The top 5 in alphabetical: Astro 1/2: amzn.to/4ekvE5j Astro 3/8: amzn.to/47Rwu73 Gearwrench: amzn.to/4eJizCZ Matco: tinyurl.com/mm8snvm Snap-On: shop.snapon.com/categories/796480 The 1/2" Snap-on tested here is their older collared type, the 3/8" we bought new and is their newer welded pinned type. Both did super well. IMPORTANT TO NOTE: the creator of this channel is working in product development for Astro tools, who make some of the pinless examples shown here. We try to remove bias where possible but its simply not possible to completely eliminate so we recommend reading comments below from people who own various brands and looking at multiple different sources for reviews!
Tekton is about to release their 3/8 universal impact sockets (6-24mm, no skips, $210) as well as 1/4 deep and shallow impact sets (4-17!, no skips). Sure would like to see those tested. Keep up the excellent work!
I have both sets of 3/8 and 1/2 metric Astro swivel impact sockets, love em! I get tons of use out of them. I tried HF Pittsburgh ones before that, those were trash.
Yep I have the 3/8 and 1/2 Astro sets and have beat the hell out of them in the shop for several years now! You definitely keep up with this channel CP, good to see ya!
@Patrick94GSR Dang that's kinda odd.. sounds exactly like me! Lol I bought the HF ones first too and then upgraded to the AP and love them for the price.
their low profile nano impact sockets are also sooo amazing. very nano, and when you don't have space to attack a ratchet or whatever you can use them with a 17mm ratcheting wrench which adds 0 size to their heigh
I've had that Gearwrench 3/8" for 6 years now, they're tanks. Always beating on them with the M12 3/8 stubby, many don't like to return to center without a smack on the concrete but they've saved me on so many jobs 💪
JR, I feel like I see you as much or more online now as I ever did in person at the big blue staple man... We must have REALLY similar minds, at least according to big Tech's backing algorithms lolololol And to cap it off - Ive had a pair of gearwrench 3/8" for probably 7.5 years, and while I busted one, it was at near full extension at the time, and happened only AFTER I'd already busted two other brands on the same nut 🤣
I used 24mm swivel sockets in an industrial setting as an assembly worker. I broke snap on daily, one day I broke 4 in a single shift usually the pin would break. We broke so many that snap on couldn't send them to us fast enough so they started buying sunex also and they were about the same story usually the pin would break and sometimes the sleeve that holds the pin would break and not hold the pin in anymore, would also sometimes quit bending due to wear. We tried pinless gear wrench before they got banned from the shop (due to their impact sockets shattering when they break) and they would always get so stiff that they were unusable, slowly getting worse and worse until you gave up and got a new one. We then started using proto and still use proto and the breaking problems almost disappeared, only breaking like one every week or two
I’ve noticed that the Icon swivels have been on the clearance shelves at my local Harbor Freights for a while now. Might want to check back with them in a few months, for an update. I figured they were defective when I saw them on the shelf. For those penny pinchers though, you might get lucky if you buy them at rock bottom, then swap them out for the updated design later. Might be a risky gamble though, newer isn’t always better.
Yeah I got a bunch of ocon impact sockets over the summer on either 25 or 30% off or clearance. I'm a DIY are so for the dirt cheap price it's worth the risk I don't use in that much
As a tech, wobbly impacts were my most used sockets. I used Snap-on for the most part, but I also have some gearwrench in the mix. I never knew about the wind-up on the x-core! Interesting for sure.
I have a 3/8 pinless matco 3/8 swivel adapter I bought when my snap on broke and my dealer was awol. 15 years. Never missed a beat. It was the first pinless I ever saw and does not bind like a chrome swivel and has almost the same articulation. Still feels great.
My dad has a set of Matco he purchased in the early 80's. As far as I know none of the set has broken however several have walked off due to my older brother and his loser friends. Bad enough he charges dad for helping him and then to steal from him, as you can imagine we don't get along.
@@Parents_of_Twins dang if I charged my dad for my help, I'd be able to afford a whole truck of Snappy tools lol. Flashlight-holder position is worth $250/hr min, if you don't get yelled at once.
from owning my snapon sets for over 20 years now i can say without a doubt that they are great. crazy what their price has gotten to, i bought mine through the student discount that they offered while i was in tech school, i think it was about 50% off at the time, so well worth it for some heirloom quaility tools.
Yeah I try to buy used if I can when it comes to Snap-On as I can't justify spending that kind of money for something that is doesn't make me money. Got to have tools for hobby but it is a hobby so I get by with cheaper as often as I can but do try to buy American if I can afford it.
I've had a set of 3/8 drive metric swivels from Snap-On for more than 30 years now. I believe I paid somewhere around $300 back then. Fantastic product.
I've had their Metric 1/2" drive swivels for about 27yrs, as a suspension tech i only had to have the 24mm warrantied for a broken pin after tremendous use, i also have the 1 1/16"-1 5/16" swivels
I own a set of USA made Armstrong 1/2" universals, the same as the legendary old Matcos, before the Apex slaughter. They are hands-down the best I've ever used, and I've tried everything from Pittsburgh to Sunex to Husky to Gearwrench to newer Matco to Snap-On. If one ever breaks I will be heartbroken, but so far so good.
I have an old set of Napa 1/2 drive wobble impact and I love them because the 1 time one broke in 20 years they delivered me a new one less than 2 hours later.
You would be out right at two grand to get both sets of Snap-On. A guy using Snap-On tools exclusively, could pay his tools off; and a couple of weeks later retire at 65.
I remember buying the snap on sockets back 30 some odd years ago. The only thing I manage to break on them is the drive pin. And they manage to hold the socket flex angle to this day which helps incredibly in starting those bolts and nuts we all hate
These videos are so helpful for new Techs and where to and how to spend their money, you are doing God’s work with these videos! Thank you so much for supplying empirical data to the discussion. Love you guys! P.S. the videos also back up my tools selection and advice! Keep it up TTC
For everyone out there. Especially 3/8 as Torque Test Channel mentioned will get locked up. I have started using super lube oil or air tool oil and let them soak with a few drops for a day or two and wipe excess. Some of my capri that I’ve warranted out has not locked on me. But gearwrench makes the best affordable swivels in my opinion. Just lube them up and most swivels will last longer and rotate smoother!
