Which socket sensor kit to buy?

[nbpt100]

Gearwrench 8 piece or Pittsburgh 10 piece. Both about the same price.

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0012SCXHW/?tag=atomicindus08-20

or

https://www.harborfreight.com/oxyge...MI7ar57_ua8AIVDI3ICh3IEgUdEAQYAiABEgLpdvD_BwE

 

[Fedwrench]

I couldn't get the Amazon link to work but, I think you're asking about this set:

https://www.gearwrench.com/gearwrench-41720-8-pc-sensor-and-sending-socket-set.html

I would say neither. we have a couple of those type of sets at work and no one uses them.

The o2 sensor crowfoot from SP tools gets used a lot at work as well as the snap on oil pressure sensor crowfoot for Chryslers.

Are you replacing so many sensors, that you need a kit?

I would also look at what Lisle offers.

 

[ChevyEFI]

Your first link doesn't work for me, so
https://www.google.com/search?q=GEARWRENCH+41720&oq=GEARWRENCH+41720

They're the same price.

GW:
3/8" drive 7/8" slotted socket for PVS, TVS and O2 sending units
3/8" Drive 7/8" (22mm) socket for Oxygen Sensor Units
3/8" Drive 1-1/16" Deep socket for Oil Pressure Sending units
3/8" Drive 7/8" (22mm) Low Profile Offset socket for O2 Sensor Unit
1/2" Drive 1-13/16" (1-3/16? 30mm) socket for Oil Sending Unit
1/2" Drive 1-1/16" (27mm) socket for Thermal Sensor units
1/2" Drive 7/8" (22mm) socket for O2 Sensor Units

Durable blow mold case for safe storage and tool retention

Vacuum Switch Socket: 7/8 in.x3/8 in. (x2);
Oil Pressure Sending Unit Sockets: 1 in.&1-1/16 in.x3/8", Oxygen Sensor Socket: 7/8 in.x3/8 in.;
Vacuum Switch Socket: 29mmx1/2";
Vacuum Switch Socket: 7/8 in.x1/2",
Oxygen Sensor Socket: 7/8 in.x1/2",
Injector Socket: 7/8 in. x1/2";
Injector Socket: 27mmx1/2";
Injector Socket: 28mmx1/2"

I think I'd go HF because the case is the right color and you get a spare O2 sensor for a friend.

 

[plinker]

I have a Napa kit (KD at the time, Taiwan, same as the Gearwrench set), they are ok. Not a terribly useful set IMO given I've had them for a long time and only a cuple get used. I did end up buying the Snap-on crowfoot for the o2 sensors (SWR2 IIRC). It handles rusted/seized in sensor considerably better.

I also use the both oil sender sockets as needed, but the deep one is somewhat rough inside as it came from the factory. I had to clean up the inside with a long burr so it didnt damage sensors. It may be better to look into Lisle's offerings for these as mentioned.

 

[Tech89]

I have that Gearwrench socket set. I've used every socket in it at least a few different times. Pretty decent kit for the price. I'm a full time automotive/whatever else comes through the door as my day job.

- Pat

Sent from my SM-N960U using Tapatalk

 

[nbpt100]

Sorry about that link not working. Yes, you found the same set. I do not do a lot but I have a side job coming up where the O2 and oil pressure sending units may need replacing. Just want something economical that will be a good enough quality to get the job done. I have stressed and strained on frozen O2 sensors in the past. I have the deep O2 sensor that I bought from JC Whitney like, 25 years ago. No brand name on it or COO. It deflects a lot on tough sensors. I am hoping something newer will be a bit thicker or made of a better alloy and also not round the corners.

I am not sure what ChevyEFI means by the case is the right color. Is Red some kind of universal marker for Sensor sockets?
In my observations the cases from GW are much better quality than those from HF. It does not take long before the HF cases have duct tape on the hinges or latches.

 

[BlakeTheCarGuy]

Either one should do good. Very useful set in my opinion as a mechanic I have ran into several different size sensors I have a cheap kit from eBay and it’s holding up nicely so I’m sure either of those will too.


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[Djosbun]

Those kits are a waste of money. Even if you worked in a shop that repaired passenger cars and medium duty trucks most of those sockets would go untouched. I use two types of oxygen sensor sockets and 2-3 Snap-On flare nut crows foot wrenches.

-- Dave

 

[nbpt100]

Those kits are a waste of money. Even if you worked in a shop that repaired passenger cars and medium duty trucks most of those sockets would go untouched. I use two types of oxygen sensor sockets and 2-3 Snap-On flare nut crows foot wrenches.

