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Universal/swivel sockets 3/8 drive

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Bigred1999

Member
Joined
Jul 15, 2016
Messages
7
I'm looking to buy some 3/8 drive universal/swivel sockets mid-depth and was looking for some recommendations. Looking for the range of 9-19mm and 3/8-7/8. Looking for the best value for the money as I'm a diyer and help others work on their vehicles.
 
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hangfirew8

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 14, 2008
Messages
879
Location
Central Maryland
I won't try to dissuade you from impact... but anyone considering chrome, Lowe's chrome "flex" socket sets are $35 and can often be found for $20. Last time I checked they were still made in Taiwan. The only sticking point is the Metric set is missing the 14mm size- a very standard size. Maybe they expect us to use a 9/16?
 
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brett39532

Active member
Joined
Apr 10, 2014
Messages
33
i do not recommend the lowes Kobalt swivels i have broken the 12mm about 3 times and broken knuckles hurt when they pop just my opinion i am looking into get some Sunex impact ones myself and not bothering with the chrome ones anymore
 
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CJM8515

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Joined
Mar 8, 2014
Messages
9,292
Location
NJ
Sunex. For the price buy the master 3/8 set and then add the SAE or metric deeps swivels. The master set comes with impact shallow SAE/Metric impacts. Also hase a universal adapter too.
 
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gdocktor3

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Joined
Apr 18, 2015
Messages
5,419
Location
Connecticut
Sunex still has the rebate going until December.
These aren't mid length, but the standard length metric universal set can be had for $65 on Amazon, possibly cheaper else where, and qualifies for a $10 gift card. Sunex tools have blown me away. The quality you get for the price you pay, plus a lifetime warranty is unbeatable. I have multiple sets of these impact sockets and they are right there with my Snap On Flank Drive impacts. I also have a few large metric wrench sets that are very nice also.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0002SRAO4/?tag=atomicindus08-20
http://www.sunextools.com/rebates/Q3_Industrial_flyerForm_2016.pdf

Here's is a Sunex impact next to a Snap On. Can you tell which is which?
 

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Aqua-Andy

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 1, 2013
Messages
332
Schurkey said:
If I were doing it over, I'd buy impact first, and then I'd probably never need the chrome.
Click to expand...

I'm not sure what you work on but there are many places where a chrome swivel will fit but an impact swivel will not. If you are working on automobiles there is a need for both. I have Snap On and Mac so I cant comment on any others. Impact are about equal but I would stay away from the Mac chrome swivels, I always had a problem with the pin loosing up. On the impact side you will want to make sure they are easy to warranty because the cross pin is a high wear item. I can't remember how many times I have warrantied the common sizes I used on GM vehicles.
 
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jdlong

Well-known member
Joined
Oct 2, 2016
Messages
333
Location
Kaukauna Wisconsin
Aqua-Andy said:
I'm not sure what you work on but there are many places where a chrome swivel will fit but an impact swivel will not. If you are working on automobiles there is a need for both. I have Snap On and Mac so I cant comment on any others. Impact are about equal but I would stay away from the Mac chrome swivels, I always had a problem with the pin loosing up. On the impact side you will want to make sure they are easy to warranty because the cross pin is a high wear item. I can't remember how many times I have warrantied the common sizes I used on GM vehicles.
Click to expand...

Nailed it. Seems like half the time I run into a need for a swivel, it has to be thin wall. I cannot vouch for Craftsman because their stuff is made in China now. But, I got their SAE and metric chrome swivels sets 20 years ago when they were made in the US. The walls are nice and thin and I would be sheat out of luck with the thicker home center variety.
 
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dutchgray

Well-known member
Joined
Sep 28, 2014
Messages
6,465
Location
Dorset. England.
Sunnex for impact for home use, good and cheap, I have some crome ones, SK and some Stahlwille I got real cheap. Koken do some really nice ones but not cheap.
 
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cliftonbros89

Well-known member
Joined
Jun 2, 2015
Messages
3,009
Location
Missouri
I have SK. I haven't used them a lot yet. But the seem pretty good. But if you're looking for a 3/8" set up to 7/8" I'm not sure you'll be able to go with the SK set. It only goes to 3/4". But they have a 3/8" metric set that goes up to 19 I believe.


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wafrederick

Well-known member
Joined
Jul 3, 2010
Messages
6,045
Location
Holton,Mi
Get the impact grade,the chrome version tends to bind in tight spots.I do have a 10mm chrome universal socket in 1/4 drive for the lower corner intake bolts on GM 3100s,3400s.I do have the 1/4 drive Gearwrench sets in sae and metric and the only complaint I have with them is the 3/8 and 10mm sit up a little longer in the rail.
 
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Derek420

Banned
Joined
Sep 28, 2016
Messages
470
Location
Southern Indiana
I like SK the best there are a lot of review and test videos on YouTube. My opinion they can't be beat. Make sure you look how the socket part is attached, the SK ones are painless which are better than pinned ones IMO. Gray pneumatic and Sunex is good if you want to payless also.
 
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