I suspect the snap on secret sauce is just tighter tolerances. The tiniest slop in the joint is going to allow it to hammer itself over time. Thats probably also why it tranfers power so much more efficiently as well. It's going to be way easier to manufacture a simple sliding pin to that tolerance than any kind of spherical connection. The extra bearing surface you gain from the fancier joint is probably negated by the additional slop introduced into the system, unless you switch to some super unobtainium alloy with a nuclear heat treat.
It also explains the price, holding tighter tolerances just flat out cost more money. It doesn't matter what you are making either, tighter tolerances cost more.
I've had great experiences with Sunex, deep and shallow of all 3 sizes along with the universal sockets in 1/4 and 3/8, plus all the accessories. Survived a year in a truckshop with a combo of air, the DeWalt 1/2" impact that used to be the top gun, and snappy 14.4 tools, and now several years in my home shop with no failures except for the few times a hammer was involved.
I've had my 10-19 set of Snap-on 3/8 swivel sockets since way back when they were $35/socket and they definitely deserve the 10/10 for durability. I've never had a pin break or a bur form to lock one up, and I've only had a handful replaced under warranty because the socket end got worn enough to jump off and round fasteners, and that's all while constantly using them with an MG725 and a reducer because I needed the extra power transfer. Definitely gonna go for a set of the Nano pinless 1/2" drive ones now though, since I've somehow managed to go nearly 20 years in the industry without owning 1/2" swivels.
Ive been using sunex for almost 20 years, 3/8 ,1/2 universals, i bought a second set after i got a brand new matco impact and it busted some of my well worn sockets, still their warranty was easy.
I have the 3/8ths GP universals and they have gotten used everyday for the past 4years and are great not one has broken on me yeah they don't get the super high torque but they get you close enough to torque whatever you need to get the torque wrench on. But at the same time if I have the space ill use the solid impact sockets. Just depends on what your working on
I use mine on a 1/2" air gun with their adapter and they have lasted 8 years of occasional use. Can't beat it when I picked up all my gp stuff for cash cheap at farm machinery shows
I've been beating on my 3/8 Astro for about 3 years now and haven't broken a single one. One thing to note on pinless is the lack of a collar on the socket helps you get in more places. Something to think about if you're looking to buy a set.
@@andrewscott8892 For the price i'd hope they aren't the same otherwise why such a price difference. They do appear to use the same sort of 6 lobe hex ball, but are a bit different. Can likely get more degree of angle out of their design too.
Snap On likely passed on old timer lessons to next generation. Years of experience can’t be duplicated. Knowing how hot a metal needs to be, temperature to be kept at, exact quenching temperature, time, etc. all affect performance.
I’d love to see some Cornwell universals, or just some more Cornwell testing in general! I know they’re not as common in parts of the country, but I’m from Ohio where they’re based and we love them
I am an instructor for an aviation maintenance school. A colleague of mine and i got into a discussion after some students ground advanced composites on a grinding wheel, supposedly ruining it. Would love to see some testing on safety with different grinding wheels and different materials. Similar to your torquing wrong, which i have used several times in class already
Buy the Astro and as they break, replace them with the snap-on one by one. Best way to do it, you’ll end up only buying the 2-3 sockets you use the most
Tried the Capri and ditched them right away because the shoulder is way too wide. Then tried GW pinless and after several uses started locking up. Finally spent the big bucks and got Cornwell USA made and 0 issues for years now
I hav the snap on in both 3/8 and 1/2 used professionally for many years without a problem. My coworker had a set of Matco 1/2 drive but for some reason the 18mm broke often for him
Hardness is just one measure, depending on the alloy of steel, if it's just a carbon steel at 51 rc hardness it's (the icon sockets) probably brittle. density, ductility, tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, the five physical properties.
@@jonanderson5137 I'd say it "sucks" more than that it's "stupid"... As I get where you're coming from since it better informs us, yet I can totally understand why they don't, as well. Sure, you still would need to figure out the _ratio_ of metals in the alloy, but it's still giving competitors a very specific starting point by telling them your secret sausage ingredients, even if you don't give the ratios.
@DUKE_of_RAMBLE I'd like to see them cut the sockets in half, polish them up, and etch for grain structure. I bet the forging process has a significant part in the overall durabilty.
@DUKE_of_RAMBLE for about 20 k you can buy a handheld spectrometer. For far less than that you can send a sample in and determine the exact composition of the alloy
I have these in SK, Gray Pneumatic, Icon, GearWrench and Sunex. SK and GP are by far the most durable I've used. Icon & Sunex come in next. GearWrench (pinned, 1/2") dead last, my main beef with them is the metal ring around the drive end of the socket... it is aluminum and it gets ripped apart if the socket rubs on anything. Total trash. I love the SK's & GP's.
@@rudydaberry122 who cares if they're floppy and light, that's not scientific proof that they suck. In actual every day use they have held up extremely well with very little wear over several years... do you even use tools bro?
I think SK used to be the best value for universal impact sockets. They had a pinned design that was strong, and had the nice triple laser etching.... too bad the new SK stuff is just Chinese junk. Looks like the same socket as the GW pinned or Capri tools universal's
All my impact swivel sockets are from Snap-on, from 1/4 to 1/2 drive. I've been using them for 10+ years now and have had no issues. Mine don't have that collar around the pin, though. Must be a different design. I've used Mac, Cornwell, and Gearwrench as well. Those just don't seem to move as freely or grab the fastener as well as the SO. I've also had 2 different Matco pinless 1/2 swivels blow out the shoulders while using them, sending shrapnel all over. Will never buy theirs again. Great video as always.
I would really like to see TTC test more tekton. I use A LOT of tekton and I am not gentle on anything I use and have only broken ONE 3/8 drive 15mm standard socket. They replaced it no problem. I have the 1/2 universal impact swivel and it has taken some serious abuse. Also do yourself a favor and buy the flare nut line crows foot wrenches for brake line fittings they are LIFE CHANGING. I also love that they are trying their best to change as much manufacturing to the USA as they can.
