Universal socket set made in Germany
- Thread starter ive
- Start date
Dave455
Well-known member
The philosophy of the German manufacturers is slightly different to the U.S. ones.
They assume their customers are predominantly professionals, and especially with the more specialised tools, they don’t offer so many pre assembled sets.
It’s really no problem, just order one of each of whatever you want, and you have a set!
Unlike some U.S. based importers, they don’t load the price of the individual tools, because they only want to sell sets. This is a more professional way to go about it.
Having said that, I find that a lot of German manufacturers, even those that are very competitively priced on more regular tools, are not such good value on the specialised ones.
I have used both Hazet and Stahlwille universal sockets, and they are o.k, but I think I prefer Snap On for not much more money, or KoKen for less!
They assume their customers are predominantly professionals, and especially with the more specialised tools, they don’t offer so many pre assembled sets.
It’s really no problem, just order one of each of whatever you want, and you have a set!
Unlike some U.S. based importers, they don’t load the price of the individual tools, because they only want to sell sets. This is a more professional way to go about it.
Having said that, I find that a lot of German manufacturers, even those that are very competitively priced on more regular tools, are not such good value on the specialised ones.
I have used both Hazet and Stahlwille universal sockets, and they are o.k, but I think I prefer Snap On for not much more money, or KoKen for less!
four.cycle
Well-known member
are we talkin' wobbly sockets? like this?
not trying to be too presumptuous, but why are you not looking at Astro Pneumatic?
membership here raves about their little 1/4" drive Metric flex socket set.
(yes, they also make SAE and other drive sizes as well, but that one is the only one I owned personally - now belongs to @Smokeshow69)
not trying to be too presumptuous, but why are you not looking at Astro Pneumatic?
membership here raves about their little 1/4" drive Metric flex socket set.
(yes, they also make SAE and other drive sizes as well, but that one is the only one I owned personally - now belongs to @Smokeshow69)
Jack Ryan
Well-known member
KnurledNut
Well-known member
HannibalLecter
Well-known member
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- Aug 26, 2023
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Better to buy the Koken zeal ones. Germans have been lacking regarding innovation in handtools
four.cycle
Well-known member
HAZET: https://www.kctool.com/hazet-880g-10h-10-pc-joint-socket-set-6-point-3-8-drive/
^ such a deal! Only $520.93
Astro Pneumatic 7412 12-piece 1/4" drive metric U-joint socket set 5mm - 15mm $33.34 from JB Tools
Astro Pneumatic 74310 10-pc 3/8" drive Metric U-Joint socket set 10mm-19mm $39.99 from JB Tools (less from another vendor but .... shipping.)
^ such a deal! Only $520.93
Astro Pneumatic 7412 12-piece 1/4" drive metric U-joint socket set 5mm - 15mm $33.34 from JB Tools
Astro Pneumatic 74310 10-pc 3/8" drive Metric U-Joint socket set 10mm-19mm $39.99 from JB Tools (less from another vendor but .... shipping.)
KnurledNut
Well-known member
That's like someone asking if they should go with Audi or BMW and recommending Toyota.Better to buy the Koken zeal ones. Germans have been lacking regarding innovation in handtools
While its probably the better option, it doesn't answer the question.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
The comparable Snap-on 10-19mm set is $670. Perspective.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ In light of the overwhelmingly positive reviews here on the A/P stuff, it simply does not make sense to me to shell out that kind of money for Hazet or Snap-on.
More to the point: mentioned above - the "legacy" makers haven't changed the design of the tool to fill the needs of the current-day mechanic: too tall to get in the hole!
* I just shot a message to A/P asking for height dimensions on these pieces.
More to the point: mentioned above - the "legacy" makers haven't changed the design of the tool to fill the needs of the current-day mechanic: too tall to get in the hole!
* I just shot a message to A/P asking for height dimensions on these pieces.
Last edited:
KnurledNut
Well-known member
It really depends on individual needs.
For example, an aircraft mechanic will likely want 1/4 drive SAE 12 point and that narrows the options substantially.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ Yes. Absolutely. Didn't even think about 6 point / 12 point - I was thinking overall height, which has apparently really become an issue in modern-day engine compartments - we didn't have "nano sockets" 20 years ago.
I would be curious to see how they "stack up" against each other in terms of the overall height of the socket itself.
