Universal Sockets

[SC-AW11]

So what do you have, use, and/or prefer when it comes to universal sockets?
6pt or 12pt? do you use both shallow and deep?

Looking at :
http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674840&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Or

http://buy1.snapon.com/catalog/item...roup_ID=674840&store=snapon-store&dir=catalog

Thank you!

 

[not-required]

I only have 6pt shallow. Haven't come across a need for 12pt or deep yet

 

[murphaayyy]

i prefer 6 point on all universals. shallow chrome 1/4 and 3/8. and shallow/deep impact 3/8. i rarely used a swivel 1/2 and when i did i just put a joint on my normal 1/2 impact sockets.

 

[devoncoolman]

I have 6&12 point shallow 3/8 chrome and impact. Semideep 3/8 chrome and impact. Chrome and impact 1/4 six point. Impact six point 1/2. Very handy and can save your a$$ in tight quarters.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I have snap on 12 points at work and I have yet to have an issue with 12 points rounding off a bolt. I would get the 12 point because you can use the 12 points on both 6 and 12 point but if you get those silly 6 point you might screw your self.

 

[jmm]

I have Snap On 12 pts. If I'm using a swivel, I'm working on something that's hard to get to. 12 pts are easier to maneuver onto a bolt in these instances. Never had a problem with them being 12 pt. Besides that, they're more versatile (hex, square, double, and 12 pt fasteners).

 

[jakemac]

I won't touch universal sockets. Universal is short for "not quite right for anything".
If a 12pt won't do the job, then it's time to cut or grind it off.

 

[amlv20]

I have snap on swivels in 1/4 chrome 6pt shallow 7mm,8mm,10mm,12mm and 1/4 6pt impact shallow 8mm,10mm,12-15mm.also I have 3/8 6pt shallow impact 10mm,12mm,13mm,15-19mm and 3/8 deep impact 6pt 10mm,12-15mm,17mm,18mm.thats all I really ever needed.i usually tend to get the common sizes I use, if I need some odd size ill add it to the collection.

 

[Chadwilliam1]

I won't touch universal sockets. Universal is short for "not quite right for anything".
If a 12pt won't do the job, then it's time to cut or grind it off.

You are talking about a different universal.

 

[jakemac]

You are talking about a different universal.

My bad then.
I think I'm going to need a pic to understand exactly what the OP meant by Universal.

EDIT : Nevermind, I figured it out. Disregard my previous post. I was talking about something else.

 

[jethro29]

I won't touch universal sockets. Universal is short for "not quite right for anything".
If a 12pt won't do the job, then it's time to cut or grind it off.

I don't think you know what universal means in the tool world.

 

[davesnothere]

I've got snappy 6 pts in 3/8 and 1/4 drives. And a very handy 1/4 drive 8mm 12 pt.

 

[CWP1616L]

I won't touch universal sockets. Universal is short for "not quite right for anything".
If a 12pt won't do the job, then it's time to cut or grind it off.

Think more along the lines of a universal joint like you'd have on your pickup truck's driveshaft.

 

[greasemonkey44]

i have alot of universals; it really depends on what you work on
in 3/8 i have chrome short 6pts, impact short 6pts, a 12 mm 12pt impact swivel in short(persky ford bolts), deep 6pt impacts for exhaust, fuel straps, and bell housing bolts(im look at you chevy)
then in 1/4 all shallows, chrome and impact
in 1/2 i have some universals; they are cheap, but 100x better than throwing a swivel and socket around

 

[BK13]

I have 6&12 point shallow 3/8 chrome and impact. Semideep 3/8 chrome and impact. Chrome and impact 1/4 six point. Impact six point 1/2. Very handy and can save your a$$ in tight quarters.

Who makes the semi-deep?

 

[Givl Reggin]

And a very handy 1/4 drive 8mm 12 pt.

Could you enlighten us why the 8mm in 12 pt is so handy?

 

[murphaayyy]

Who makes the semi-deep?

i know matco does, snap on maybe.

edit: matco also feature pinless design. i still havnt used one, always wondered how much they differed from a pinned.

