). But if you use Mr. B's self warranty then that doesn't matter. They are usually a little more expensive than Sunex but come with the 'magic' features mentioned in this thread.

Yeah I use mine all the time. My 1/4" chrome semi deeps used to be my favorite, but given I use my cordless stuff for everything I figured impact's would be better suited for the job and I love them. Made a lot of money with this set, and I've already had to use Mr. Bs self warranty. I lost a 13mm working on a ford fusion I think and my boss was sick of me searching for it so he had one ordered on ebay before the car even left my bay. Cant warranty lost tools, so no matter who's socket it was I was replacing it. Of course after I parked the car I popped the hood and gave it another quick look and I found it. He claims it would have never shown up if he hadn't ordered me a replacement, so now I've got two 13mms!

 

[M6erfan]

Genius tools emailed me back before lunch today. Pretty quick response time!

It appears they're making two different version of most of their kits. A cheaper budget socket as well as a CrMo socket with most the fancy features. Check out CM-332M, those are sweet. The nicer kit appears to be about double the price, roughly 80 dollars for 32 PCs, while the CrV kit is about ~45 dollars.

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/geni...ric-deep-impact-socket-set-cr-mo-cm-332m.html

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/genius-tools-32pc-3-8-dr-metric-deep-impact-socket-set-tf-332m.html

Bummer they don't make the 'nice' sockets in 1/2" size

 

[Yarpo]

Bummer they don't make the 'nice' sockets in 1/2" size

It appears they do, but they're really expensive (For metric at least, wtf?)

Also who skips 15mm?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCUZFMA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CS01OU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

 

[M6erfan]

It appears they do, but they're really expensive (For metric at least, wtf?)

Also who skips 15mm?

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01NCUZFMA/?tag=atomicindus08-20

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B000CS01OU/?tag=atomicindus08-20

Interesting. I was looking on their website and they those metrics (CD-415M) aren't shown. Nice design though.

 

[Tallpilot]

Genius tools emailed me back before lunch today. Pretty quick response time!

It appears they're making two different version of most of their kits. A cheaper budget socket as well as a CrMo socket with most the fancy features. Check out CM-332M, those are sweet. The nicer kit appears to be about double the price, roughly 80 dollars for 32 PCs, while the CrV kit is about ~45 dollars.

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/geni...ric-deep-impact-socket-set-cr-mo-cm-332m.html

https://www.geniustoolsusa.com/genius-tools-32pc-3-8-dr-metric-deep-impact-socket-set-tf-332m.html

Those look pretty nice, GP appears to neck down the small sockets fully but not much an issue and the only thing I see that's different. I like the two extra sizes offered by Sunex, but I also use my 7mm a lot. 6 and 7 seem to be on all kinds of BMW hose clamps. I think Sunex offers a better warranty but GPs set is about 10 dollars cheaper it appears. Tough choice, I don't think you can go wrong with either!



Yeah I use mine all the time. My 1/4" chrome semi deeps used to be my favorite, but given I use my cordless stuff for everything I figured impact's would be better suited for the job and I love them. Made a lot of money with this set, and I've already had to use Mr. Bs self warranty. I lost a 13mm working on a ford fusion I think and my boss was sick of me searching for it so he had one ordered on ebay before the car even left my bay. Cant warranty lost tools, so no matter who's socket it was I was replacing it. Of course after I parked the car I popped the hood and gave it another quick look and I found it. He claims it would have never shown up if he hadn't ordered me a replacement, so now I've got two 13mms!

Decent boss it sounds like.

 

[WittHay]

Since the Op is a industrial mechanic I thought i would share some pictures of impact sockets that are used mainly for non automotive purposes. Some have more "features" than others

1/2 drive in 15/16 and 24mm. The Westward is CRV, thick walled, O ring groove. Proto is your basic industrial impact socket, Mac has a stepped base and is slightly shorter, the Jet is the shortest and thinnest walled, has no chamfer on the base,

The 3/4 drive in 15/16 to 1 1/16 are good quality but each brand is different, The Gray (Canada) has a slightly stepped base, The Koken (Japan) has a tapered neck, The Proto (USA) is the heaviest walled for its size, The Westward (Taiwan) has a stepped neck

The 1" drives are 1 1/2 Gray and Koken 6-point and Proto 13/16 4-point. The Koken is the most featured with the stepped base and the thickest walls

 

[Handyandy23]

In what situation / with what tool are the o-ring grooves and retainers used? Is that some kind of replacement for the retaining pin on an anvil?

 

[Tallpilot]

In what situation / with what tool are the o-ring grooves and retainers used? Is that some kind of replacement for the retaining pin on an anvil?

Imagine iron workers building a high rise. If they dropped a socket it would kill someone on the ground.

 

[Handyandy23]

Imagine iron workers building a high rise. If they dropped a socket it would kill someone on the ground.

That makes sense. But I've never really seen a ratchet or impact that has a hole in the anvil for these o-ring style retainers. Are they available from more industrial tool companies?

 

[jsmeece]

That makes sense. But I've never really seen a ratchet or impact that has a hole in the anvil for these o-ring style retainers. Are they available from more industrial tool companies?

https://www.zoro.com/proto-scaffold...4CuPvg8WVPKZqWU1LKQchn2lWu-G7WpYaAm62EALw_wcB

 

[Handyandy23]

Thanks. See people here touting the feature but have never really seen it used.