-- Dave

ok, which two?

 

[64merc]

IMO, a cheap set is good to have, but I would get a nicer 7/8" O2 sensor. I've only used mine a couple of times (just for O2 sensors), but it deflected enough for me to splurge on an SP Tools socket for next time.

 

[toddmorr]

i have a kit like that, but for whatever reason I always end up using the Schley Products 67750a. Pricey but it works better than any socket/ratchet combo i've tried. Why? am guessing because the torque/pressure from the handle is applied almost directly at the level of the hex of the sensor, rather than higher up, as would be the case with a normal socket/ratchet.
Anyway, it works great, just last week on 2 original sensors on a 140k RAV4.

 

[ZRX61]

I have the GW set. It's the first GW thing I've bought after I had warranty issues with them many years ago.
Also used one of the sockets when changing seals on some drippy faucets.

 

[nbpt100]

Good to know they have a plumbing application too!

The SP tool is similar to this one(see link below) that I often see on the shelf at AZ and AA parts stores.
The only difference I can tell from the websites is the SP is 12 Pt. and the other less expensive ones are 6 pt.

https://www.nationaltoolwarehouse.com/Oxygen-Sensor-Wrench-P13462.aspx

 

[toddmorr]

That cal van tool is similar to the SP but Cal Van is chinese, I'd bet it isn't nearly as heavy duty stout as the SP. I've used a 3lb hammer against the handle of the SP with no ill effects.

Sent from my SM-G970U using The Garage Journal mobile app

 

[nbpt100]

That cal van tool is similar to the SP but Cal Van is chinese, I'd bet it isn't nearly as heavy duty stout as the SP. I've used a 3lb hammer against the handle of the SP with no ill effects.

Sent from my SM-G970U using The Garage Journal mobile app

Good to know. These are the things you can not tell from website pics.

 

[charbar]

I have a set just like the HF one. Can't remember if it actually came from HF or somewhere else, but it's identical.

Just for reference, I'm not a weekend warrior mechanic, I own a repair shop....

The kit is by no means 'pro grade, end of all other' sets, but it does have it's place. They come in pretty handy. Having said that we probably only use half of the sockets in the kit.
The 'crowsfeet' o2 sockets are plenty sturdy...if you break one then you were to stupid to realize that the o2 sensor wasn't going to come out anyway with just brute force. The ones with the slit in the side are a bit flimsy, really don't use those. But if I'm replacing an o2 sensor and want a regular socket style on it, then I cut the wires off and stick a regular 3/8 or 1/2 drive deep socket on it. Use a wrench to put the new o2 in.


I love the oil pressure sensor socket. Fits any sender I've seen just fine, and it's thin enough walled to fit about anywhere. You'll never break it...the oil press sender will snap their flimsy ends off before you hurt the socket in some way.

Yes I have plenty other high dollar sensor sockets. Do I need them? Yes. But few and far between. Does a guy changing 10 sensors a year need them? Unlikely.
It's 40 bucks, just buy them and don't worry about "Joe blow says I need this instead". They are more than adequate for what you are doing.

 

[nbpt100]

I have a set just like the HF one. Can't remember if it actually came from HF or somewhere else, but it's identical.

Just for reference, I'm not a weekend warrior mechanic, I own a repair shop....

The kit is by no means 'pro grade, end of all other' sets, but it does have it's place. They come in pretty handy. Having said that we probably only use half of the sockets in the kit.
The 'crowsfeet' o2 sockets are plenty sturdy...if you break one then you were to stupid to realize that the o2 sensor wasn't going to come out anyway with just brute force. The ones with the slit in the side are a bit flimsy, really don't use those. But if I'm replacing an o2 sensor and want a regular socket style on it, then I cut the wires off and stick a regular 3/8 or 1/2 drive deep socket on it. Use a wrench to put the new o2 in.


I love the oil pressure sensor socket. Fits any sender I've seen just fine, and it's thin enough walled to fit about anywhere. You'll never break it...the oil press sender will snap their flimsy ends off before you hurt the socket in some way.

Yes I have plenty other high dollar sensor sockets. Do I need them? Yes. But few and far between. Does a guy changing 10 sensors a year need them? Unlikely.
It's 40 bucks, just buy them and don't worry about "Joe blow says I need this instead". They are more than adequate for what you are doing.

Thanks, I really appreciate your feedback. Your comment "If you break one...." really resonates for me. You may also damage the threads or something else and now you are welding on a new bung fitting. Ha! I would rather the tool break. I have never done that but I have used heat to get those stuck ones off. A PITA but as a last resort it works.