 

[crewchief888]

i dont have a complete (one brand) set of chrome in 1/4" or 3/8" drive.

couple select 1/4" dr 12pt for PITA applications, mismatched set of 3/8" dr std 6pt.

no 1/4" dr impact swivels
mismatched set of std 3/8" dr shallow, 3/8"-3/4"
matco MM shallow 3/8" dr 10mm-19mm
matco shallow 1/2" dr 1/2"-15/16"
snapon shallow 1"- 1 5/16"

 

[KinzeMech]

I don't think you know what universal means in the tool world.

What is "correct"? I can understand someone thinking that if they read the post, but did not click the links.

What the OP is calling universals I have always heard called swivels, swivel sockets, or wobbles. "Universal" has meant a 12 point spline socket that works on square, hex, and 12 point fasteners, as well as external torx.

 

[jakemac]

What is "correct"? I can understand someone thinking that if they read the post, but did not click the links.

What the OP is calling universals I have always heard called swivels, swivel sockets, or wobbles. "Universal" has meant a 12 point spline socket that works on square, hex, and 12 point fasteners, as well as external torx.

Those are what I was originally thinking about when I read the OP and commented. It wasn't until I was called out that I realised that the OP was talking about universal joint sockets, not the new type of sockets that Sears is trying to push for any (universal) use.

I do own a set of 12pt 3/8"dr universal joint sockets. The only time I though that I might need one, it wouldn't fit in the space I needed to work in. So, they are pretty much useless to me.

But that's ok, they're Cman =V= series, so they can just sit there looking good next to all the other sockets in my collection.

 

[SC-AW11]

i prefer 6 point on all universals. shallow chrome 1/4 and 3/8. and shallow/deep impact 3/8. i rarely used a swivel 1/2 and when i did i just put a joint on my normal 1/2 impact sockets.

Why do you prefer 6 pt on all universals? (I prefer 6pt reg sockets, don't know about universals)
Hmm ya good point on 1/2". theyre big so a reg socket and U joint swivel would probably be just fine for 1/2"?

I have snap on 12 points at work and I have yet to have an issue with 12 points rounding off a bolt. I would get the 12 point because you can use the 12 points on both 6 and 12 point but if you get those silly 6 point you might screw your self.

Very good to hear! Kinda what I was thinking too

I have Snap On 12 pts. If I'm using a swivel, I'm working on something that's hard to get to. 12 pts are easier to maneuver onto a bolt in these instances. Never had a problem with them being 12 pt. Besides that, they're more versatile (hex, square, double, and 12 pt fasteners).

EXACTLY what I was thinking. if youre using a universal, means access is tight and maneuverability is an issue. And ya thats exactly what I was worrying about, if anyone had problems with rounding off. My buddy has a shallow/deep reg set of SO sockets, only set he has and its 12 pt. he says he likes it and has no problems with rounding off. I always prefer 6 pt sockets but I might go with 12 pt chrome universals. I think Impact would be smart to go with 6 pt.

I've got snappy 6 pts in 3/8 and 1/4 drives. And a very handy 1/4 drive 8mm 12 pt.

hmm sounds like the 12pt is more handy?

 

[SC-AW11]

i know matco does, snap on maybe.

edit: matco also feature pinless design. i still havnt used one, always wondered how much they differed from a pinned.

Ya me too. Impact swivels I was told about the pin. I wonder what the difference is

 

[DrkMtnDew]

I prefer the Matco/Armstrong impact swivels over any other brand because of their lack of the big collar that is used to hold the center pin in place. Its a small issue that may mean the difference between getting on a fastener and taking two or three times longer to hunt down a different tool(s). I have a SAE set of IR impact swivels and because of the large retaining ring, they are just about useless in tight spots.

I have the 3/8'' Metric Shallow/Deep Sets, and the 1/4'' Shallow Set. These three sets have saved a lot of time and a lot of headache. All three sets are 6pt. but I see no harm in a 12pt set.

 

[BK13]

i know matco does, snap on maybe.

edit: matco also feature pinless design. i still havnt used one, always wondered how much they differed from a pinned.

I friggin' hate Matco's website, it makes me feel like a *****. Any part numbers I can search for?