 

[jsmeece]

Thanks. See people here touting the feature but have never really seen it used.

Your welcome.
Other brands out there, I used to have a old Armstrong version, but sold it to my father-in-law when he misplaced (lost) his. I do not miss it one bit.

 

[Mr_B]

pins more used in industrial settings but useful.
I got set of long impact extensions that pinned for socket and great for scenarios where socket can come off too easy and be difficult retrieve or possibly damaging/dangerous
You also find the hole holds a standard ball retainer firmer than just recesses and I find that pretty useful .
main thing I like on o-ring grooved socket is ergonomics over actual pin and ring retention. don't drop a slippery socket as often and combination of o-ring groove and stepped shouldering on the drive end makes pulling sockets off tight hog rings far easier .

 

[sreeb]

Yet another costly thread...

After reading through this I realized I needed a set of impact sockets for my weekend garage.

I'm now looking a 1/2" set of DONGTE std and deep sockets.

Some thoughts:
1) I assume these are made in China although they, their box, and their packaging have no origin shown.
2) The size marking is disappointing on both deep and std sockets. Deeps are white but small. STDs are stamped.
3) They have all the must have features from this thread
- top shoulders are stepped on larger sizes
- bottoms are necked down on smaller sizes
- unique body size for each
- countersunk on top and bottom
- flank drive
- heavy but not ridiculous walls
- anvil side corners relieved
- pin hole and oring groove
- box says CR-Mo although the sockets themselves are unmarked
4) dimensions are tight
5) broaching isn't as smooth as it could be on some sockets. This may just help them grip a little better.
6) Slight burr on the hex side. I don't think this is an issue.
7) Bigger burr on the pin holes on the drive side. I needed a mallet to install some of them the first time but they are OK after that.
8) Box is steel and I popped out the plastic insert to use as an organizer in my tool box.
9) Very complete set
- STD: 8-24mm with no gaps, 27, 30, 32mm (20 total)
- DEEP: 10, 12-19, 21, 22, 24, 27, 30, 32mm (15 total)

I'm pleased with my purchase.

They all look serviceable.

I'm not a heavy user so I doubt I will ever wear one out. No warranty isn't a deal breaker since they are cheap. Having the right size at my remote location is.

Absent some lab testing, it is hard to say anything about the metallurgy of these or any other sockets.

 

[Mr_B]

They china.
never used one so no idea on fit and durability .
look usable but probably not best in terms of tolerance and alloy, I would expect them be crv, hopefully half decent alloy and tempering .
for coverage and socket design they worth a try for under buck fifty a socket
Couple names on same sockets and do smaller sets in blow moulded boxes too .

need beat some of them hard on a decent hitting impact for few months and post the results .

 

[sreeb]

They china.
never used one so no idea on fit and durability .
look usable but probably not best in terms of tolerance and alloy, I would expect them be crv, hopefully half decent alloy and tempering .
for coverage and socket design they worth a try for under buck fifty a socket
Couple names on same sockets and do smaller sets in blow moulded boxes too .

need beat some of them hard on a decent hitting impact for few months and post the results .

Fit looks good on those I spot checked.

So you think they are lying about CR-Mo? Absent a spec for a specific alloy and a lab test, I call them all "steel". They probably have trace elements of almost everything but nobody gives a real spec. As for tempering, it isn't hard to do these days but who knows. A little extra wall thickness will make up for many sins though.

I paid $1.80 a socket delivered but still very cheap given they don't short you on the larger sizes.

My impression is that these are made for local consumption and industrial use. I have had very good luck with such tools in the past.

It would be interesting take a look in the tool boxes of an actual Chinese commercial facility. Are there Chinese brands with credibility locally?

It will take me years to accumulate anything that begins to resemble hard use by a pro and there is no guaranty that the set you buy tomorrow is anything like the one I just received.

 

[Mr_B]

It will take me years to accumulate anything that begins to resemble hard use by a pro and there is no guaranty that the set you buy tomorrow is anything like the one I just received.

this is true, but if garbage you tend see it quick enough .
these days even known brands no guarantee next time you buy or replace they be the same .
other set of these I seen branded tolece and states premium steel, what it is and what premium any ones guess .

 

[CR888]

Is this the Dongte 35pc shallow/deep set in the red metal box? The ones I've seen are CR-V have both stamped and etched size marks and are claimed to be made of 50BV30. Black oxide phosphate finish.

 

[sreeb]

Almost certainly the same set. STDs are stamped. DEEPS are etched. Neither are both. Box says CR-Mo. No indication of CR-V or 50BV30. Black oxide phosphate finish.

For my expected light usage, I don't think it matters what the alloy is though.

 

[kythri]

At least they're recyclable.

 

[Yarpo]

Decent boss it sounds like.

Most certainly!

Almost certainly the same set. STDs are stamped. DEEPS are etched. Neither are both. Box says CR-Mo. No indication of CR-V or 50BV30. Black oxide phosphate finish.

For my expected light usage, I don't think it matters what the alloy is though.

Those look pretty nice, keep us updated on how they hold up!