I love my Astro tools. They are just the best bang for your buck. I bought all of the air tools I have because of this channel. The Thor g2 is the most powerful 1/2 impact in my shop but my favorite tool is my 3/8 nano because it just fits in more places than any other nano impact. I also have their die grinder and cut off wheel and they are just champs. I would love to have a big nasty but because of this channel, I got the long barrel ingersoll and absolutely love it.
My Grey pneumatic 3/8" have lasted on a 1/2" air gun with their adapter. Use the 3/8 socket to 1/2" adapter all the time and it's never failed too. Picked up all kinds of gp stuff at farm machinery shows for cheap cash
I've seen the Gearwrench sets drop to stupidly cheap on Amazon before. I picked up their 1/2" 15 piece metric set for $80 CAD last year. So always keep eyes out for deals!
Thank you for this test, I was so close on getting the icon set, but now I’m going to have to get either sunex or Williams there my favorite sockets sets besides snap on.
Ahhh man I bought 90% of icon hand tools as that’s what I started off with in the automotive industry 2 years in haven’t broken a tool yet hopefully I can upgrade to snap on if I ever do start to have consistent issues with them breaking a lot I’ll upgrade them unfortunately I can’t afford Tool truck quality tools even with payments I have bills to pay and I don’t make enough specially for someone who’s just starting out
Think honestly that’s the best plan you could do now a days, start off with store bought tools and replace the broken with more quality tool truck brands, some specialty tools like scanners should be bought on the truck but I couldn’t justify spending 1000 on a 10 piece impact set starting out, at least that’s my plan once I’m finished with the military
I agree i wanna see more cornwell and mac tools stuff. I’ve got some cornwell usa made swivels that i use almost daily for about a year now and they are not floppy and haven’t had to warranty any of them out yet
Wow! I bought a set of Astro and am very pleased with performance/price. Bought them on the recommendation of SMA, Eric O. from You Tube. Thanks Eric O. and Torque Test Channel!
My experience is biased here, but I've had the opportunity to use shop supplied tools throughout the past decade or so of my career, and the Snap-On wobblies have been extremely reliable. They are, however, _very_ expensive, and so when I purchased my own set, I went with Cornwell, which I have less experience with, but I have been generally impressed with in terms of quality. Being on sale for more than half off (at around $350), I couldn't pass them up and have had a mostly great experience with them over the past year. I had one socket bind up on me a bit after applying a pretty extreme amount of torque at a steep angle, and I had that that socket warrantied no questions asked. Would definitely recommend these, but I still think this is one area where Snap-On can't be beat when it comes to overall performance and durability.
Snap on are amazing for every day use. They hold up better than any other and take the abuse. 1 reason why I bought snap on 3/8 and 1/2 universal sockets is because I hate the collars on the other brands. When you have to use a universal you’re most of the time in a tight space, so that collar is limiting visibility on the socket end or not letting you have the room you need.
I've had a set of SK Tools 'swivel' impact sockets for well over a decade now. They're around the middle of the road price-wise ($25/pc in the set, $35ish for singles). Haven't broke one. I used them while running a very active road racing team, and a buddy who runs a commercial auto shop has 'borrowed' them for the past few years. Would love to see how they hold up!
Each "brand". 90% of the brands are all made by a handful of plants in Taiwan. The gearwrench X core ones are junk, the cross wears out in short order. The old USA Armstrong/Matco versions hold up A LOT (capitalized for the smooth brain below who has to prove he's better than everyone else) better. Snap on swivels are crazy expensive, but they do hold up
After years of using pin less design. I won’t never use them again. When they go. They go. Pin is soo much better for longevity. Then one day with all my mixed brands swivels. My snap on dealer turn up for a set for 238. Trade old in for new and snap on for longevity all day. Worth it. Also the non collet that had the pin welded is much stronger
Would have been interesting to see the weight of each socket. A heavier socket can more effectively transfer the impact energy into torque. May have seen that the sockets with higher percentages compared to the standard socket were heavier than the ones that performed poorly. At least it would give us a reference if the efficiency loss was purely based on design or if there were other factors at play.
This is a little off subject, but seeing you use those Gray Pneumatic made me remembered , a lot of people have told me they make great 1/4 inch hex socket adapters . And I knew you guys go through alot of them
I had bought some Gearwrench pinned universal joint deep sockets. My gen 2 Milwaukee 3/8 mid torque chewed them up in one use. Ended up spending the money and buying SnapOn.
Heat Treatment is probably what Snappy has dialed in. Chromo should be around 48 RC for durability and toughness. Getting above that it tends to end up brittle. Austemptering would be probably the best kind of heat treat but it's also expensive due to the time involved.
Talk about timing. I was looking at buying a set of impact swivel sockets a few days ago and i couldn't choose between grey / Astro / Capri. I put the grey & Astro in my Amazon basket but couldn't decide between them, now i know Astro it is 👍 Thanks
Have the Astro units in 1/2 & 3/8 drive, both in SAE & Metric and have nothing both good things to note about them. Use them to make $ and yeah, Snap-On is Snap-On but we haven't seen the value in spending capital on their universal impact swivel sockets. Thats for affirming that we've made a wise choice.
So far I've never been left down by Astro tools. I suppose that for the price I may be some day but even if I have to pay for them out of warranty it's not bad. I love my nano sockets (non swivel) to get me in places I never could before.
I really like the matco pinless, but my matco rep disappeared a couple years ago. So now I just use the snap on. They're very good still, I like them. The icon is worth having as well imo. Edit: I've had to replace several matco for X drive wear. I've had to replace a couple of the snappy, but because I wear out the hex from extremely frequent use.
I use the Grey Pneumatics mostly and they do exactly as this test shows, strong but really suck up the impact anvil due to excessive clearances. They last, but I find a breaker bar to loosen than impact to spin the bolt out works best for stubborn fasteners. Might try those Astro's but they don't come in on the GearWrench truck. ;) As usuall, the Snap Ons are great, but it's the brand that's become like a woman's Louis Vuitton bag nowadays.