 

[murphaayyy]

Why do you prefer 6 pt on all universals? (I prefer 6pt reg sockets, don't know about universals)
Hmm ya good point on 1/2". theyre big so a reg socket and U joint swivel would probably be just fine for 1/2"?

i personally like 6 point because they are used in tight spots. there have been times where i was still barely on the head of a bolt/nut with a universal (socket head not sitting flush on bolt/nut). the 6 point has more surface grab, a full side for each side of a bolt/nut so even if im not fully on the bolt/nut it'll still grab. at least that is my logic, i have never used 12 point so they may work just as well in the given circumstances however i dont believe so.

just the 1/2 joint you should be fine from my experiences. i worked on all makes all models (typically 1990-2010 cars/trucks no diesels) and never found i NEEDED a 1/2 universal socket. there were times where i had my 1/2 gun jammed between a bolt and 'something' and could only loosen the bolt, otherwise i couldnt get my gun out. so i would have to just brake the bolt loose, then remove my gun, then remove the rest by finger or air ratchet. in those times a universal socket would have been nice but not needed. I will say i own a good 3/8 gun which allowed me to get away with 3/8 most of the time. maybe a weaker gun would have forced me to use 1/2 more.

Ya me too. Impact swivels I was told about the pin. I wonder what the difference is

the pinless design allows for more swivel and is overall stronger. at least that is what the matco guy told me. still havnt seen one in real life to see the extra swivel.

I friggin' hate Matco's website, it makes me feel like a *****. Any part numbers I can search for?

lol tool websites do ****. i HATE snap ons website. i feel it is such a piece of **** for one of the top tool producers.

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...NIVERSAL-IMPACT-SOCKET-SET/?source=igodigital

matco offers a pinned and pinless impact swivel. there is definitely a price difference with pinless more expensive. the set i posted is the pinless 'mid length'

 

[devoncoolman]

i know matco does, snap on maybe.

edit: matco also feature pinless design. i still havnt used one, always wondered how much they differed from a pinned.

Mine are matco. Honestly ive blown the larger ones apart a bunch of times. Pisses me off. All my swivels are pinned except the matco's. ive been happier with my pinned models from snapon. They have taken the abuse better.

 

[devoncoolman]

Matco's pinned models are made off shore. So that why the big price difference. I have prefer the pinned models because i have blown the retainer ring out of my matcos various times and had the socket fall to pieces many times. Im on the fence with them. I just blew my 18mm apart the other day. Blew a chunk out of the side of it. Ive done nothing but break these things.

 

[theknurl]

i use 6 point universals.....

working on motorcycles, I need 8,10 and 12mm universals, those and 3 deep wells same sizes, and 6 Allan sockets every thing in 1/4" drive, all fit on an 8" socket strip

 

[BK13]

lol tool websites do ****. i HATE snap ons website. i feel it is such a piece of **** for one of the top tool producers.

http://www.matcotools.com/catalog/p...NIVERSAL-IMPACT-SOCKET-SET/?source=igodigital

matco offers a pinned and pinless impact swivel. there is definitely a price difference with pinless more expensive. the set i posted is the pinless 'mid length'

Much thanks, amigo. I could have looked for that for hours and still never found it.

Snap On's site isn't my favorite, but at least I can eventually find what I'm looking for. I have literally NEVER been successful on Matco's.

 

[CWP1616L]

Check out the new Proto's with solid pins:

 

[devoncoolman]

Check out the new Proto's with solid pins:

Just like craftsmans.

 

[CWP1616L]

Just like craftsmans.

Not even close. See this thread here:

http://www.garagejournal.com/forum/showthread.php?p=3288533#post3288533

 

[joejeep92]

Reading several guys talking about no use for the 1/2 universals. I love mine...I reach for them before any other 1/2" sockets. Great for caliper mounting bracket bolts for one.

 

[nowlan]

Can you not just get a 1/4 and 3/8 universal adapter and re use your existing chrome sets? Does it become too long?

 

[MattPersman]

It completely changes the size. We had a thread 4-6 months ago with pictures of swivels with sockets next to universal sockets for comparison.

 

[MattPersman]

Believe it or not the impact Mac universal sockets are quite good they are pretty short