Upgrading sockets... SK vs. MAC?

[Wamsutta]

1 and 2. As do many brands, but objectively the zeal sockets are the thinnest at both ends. This is because they aren't constraining that line of sockets to ISO limitations.

3. Factually untrue, zeal is thinner. Same reason as point 1 and 2.

4. This sounds subjective, what constitutes generous?

5. Objective when comparing trash to decent sockets, but rather subjective otherwise.

6. Objectively, is there something different they are doing with their detent, or are you just commending them for their QA?

This is a picture of my little MAC 14mm 1/4 drive shallow 6-point. Part number M614MMR. Notice the R at the end of the part number. There is not a single 14mm 1/4 drive socket on the face of the earth that I would rather have. Not Koken; not nobody. I can't say it anymore simpler than that.

 

[Fedwrench]

Hey Merk,

Have you ever actually used that prized Mac 14mm socket of yours?

Looks like polish residue in the knurling and markings to me

 

[noid]

This is a picture of my little MAC 14mm 1/4 drive shallow 6-point. Part number M614MMR. Notice the R at the end of the part number. There is not a single 14mm 1/4 drive socket on the face of the earth that I would rather have. Not Koken; not nobody. I can't say it anymore simpler than that.

Thats subjectively very nice, im happy that you're happy.

Objectively, lets get that digital caliper out and lets get some measurements.

 

[Legion Prime]

Thank you! I appreciate all of the responses and advice. Everyone was very insightful. I’m happy with my decision.

Awesome! SK makes some great tools, use them in good health!

 

[retDAC]

Nothing significant, the Mac wrenches are on top and the Craftsman are below, 13mm on the left 12mm on the right from the actual tool sets used.


....

Thank you very much. The Mac is wider by a little. The thickness may be slightly more. Of course we can't tell about the metal, but probably the Mac's is stronger.

 

[Mr_B]

Hard to ignore the best sockets from taiwan these days.
MAC taiwan made ones can be found exactly same design and sets under jubilee tools brand at deal prices 1/4 of MAC pricing, very nice pro design sockets at less than HF prices .
SK always bit overpriced for what you actually get .
Quality and design of usa mac sockets is very nice but prices and availability **** .

 

[seber]

Tell me it was the metal part that exploded.

I don't know what caused it to turn white. That happened while sitting in the tool box.

 

[highland512]

Thank you! I appreciate all of the responses and advice. Everyone was very insightful. I’m happy with my decision.

You will like them, I have both and all the nuts and bolt tell me they cant tell a difference.

I you ever need a piece warrantied or want to drool over a full selection SK at a store, check this place out on in Dayton. They aint cheep but if you need it they probably have 5 in stock.
http://www.daytontoolcrib.com/

 

[Tonyuk]

Most of mine are from taiwan or china, through online shops.

A socket is a socket these days.

 

[sberry]

I tend to agree. I can admire the chrome on a 20$ socket,,, its sposed to be good but what I find more fascinating is a great chrome job and a sturdy tool in a dollar socket. This is world wide revolutionary. It really isnt "more than a tool",, its only a tool, the way someone feels about it is a different matter. If its a motivation then great, I understand that but something I care more about than something to admire is confidence in it. I get the same from a little Olympia as I do a Snap.

 

[Legion Prime]

Idle pedantry

Thank you very much. The Mac is wider by a little. The thickness may be slightly more. Of course we can't tell about the metal, but probably the Mac's is stronger.

Yeah, it looks a LITTLE bigger but nothing major. However being the curious pedantic type I went and grabbed my dial calipers and the 13mm's. The Mac is on the left Craftsman on the right.

Now correct me if I'm reading the caliper wrong but for the Mac I'm seeing 1.090 and the Craftsman is 1.101. Looks can be deceiving. The Mac jaws are more squared off while the Craftsman's are more rounded giving a larger outer dimension.

Here we see the Mac measures in at 0.262 while the Craftsman 0.240. Now, do I think that two hundredths of an inch thickness would have made that much of a difference in jaw strength? I'm no engineer but it would surprise me, I'd lean more towards metallurgy (ie alloy, heat treat, anealing etc) being the deciding factor in this case. Of course I'm no engineer so don't take my word for it. I don't think we have a Holiday Inn Express out here for me to drive past let alone stay at. LOL

 

[driftpin]

SK just sent me a month of May, 25% off certificate. This past year, I bought an SK green blow-molded metric set in 6 pt. multiple drives, to reward myself for making it to retirement. I have a full set of Craftsman multiple drive size sockets from the 1970's, bought new, and they are still going strong. My oldest set is a 3/8" metric 6 pt. set from Wright, w/a matching open-end metric wrench set, working-well after 50+ years. I actually use them more-than the new additions. My Wright 'tootsie-roll' ratchet is a pleasure to hold and to use, comfortable in the hand, and it reminds me of my parents, who listened to me, and who bought me the Wright 3/8" drive socket set and open-end wrenches one year for Christmas. My parents are gone now, but that socket set is a talisman, reminding me of them every-time I use it.

 

[Max]

I see a lot of comments along the lines of “the nuts and bolts don’t notice” and I think that’s not all of the point. I could similarly say that “the road doesn’t notice the difference between a Kia and a Porsche” - which is likely true, but the driver experience is very different bewteen the two. If you like the “Kia”, or like the value of the Kia, then more power to you. But don’t denigrate the “Porsche” guys because they value more than twisting off the nut.

Max

 

[Tonyuk]

I see a lot of comments along the lines of “the nuts and bolts don’t notice” and I think that’s not all of the point. I could similarly say that “the road doesn’t notice the difference between a Kia and a Porsche” - which is likely true, but the driver experience is very different bewteen the two. If you like the “Kia”, or like the value of the Kia, then more power to you. But don’t denigrate the “Porsche” guys because they value more than twisting off the nut.

Max

We're talking about a socket here......