It’s worth noting that the snapon swivel you’re testing is the old design. Snapon has newer design that doesn’t use a collar to retain the pin. Supposedly it’s stronger.
Haven’t watched the video yet but I work at the Cadillac dealer and I use the icon set , the 21mm a lot (caliper brackets) and they’re loctited in pretty good and they’ve held up well. I just recently broke it and replaced it last week very easy at the store (no hassle). Surprised to see it break where it did and not at the pin like they usually would.
Very cool. I actually have that Sunnex kit. Bought it a few years ago but I suspect that with the amount I use it that the durability hasn't really been challenged.
I’ve had that Snap-On 1/2 inch set for years….I only paid $800 for it. Seeing at over a grand $ is a shock because it wasn’t on sale when I bought them.
NEIKO brand sockets and tools are said to be a tekton tool rebranded. They also make a great work light led/uv. Priced well and just wanted to throw another brand at you guys. If you are able to test this brand I think alot of viewers would be appreciative. Thank you
The high durability could come from surface treatments like carburizing, nitriding, etc. this makes a thin section of harder material at the surface but it is still a little bit softer/tougher deeper into the material.
i've heard only good things about the matco, but i've seen 15 year old snap on swivels still giving the beans. they stand the test of time, they are the best on the market, they know it and charge accordingly. personally i just have a universal socket and swap w.e socket i need as i go. im not spending 1000 dollars on a single set of sockets. i have cheap taiwan made swivel impacts. when they all break i will make a decision.
Snap on prices hurt but I've had one of their 1/2 impact uni's (adaptor, not a socket like these) for maybe 15 years, still going strong, used fairly regularly, never warrantied, never gentle with it
Great video, as always. Would love to see Ko-ken added to your testing roster. Unfortunately, for universal impacts anyway, they don't offer sets, just individuals and they're around $50-55 per.
I've used Mac Expert wobbles for like the last 7 years, I've yet to break one on electrics or air. My usual number one recommendations to new techs No idea on torque transfer. But they don't break so that's good
A testament to Snap On durability, I find the socket wearing out before the pin breaks. I've had to warranty quite a few due to this. I'm not a fan of that wear... But I would love to see a hand ratchet comparison. Snap On vs Mac vs Matco vs Cornwell vs Koken vs Icon
The top 5 in alphabetical: Astro 1/2: amzn.to/4ekvE5j Astro 3/8: amzn.to/47Rwu73 Gearwrench: amzn.to/4eJizCZ Matco: tinyurl.com/mm8snvm Snap-On: shop.snapon.com/categories/796480
The 1/2" Snap-on tested here is their older collared type, the 3/8" we bought new and is their newer welded pinned type. Both did super well.
IMPORTANT TO NOTE: the creator of this channel is working in product development for Astro tools, who make some of the pinless examples shown here. We try to remove bias where possible but its simply not possible to completely eliminate so we recommend reading comments below from people who own various brands and looking at multiple different sources for reviews!
Will you be doing ratchet test on the new spanner testing machine have you seen vims 1/2 video takes 1000ftlb on a flex head ratchet to
Tekton is about to release their 3/8 universal impact sockets (6-24mm, no skips, $210) as well as 1/4 deep and shallow impact sets (4-17!, no skips). Sure would like to see those tested. Keep up the excellent work!
Awesome - I'm a bit Tekton and Astro fan, looking forward to seeing those tested at some point.
I am a big tekton fan but in my experience (ironworker) tekton universals always break within a few bolts.
I didn’t know that!
I'm a tekton fan, great to hear they're finally making some.
17mm in a 1/4 drive is really a first. I know s.o has a 16 in a chrome but thats it.. interesting to say the least
I think we all can agree that Astro was the real winner today. Best bang for your buck, and that impact sounds so awesome, just a gem!!
I have both sets of 3/8 and 1/2 metric Astro swivel impact sockets, love em! I get tons of use out of them. I tried HF Pittsburgh ones before that, those were trash.
Yep I have the 3/8 and 1/2 Astro sets and have beat the hell out of them in the shop for several years now! You definitely keep up with this channel CP, good to see ya!
@Patrick94GSR Dang that's kinda odd.. sounds exactly like me! Lol I bought the HF ones first too and then upgraded to the AP and love them for the price.
He said Gearwrench is the best value. No skips also
their low profile nano impact sockets are also sooo amazing. very nano, and when you don't have space to attack a ratchet or whatever you can use them with a 17mm ratcheting wrench which adds 0 size to their heigh
I've had that Gearwrench 3/8" for 6 years now, they're tanks. Always beating on them with the M12 3/8 stubby, many don't like to return to center without a smack on the concrete but they've saved me on so many jobs 💪
JR, I feel like I see you as much or more online now as I ever did in person at the big blue staple man... We must have REALLY similar minds, at least according to big Tech's backing algorithms lolololol
And to cap it off - Ive had a pair of gearwrench 3/8" for probably 7.5 years, and while I busted one, it was at near full extension at the time, and happened only AFTER I'd already busted two other brands on the same nut 🤣
The gearwrench pinned are awesome
I have the 3/8s gear wrench. Been using it for 2 years, after my duralast pair went. Gear wrench 3/8s swivel are much better then anything I've used.
you are lying likenw mother fucker. I've had them for less than 4 months and had to replace 4 different sizes.
The snap on semi-deep swivel impacts are a cheat code for bell housing bolts.
At $77/ea I'll just stick to my cut down crome socket & double swivel lol, benefit of being a home-wrencher.
