yea, i know SNAP-ON is better but are there any difference between the two? I read about SK sockets and it does say it DRIVES the SIDE of the socket, NOT the corners. Now the thing is the set I want from SNAP-ON is $150(free shipping) and the SK i want which is a similar set is $88. I'm TRYING to avoid the ROUNDING of nuts/bolts. Should I go with the Snap-on set or will the SK do a great job too? I DO NOT mind spending $150 for a socket set bc I have enough headache dealing with rounded bolts and spending MORE $$$ taking it to the shop for something so simple. The term "you get what you pay for" is in my head so I just want to hear from you guys what you guys think. SK...or go for the pro sockets, snap-on? What are your experience with SK sockets? Hows the grip with nuts/bolts? I FORSURE will need it this spring. Last fall, I rounded a caliper bolt on the rear of my 88 Camry Alltrac doing a Ebrake/conponent job. I've been all winter w/o Ebrake & its a 5spd. My "Turbo Sockets" & "Bolt-out" bolt remover kit does not help a bit at all.
most times, rounded nuts/bolts happen because the socket/wrench is not sitting flat on the surface of the nut/bolt. I used a craftsman socket set professionally for about 15 years and every time I round off a bolt it is because I can not get the socket on the nut/bolt flat. Russ
^...i was looking at the craftsman at sears also. I do notice they have 3 section type of tools. Basic, mild, & pro. Pro is for brake/suspension jobs they said but I'm wondering if its good as Snap-on's too...?
Break out the sawzall and just cut the slide off, through the boot if necessary. New calipers usually come with slides anyway. Next time break out the copper antisieze, I put that **** on everything. Doesn't answer your question, but fixes your problem.
Are you talking about sockets to use with air tools or manually? Bolt heads don't typically round unless you do it wrong. MAC may be another brand to look at. Craftsman has never done me wrong either...
I'm an independent tool distributor (also a full time auto technician), and sell SK, OTC, ATD and many many others. Sk is going through a shady patch right now and even though they are "lifetime" warranty, SK is not paying out the stores that warranty the sockets, so a lot of the places to get them will not warranty them any more. Snap on is quite a bit more expensive, but IMO it is worth it for someone who uses them daily! If you going to use them here and there for mild projects, just go get craftsmen. You get a warranty when they break and the work good. If your dead set on getting a "professional" series socket set, check out MAC, or Matco.. And keep in mind that Snap On's "lower" brand is Blue point which is made by ATD. Which is a very cheap (price wise)good quality socket set, and you can get them warrantied locally If your bolt out sockets are slipping off this stripped bolt, NO regular socket is going to help you at all.
I have broken Craftsman sockets with normal use, but never any of my SK, Snap-On or Blue Point. I would not spend the money on Snap-On sockets if you are not using them professionally. I have never rounded a fastner that was in decent shape / not siezed due to the tool - it's always been operator error. Make sure the tool is square to the fastner and watch how you're applying the torque - don't just put a wrench on it and push/pull, but apply the force in such a way that you are only trying to turn the fastner, not push the tool off of it.
I'm talking about using the tools manually. I am dead set on "Professional" series SOCKETS. Other tools I'm ok with Craftsman from sears. I'll check out MAC & MATCO. Where can I find these two brands? I'm thinking about selling my whole garage tools and rebuying a $300-400 Craftsman "pro" set from sears along with a SnapOn set from Snapon.com or local distributor. My current tools are around 10yrs old & had mixed variety of tools from walmart brands to craftsman. Had enough with cheapy tools.