I would be curious to see how they "stack up" against each other in terms of the overall height of the socket itself.
alinc100
Well-known member
You are putting a lot of faith in ive to come back to this thread and clarify his needs. In the past IMHO he has asked questions, not responded and in a year asks the same question again. it's tough when we don't all share the same crystal ball and secret decoder ring.are we talkin' wobbly sockets? like this?
not trying to be too presumptuous, but why are you not looking at Astro Pneumatic?
membership here raves about their little 1/4" drive Metric flex socket set.
(yes, they also make SAE and other drive sizes as well, but that one is the only one I owned personally - now belongs to @Smokeshow69)
KnurledNut
Well-known member
I have noticed that too. I still try to contribute as it might help someone else. I also enjoy reading and learning from others advice. I am sure you would agree, this sub-forum has changed a lot over the years.
I have the Astro 1/4" flex universals... Decent enough. What measurements did you need? Lots of Koken sockets as well, which are phenomenal, though their uni's are quite pricey. An alternative might be the Koken Zeal series sockets (extra short) and a Koken zeal universal. Won't be quite as short as a dedicated uni, but much better than a typical socket/universal joint combo.
four.cycle
Well-known member
^ It is the overall height of the socket and ratchet together that has become the issue. It's for that reason we've seen the proliferation of "pass through" and "low profile" sockets over the last several years.
I shot a note to Astro Pneumatic asking if they could provide dimensions for theirs. The only u-joint sockets I have here are some old Indestro 3/8" drive SAE units, so they're not really relevant to this discussion.
I shot a note to Astro Pneumatic asking if they could provide dimensions for theirs. The only u-joint sockets I have here are some old Indestro 3/8" drive SAE units, so they're not really relevant to this discussion.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
Wamsutta
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
KnurledNut said:
^ exactly my point.
I didn't even know those "VIM" models existed.
I just think there are other - and more likely better - options to look at other than "legacy" brands.
Maybe, but at 4-6x the cost of just about anyone else, is the gimmick of being able to use a box wrench on it really worth it?
I realize it's not what you asked, apples and oranges, etc. etc., but....
These days I'll rarely reach for a universal joint socket if it is any sort of low clearance situation. My go-to is the Astro 1/4″ Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets (or 3/8" if bigger hardware), and if I need even lower profile, the Mountain/Icon/Platinum ratcheting wrenches with the lip on them are going to be *far* lower profile than even the smallest universal socket on a ratchet. And these measurements are with a tiny Koken 1/4" ratchet which is going to be on the smaller side.
Another plus, the Astro's are pretty inexpensive, great quality, and easy to work with if you ever have a warranty issue.
These days I'll rarely reach for a universal joint socket if it is any sort of low clearance situation. My go-to is the Astro 1/4″ Drive Low Profile Nano Impact Sockets (or 3/8" if bigger hardware), and if I need even lower profile, the Mountain/Icon/Platinum ratcheting wrenches with the lip on them are going to be *far* lower profile than even the smallest universal socket on a ratchet. And these measurements are with a tiny Koken 1/4" ratchet which is going to be on the smaller side.
Another plus, the Astro's are pretty inexpensive, great quality, and easy to work with if you ever have a warranty issue.
Those look handy as well.are we talkin' wobbly sockets? like this?
not trying to be too presumptuous, but why are you not looking at Astro Pneumatic?
membership here raves about their little 1/4" drive Metric flex socket set.
(yes, they also make SAE and other drive sizes as well, but that one is the only one I owned personally - now belongs to @Smokeshow69)
Around the corner.
Thank you. That’s a nice set.
Probably look at the koken ones.
Around corners
Sorry bout that.
BombShelter
Well-known member
I got the VIMs with the German Female Torx (E-Torx, or whatever it's called). The guy on YouTube had the same but he had rubber sleeves on his to keep them from rotating. Any idea if the sleeves are custom, off the shelf or an option?
If they're for engine work, there aren't a ton of low-cost options.
If they're for engine work, there aren't a ton of low-cost options.
KnurledNut
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
four.cycle
Well-known member
Astro Pneumatic said:
Astro Pneumatic Universal Joint Sockets (aka "flex sockets")
7412
5mm 1.372"
5.5mm 1.395"
6mm 1.395"
7mm 1.398"
8mm 1.383"
9mm 1.383"
10mm 1.460"
11mm 1.440"
12mm 1.465"
13mm 1.515"
14mm 1.500"
15mm 1.468"
74310
10mm 1.784"
11mm 1.790"
12mm 1.804"
13mm 1.885"
14mm 1.860"
15mm 1.895"
16mm 1.895"
17mm 1.930"
18mm 1.970"
19mm 1.985"