Snap on?!?!?!?! I think the main reason behind these videos is to not buy those super expensive brands. 🤦🤦🤦
GM with their double ended bellhousing stud setup oh boys
I used 24mm swivel sockets in an industrial setting as an assembly worker. I broke snap on daily, one day I broke 4 in a single shift usually the pin would break. We broke so many that snap on couldn't send them to us fast enough so they started buying sunex also and they were about the same story usually the pin would break and sometimes the sleeve that holds the pin would break and not hold the pin in anymore, would also sometimes quit bending due to wear. We tried pinless gear wrench before they got banned from the shop (due to their impact sockets shattering when they break) and they would always get so stiff that they were unusable, slowly getting worse and worse until you gave up and got a new one. We then started using proto and still use proto and the breaking problems almost disappeared, only breaking like one every week or two
I’ve noticed that the Icon swivels have been on the clearance shelves at my local Harbor Freights for a while now. Might want to check back with them in a few months, for an update. I figured they were defective when I saw them on the shelf. For those penny pinchers though, you might get lucky if you buy them at rock bottom, then swap them out for the updated design later. Might be a risky gamble though, newer isn’t always better.
I got a set 65% off brother!
A lot of Icon stuff they've put on clearance hasn't been replaced with a different version, though.
Yeah, I noticed especially the SAE sets are very cheap right now on clearance.
Yeah I got a bunch of ocon impact sockets over the summer on either 25 or 30% off or clearance. I'm a DIY are so for the dirt cheap price it's worth the risk I don't use in that much
Torque transfer sucks but lifetime warranty so socket failure is just a small hassle bsck to the store
As a tech, wobbly impacts were my most used sockets. I used Snap-on for the most part, but I also have some gearwrench in the mix. I never knew about the wind-up on the x-core! Interesting for sure.
I have a 3/8 pinless matco 3/8 swivel adapter I bought when my snap on broke and my dealer was awol. 15 years. Never missed a beat. It was the first pinless I ever saw and does not bind like a chrome swivel and has almost the same articulation. Still feels great.
My dad has a Cornwell set that is older than me. I’m 26. I grew up with them and they are still used today
My dad has a set of Matco he purchased in the early 80's. As far as I know none of the set has broken however several have walked off due to my older brother and his loser friends. Bad enough he charges dad for helping him and then to steal from him, as you can imagine we don't get along.
@@Parents_of_Twins dang if I charged my dad for my help, I'd be able to afford a whole truck of Snappy tools lol. Flashlight-holder position is worth $250/hr min, if you don't get yelled at once.
@@hydrocarbon82don’t forget all those gopher runs you have to start charging for mileage as well 😅
Need to see the Proto and the Mac Swivels tested! Or at least one or the other.
Appreciated many of your older videos that included Proto!
I have the Mac swivels and they feel like Snap On
Lunch time and Torque Test Channel, perfect Friday.
Same
from owning my snapon sets for over 20 years now i can say without a doubt that they are great. crazy what their price has gotten to, i bought mine through the student discount that they offered while i was in tech school, i think it was about 50% off at the time, so well worth it for some heirloom quaility tools.
Yeah I try to buy used if I can when it comes to Snap-On as I can't justify spending that kind of money for something that is doesn't make me money. Got to have tools for hobby but it is a hobby so I get by with cheaper as often as I can but do try to buy American if I can afford it.
Don’t mind paying for my snapon wear them out and exchange them multiple times .and there is something about paying a premium for American company
Currently in a votech till june unless i go to a trade college. Definitely plan on buying the snap on full set of 1/2 inch and maybe 3/8
I've had a set of 3/8 drive metric swivels from Snap-On for more than 30 years now. I believe I paid somewhere around $300 back then. Fantastic product.
I've had their Metric 1/2" drive swivels for about 27yrs, as a suspension tech i only had to have the 24mm warrantied for a broken pin after tremendous use, i also have the 1 1/16"-1 5/16" swivels
I own a set of USA made Armstrong 1/2" universals, the same as the legendary old Matcos, before the Apex slaughter. They are hands-down the best I've ever used, and I've tried everything from Pittsburgh to Sunex to Husky to Gearwrench to newer Matco to Snap-On. If one ever breaks I will be heartbroken, but so far so good.
Love both my Armstrong sets
Apex has USA made swivel impact sockets...every bit as good as snap on..
@djsi38t Yeah, they call them "universal wrenches" but only their IronBand brand are impact rated. And they cost about the same as Snap-On.
This info is always appreciated. It shows an absolute best, and a best value, allowing the viewers to determine what their own needs are.
I have an old set of Napa 1/2 drive wobble impact and I love them because the 1 time one broke in 20 years they delivered me a new one less than 2 hours later.
We beat the snot out of proto 3/8 and 1/2 swivel sockets they seem to hold up extremely well
You would be out right at two grand to get both sets of Snap-On. A guy using Snap-On tools exclusively, could pay his tools off; and a couple of weeks later retire at 65.
I remember buying the snap on sockets back 30 some odd years ago. The only thing I manage to break on them is the drive pin. And they manage to hold the socket flex angle to this day which helps incredibly in starting those bolts and nuts we all hate
These videos are so helpful for new Techs and where to and how to spend their money, you are doing God’s work with these videos! Thank you so much for supplying empirical data to the discussion. Love you guys!
P.S. the videos also back up my tools selection and advice!
Keep it up TTC
For everyone out there. Especially 3/8 as Torque Test Channel mentioned will get locked up. I have started using super lube oil or air tool oil and let them soak with a few drops for a day or two and wipe excess. Some of my capri that I’ve warranted out has not locked on me. But gearwrench makes the best affordable swivels in my opinion. Just lube them up and most swivels will last longer and rotate smoother!
I suspect the snap on secret sauce is just tighter tolerances. The tiniest slop in the joint is going to allow it to hammer itself over time. Thats probably also why it tranfers power so much more efficiently as well. It's going to be way easier to manufacture a simple sliding pin to that tolerance than any kind of spherical connection. The extra bearing surface you gain from the fancier joint is probably negated by the additional slop introduced into the system, unless you switch to some super unobtainium alloy with a nuclear heat treat.
It also explains the price, holding tighter tolerances just flat out cost more money. It doesn't matter what you are making either, tighter tolerances cost more.
I've had great experiences with Sunex, deep and shallow of all 3 sizes along with the universal sockets in 1/4 and 3/8, plus all the accessories. Survived a year in a truckshop with a combo of air, the DeWalt 1/2" impact that used to be the top gun, and snappy 14.4 tools, and now several years in my home shop with no failures except for the few times a hammer was involved.
This is such an awesome channel, informs people, so they don't waste their money, and makes manufacturers actually improve their product!
Yes it is helpful but keep in mind it is just one example from a brand being tested.A true test would be at least 10 examples from each brand..
That 3/8 airgun has such a pleasant sound
I’ve blown up almost every brand of swivel. The Matco USA made ones I’ve had the best luck with. Can get a few months out of my 18mm which I use daily
Wright tools makes swivel sockets in 3/8 for $480 I believe and it looks like it’s USA made to
I've had my 10-19 set of Snap-on 3/8 swivel sockets since way back when they were $35/socket and they definitely deserve the 10/10 for durability. I've never had a pin break or a bur form to lock one up, and I've only had a handful replaced under warranty because the socket end got worn enough to jump off and round fasteners, and that's all while constantly using them with an MG725 and a reducer because I needed the extra power transfer.
Definitely gonna go for a set of the Nano pinless 1/2" drive ones now though, since I've somehow managed to go nearly 20 years in the industry without owning 1/2" swivels.
Ive been using sunex for almost 20 years, 3/8 ,1/2 universals, i bought a second set after i got a brand new matco impact and it busted some of my well worn sockets, still their warranty was easy.
I have the 3/8ths GP universals and they have gotten used everyday for the past 4years and are great not one has broken on me yeah they don't get the super high torque but they get you close enough to torque whatever you need to get the torque wrench on. But at the same time if I have the space ill use the solid impact sockets. Just depends on what your working on
I use mine on a 1/2" air gun with their adapter and they have lasted 8 years of occasional use. Can't beat it when I picked up all my gp stuff for cash cheap at farm machinery shows
I've been beating on my 3/8 Astro for about 3 years now and haven't broken a single one. One thing to note on pinless is the lack of a collar on the socket helps you get in more places. Something to think about if you're looking to buy a set.
Test the tekton ones when they come back out
They are the same as the Astros
@@andrewscott8892 For the price i'd hope they aren't the same otherwise why such a price difference. They do appear to use the same sort of 6 lobe hex ball, but are a bit different. Can likely get more degree of angle out of their design too.
It's looking like for the price, the astro are the way to go.?
@@Leeroy2586 Hard to say until they come out
@@TorqueTestChannel ya i shouldn't say exactly the same, I should say they must likely come from the same OEM with likely different specs
Snap On likely passed on old timer lessons to next generation. Years of experience can’t be duplicated. Knowing how hot a metal needs to be, temperature to be kept at, exact quenching temperature, time, etc. all affect performance.
Snap on don't make their own stuff tho
@antimattercarp2720 ratchets, sockets, wrenches, pliers they definitely do.
@@miket6978 Nope, SnapOn resells knipex pliers.
@@antimattercarp2720 80% of it they do
@antimattercarp2720 you got some bad info. The hard core line certainly is.
I’d love to see some Cornwell universals, or just some more Cornwell testing in general! I know they’re not as common in parts of the country, but I’m from Ohio where they’re based and we love them
Really enjoy your test episodes, especially rigid standardization for methods. Very insightful.
I am an instructor for an aviation maintenance school. A colleague of mine and i got into a discussion after some students ground advanced composites on a grinding wheel, supposedly ruining it.
Would love to see some testing on safety with different grinding wheels and different materials.
Similar to your torquing wrong, which i have used several times in class already
Holy smokes! $1000 set of sockets? Guess I would just buy the 10,13,15,17 &19. Maybe one a month....😂
That’ll be $895 sir. 😂
@@andrewnajarian5994
Right!🤣
Buy the Astro and as they break, replace them with the snap-on one by one. Best way to do it, you’ll end up only buying the 2-3 sockets you use the most
@@ILYxIW
Yep! You'll automatically upgrade the ones you use the most!
Astro holds up the longest in my experience with 3/8 drive universal. Editing to say gearwrench x drive 3/8 damn near broke instantly for me
Tried the Capri and ditched them right away because the shoulder is way too wide. Then tried GW pinless and after several uses started locking up. Finally spent the big bucks and got Cornwell USA made and 0 issues for years now
Supposably capri is in the middle of redoing the swivel sockets. It will be interesting
I hav the snap on in both 3/8 and 1/2 used professionally for many years without a problem. My coworker had a set of Matco 1/2 drive but for some reason the 18mm broke often for him
Hardness is just one measure, depending on the alloy of steel, if it's just a carbon steel at 51 rc hardness it's (the icon sockets) probably brittle. density, ductility, tensile strength, hardness, and corrosion resistance, the five physical properties.
A collab with a metallurgist might be merited.
Yep, can't have mystery steel. It's stupid that manufacturers aren't required to tell you the composition.
@@jonanderson5137 I'd say it "sucks" more than that it's "stupid"... As I get where you're coming from since it better informs us, yet I can totally understand why they don't, as well. Sure, you still would need to figure out the _ratio_ of metals in the alloy, but it's still giving competitors a very specific starting point by telling them your secret sausage ingredients, even if you don't give the ratios.
@DUKE_of_RAMBLE I'd like to see them cut the sockets in half, polish them up, and etch for grain structure. I bet the forging process has a significant part in the overall durabilty.
@DUKE_of_RAMBLE for about 20 k you can buy a handheld spectrometer. For far less than that you can send a sample in and determine the exact composition of the alloy
I have these in SK, Gray Pneumatic, Icon, GearWrench and Sunex. SK and GP are by far the most durable I've used. Icon & Sunex come in next. GearWrench (pinned, 1/2") dead last, my main beef with them is the metal ring around the drive end of the socket... it is aluminum and it gets ripped apart if the socket rubs on anything. Total trash. I love the SK's & GP's.
Old USA Sk. Sk is now a cheap Chinese tool company. Sk sold out. Sad.
The GP ones are terrible. They feel super floppy and light compared to my other universals
@@rudydaberry122 who cares if they're floppy and light, that's not scientific proof that they suck. In actual every day use they have held up extremely well with very little wear over several years... do you even use tools bro?
@@emiliog.4432 Yes, I should have specified old SK. Very sad indeed, they made excellent tools.
I think SK used to be the best value for universal impact sockets. They had a pinned design that was strong, and had the nice triple laser etching.... too bad the new SK stuff is just Chinese junk. Looks like the same socket as the GW pinned or Capri tools universal's
All my impact swivel sockets are from Snap-on, from 1/4 to 1/2 drive. I've been using them for 10+ years now and have had no issues. Mine don't have that collar around the pin, though. Must be a different design. I've used Mac, Cornwell, and Gearwrench as well. Those just don't seem to move as freely or grab the fastener as well as the SO. I've also had 2 different Matco pinless 1/2 swivels blow out the shoulders while using them, sending shrapnel all over. Will never buy theirs again. Great video as always.
I would really like to see TTC test more tekton. I use A LOT of tekton and I am not gentle on anything I use and have only broken ONE 3/8 drive 15mm standard socket. They replaced it no problem. I have the 1/2 universal impact swivel and it has taken some serious abuse. Also do yourself a favor and buy the flare nut line crows foot wrenches for brake line fittings they are LIFE CHANGING. I also love that they are trying their best to change as much manufacturing to the USA as they can.
Friday has officially arrived
I love my Astro tools. They are just the best bang for your buck. I bought all of the air tools I have because of this channel. The Thor g2 is the most powerful 1/2 impact in my shop but my favorite tool is my 3/8 nano because it just fits in more places than any other nano impact. I also have their die grinder and cut off wheel and they are just champs. I would love to have a big nasty but because of this channel, I got the long barrel ingersoll and absolutely love it.
My Grey pneumatic 3/8" have lasted on a 1/2" air gun with their adapter. Use the 3/8 socket to 1/2" adapter all the time and it's never failed too. Picked up all kinds of gp stuff at farm machinery shows for cheap cash
I've seen the Gearwrench sets drop to stupidly cheap on Amazon before. I picked up their 1/2" 15 piece metric set for $80 CAD last year. So always keep eyes out for deals!
Thank you for this test, I was so close on getting the icon set, but now I’m going to have to get either sunex or Williams there my favorite sockets sets besides snap on.
I have both a half inch and 3/8 from Astro. I really like them my primary motivation for getting them was their compact size.
Ahhh man I bought 90% of icon hand tools as that’s what I started off with in the automotive industry 2 years in haven’t broken a tool yet hopefully I can upgrade to snap on if I ever do start to have consistent issues with them breaking a lot I’ll upgrade them unfortunately I can’t afford Tool truck quality tools even with payments I have bills to pay and I don’t make enough specially for someone who’s just starting out
Think honestly that’s the best plan you could do now a days, start off with store bought tools and replace the broken with more quality tool truck brands, some specialty tools like scanners should be bought on the truck but I couldn’t justify spending 1000 on a 10 piece impact set starting out, at least that’s my plan once I’m finished with the military
Great set of testing, as usual.
The wear results are really telling.
Thank you!
I'd really like to see your take on Mac and cornwell swivels next to my personal favorites and have been very durable.
Ever since our Mac dealer retired we never see the new guy, might just have to buy some off the ol website!
I agree i wanna see more cornwell and mac tools stuff. I’ve got some cornwell usa made swivels that i use almost daily for about a year now and they are not floppy and haven’t had to warranty any of them out yet
@@TorqueTestChannel or get the Proto ones they should be the same I believe
@@TorqueTestChannel Tekton just released swivel impact sockets. It would be nice to see how they stack up.
@@TorqueTestChannelwould like to see the old sk. Both 1/2 and 3/8 drive. I have the 1/2 and been a great swivel for me.
So very thankful for my snap on student discount rn 🙏🙏
Honestly tho still probably getting the Astros tho...
Wow! I bought a set of Astro and am very pleased with performance/price. Bought them on the recommendation of SMA, Eric O. from You Tube. Thanks Eric O. and Torque Test Channel!
My experience is biased here, but I've had the opportunity to use shop supplied tools throughout the past decade or so of my career, and the Snap-On wobblies have been extremely reliable. They are, however, _very_ expensive, and so when I purchased my own set, I went with Cornwell, which I have less experience with, but I have been generally impressed with in terms of quality. Being on sale for more than half off (at around $350), I couldn't pass them up and have had a mostly great experience with them over the past year. I had one socket bind up on me a bit after applying a pretty extreme amount of torque at a steep angle, and I had that that socket warrantied no questions asked. Would definitely recommend these, but I still think this is one area where Snap-On can't be beat when it comes to overall performance and durability.
If you’re wanting the best universal sockets you need to go for Cornwell USA made ones
Snap on are amazing for every day use. They hold up better than any other and take the abuse. 1 reason why I bought snap on 3/8 and 1/2 universal sockets is because I hate the collars on the other brands. When you have to use a universal you’re most of the time in a tight space, so that collar is limiting visibility on the socket end or not letting you have the room you need.
I've had a set of SK Tools 'swivel' impact sockets for well over a decade now. They're around the middle of the road price-wise ($25/pc in the set, $35ish for singles). Haven't broke one. I used them while running a very active road racing team, and a buddy who runs a commercial auto shop has 'borrowed' them for the past few years. Would love to see how they hold up!
I invested in Astro's a while back. Looks like I made a reasonable choice and so far, no issues with them.
Each "brand". 90% of the brands are all made by a handful of plants in Taiwan. The gearwrench X core ones are junk, the cross wears out in short order. The old USA Armstrong/Matco versions hold up A LOT (capitalized for the smooth brain below who has to prove he's better than everyone else) better. Snap on swivels are crazy expensive, but they do hold up
What does ALOT mean? I looked it up in the dictionary and no such word?
@@johnroberts4823 No one cares, touch grass
@@johnroberts4823 Use your brain.
@johnroberts4823 really? Ever heard of a typo? Good lord don't fall off your high horse. Most of us are mechanics, not literary scholars.
@@johnroberts4823 You must have a miserable life.
After years of using pin less design. I won’t never use them again. When they go. They go. Pin is soo much better for longevity. Then one day with all my mixed brands swivels. My snap on dealer turn up for a set for 238. Trade old in for new and snap on for longevity all day. Worth it. Also the non collet that had the pin welded is much stronger
Would have been interesting to see the weight of each socket. A heavier socket can more effectively transfer the impact energy into torque. May have seen that the sockets with higher percentages compared to the standard socket were heavier than the ones that performed poorly. At least it would give us a reference if the efficiency loss was purely based on design or if there were other factors at play.
I had been eyeballing the icons, thanks for the testing!
This is a little off subject, but seeing you use those Gray Pneumatic made me remembered , a lot of people have told me they make great 1/4 inch hex socket adapters . And I knew you guys go through alot of them
I had bought some Gearwrench pinned universal joint deep sockets. My gen 2 Milwaukee 3/8 mid torque chewed them up in one use. Ended up spending the money and buying SnapOn.
Yes this is the exact video I've been waiting for. Thank you TTTC 🙏
I'd be interested to see how the Proto universal sockets hold up, I've had good luck with them.
My swivel impact sockets are SK and Grey Pneumatic. They get daily use and hold up very well.
If you can get your hands on them, I'd love to see you test some Hazet stuff. Sockets, impact drivers, etc.
Heat Treatment is probably what Snappy has dialed in. Chromo should be around 48 RC for durability and toughness. Getting above that it tends to end up brittle. Austemptering would be probably the best kind of heat treat but it's also expensive due to the time involved.
You have to do the new TEKTON universal sockets when they come out some time this month!
Great Job!! I'm thinking part two needs to include Tekton, Olsa, Cornwell, MAC, Thanks again for doing this.
Talk about timing.
I was looking at buying a set of impact swivel sockets a few days ago and i couldn't choose between grey / Astro / Capri.
I put the grey & Astro in my Amazon basket but couldn't decide between them, now i know Astro it is 👍 Thanks
Have the Astro units in 1/2 & 3/8 drive, both in SAE & Metric and have nothing both good things to note about them. Use them to make $ and yeah, Snap-On is Snap-On but we haven't seen the value in spending capital on their universal impact swivel sockets. Thats for affirming that we've made a wise choice.
It's good to see that astro compact impact doing well. Was planning on purchasing one
as a young tech without much money these videos are great for my wallet
So far I've never been left down by Astro tools. I suppose that for the price I may be some day but even if I have to pay for them out of warranty it's not bad. I love my nano sockets (non swivel) to get me in places I never could before.
been using the astro nano 3/8" swivel impacts for about a year, no complaints
I really like the matco pinless, but my matco rep disappeared a couple years ago. So now I just use the snap on. They're very good still, I like them. The icon is worth having as well imo.
Edit: I've had to replace several matco for X drive wear. I've had to replace a couple of the snappy, but because I wear out the hex from extremely frequent use.
Another great video. I would like to see y’all test more Tekton stuff I think for the money they’re really good products too.
I own many of these brands, the Snap On being the best overall design and my favorite . I’d like to buy MAC next
I use the Grey Pneumatics mostly and they do exactly as this test shows, strong but really suck up the impact anvil due to excessive clearances. They last, but I find a breaker bar to loosen than impact to spin the bolt out works best for stubborn fasteners. Might try those Astro's but they don't come in on the GearWrench truck. ;)
As usuall, the Snap Ons are great, but it's the brand that's become like a woman's Louis Vuitton bag nowadays.
It’s worth noting that the snapon swivel you’re testing is the old design. Snapon has newer design that doesn’t use a collar to retain the pin. Supposedly it’s stronger.
I would've loved to see the usa made mac swivels on this test
Haven’t watched the video yet but I work at the Cadillac dealer and I use the icon set , the 21mm a lot (caliper brackets) and they’re loctited in pretty good and they’ve held up well. I just recently broke it and replaced it last week very easy at the store (no hassle). Surprised to see it break where it did and not at the pin like they usually would.
Very cool.
I actually have that Sunnex kit. Bought it a few years ago but I suspect that with the amount I use it that the durability hasn't really been challenged.
I’ve had that Snap-On 1/2 inch set for years….I only paid $800 for it. Seeing at over a grand $ is a shock because it wasn’t on sale when I bought them.
inflation isn't just some thing you hear about on TV.
Only.
NEIKO brand sockets and tools are said to be a tekton tool rebranded. They also make a great work light led/uv. Priced well and just wanted to throw another brand at you guys. If you are able to test this brand I think alot of viewers would be appreciative. Thank you
The high durability could come from surface treatments like carburizing, nitriding, etc. this makes a thin section of harder material at the surface but it is still a little bit softer/tougher deeper into the material.
Good content as always! I would love to CNC machine you guys some crazy inconel tools for you to test out
i've heard only good things about the matco, but i've seen 15 year old snap on swivels still giving the beans. they stand the test of time, they are the best on the market, they know it and charge accordingly. personally i just have a universal socket and swap w.e socket i need as i go. im not spending 1000 dollars on a single set of sockets. i have cheap taiwan made swivel impacts. when they all break i will make a decision.
Snap on prices hurt but I've had one of their 1/2 impact uni's (adaptor, not a socket like these) for maybe 15 years, still going strong, used fairly regularly, never warrantied, never gentle with it
I got super excited to see some powerbuilt on the dyno!
I love my S-K brand. Keep up the great work.
Great video, as always. Would love to see Ko-ken added to your testing roster. Unfortunately, for universal impacts anyway, they don't offer sets, just individuals and they're around $50-55 per.
I've used Mac Expert wobbles for like the last 7 years, I've yet to break one on electrics or air. My usual number one recommendations to new techs
No idea on torque transfer. But they don't break so that's good
A testament to Snap On durability, I find the socket wearing out before the pin breaks. I've had to warranty quite a few due to this. I'm not a fan of that wear...
But I would love to see a hand ratchet comparison. Snap On vs Mac vs Matco vs Cornwell vs Koken vs Icon
I just picked up the 1/2 icon set. I've used them on a few things, and they haven't blown up yet.